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You Are Stronger Than You Know: A Reflection on "Wind Beneath My Wings" Hey friends,As we reflect on our journey of healing and strength, I want to invite you to take a moment to think about the quiet support that has carried you through life. Maybe it’s a loved one, a friend, or even your faith—or maybe, it’s the hidden strength within yourself that you didn’t even realize was there. "Wind Beneath My Wings" is a beautiful reminder of that support, the gentle lift that keeps us going when we feel like we can’t stand on our own. Let’s walk through the song together, finding hope and comfort in its message. --- The Unseen Strength that Carries Us Faith-Based ReflectionFor those of you who have faith, this song can be a reminder that even when we feel weak, God is always there—lifting us up, guiding us, and helping us soar. When you hear, "Did you ever know that you’re my hero?" remember that God sees you as His precious creation, and He gives you the strength to keep moving forward, even when it feels impossible. Just like the wind beneath the wings of a bird, He is there, unseen but ever-present, giving you what you need to keep flying. In moments when you’ve felt like you couldn’t go on, God has been your strength, your quiet support, helping you rise above the pain and uncertainty. Isaiah 40:31 says, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." You, too, can soar, even when it feels like you’re at your weakest. You are not alone—your faith is the wind beneath your wings. --- For Those Who Aren’t Sure Where to Find StrengthYou don’t have to believe in God to understand that sometimes, life throws us challenges that feel too heavy to bear alone. Maybe you’ve found support in unexpected places—in a friend, a family member, or even within yourself. Maybe you’ve felt that quiet, unseen lift when you thought you couldn’t keep going, and somehow, you did. “Did you ever know that you’re my hero?” Think of someone who has been there for you, even in small ways. Or, if no one comes to mind, think about how you’ve been your own hero, even when it didn’t feel like it. Sometimes, we don’t recognize our own strength until we look back and see how far we’ve come. This song is a reminder that we all have something, or someone, helping us move forward—whether it’s love from others, hope for a better day, or resilience within ourselves. --- A Message of Hope: Finding the Wind Beneath Your Wings Whether you’re walking through life with faith or trying to find your own path, the message of "Wind Beneath My Wings" is that you are stronger than you think. Sometimes, we don’t even know what carries us through—maybe it’s a whisper of hope, a comforting presence, or a reminder that there’s still a purpose in our journey. Faith-Based Encouragement:If you believe in God, know that He is with you every step of the way. He is the wind beneath your wings, carrying you through the storms of life. Lean into that faith and remember that you don’t have to have it all figured out. God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness, and He will help you soar. For Those Without a Spiritual Connection:Even if you don’t believe in God, you are still being carried—by your own strength, by the support of others, or by the simple act of getting up each day and facing whatever comes next. You are capable of so much more than you realize, and the fact that you’re here today is proof that you have wings, even if you can’t always feel the wind beneath them. --- Simple Reminders for Every Survivor: You don’t have to fly alone. Whether it’s through faith, a loved one, or your own inner strength, there is always something lifting you up. Strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s the quiet resilience within us, the small steps forward, or the decision to get through one more day. You are a hero. Even if you don’t feel like one, just surviving—just getting through—is a heroic act. You have worth, and you deserve to be lifted up. There is hope, even in the darkest moments. Just like the wind, it might not always be visible, but it’s there, helping you move forward. --- A Gentle Message of Encouragement If today feels hard, if you’re not sure how to keep going, I want you to take a deep breath and know this: You are not alone, and you are not without strength. Whether you believe in God or are finding your own way through life, there is a quiet support that is always there, helping you rise. Every time you take a step forward, no matter how small, you are proving your resilience. So today, let’s celebrate that quiet, unseen strength—the wind beneath your wings that keeps you going, even when it feels impossible. You are strong, you are worthy, and you are not alone in this journey. --- With love and hope,Kathe'rine, Founder of Sparrows of Hope

You Are Stronger Than You Know: A Reflection on "Wind Beneath My Wings"

Your Own Declaration of Independence July 4th, as a celebration of the United States' independence, represents the moment a group of people declared their freedom from oppression, stating their right to be self-governed and respected. In the same way, survivors have the right to declare their own independence—from their past, from the pain that tries to hold them captive, and from the weight of others' disbelief or dismissal of their experiences. The Declaration of Independence was a bold statement, saying, “We deserve to be free.” As survivors, you have the right to declare your freedom—from the things that have tried to hold you back and keep you from healing. This is your day to take up the drumbeat of your own life and to celebrate your journey to self-empowerment. --- How to Write Your Own Declaration of Independence Think of this process as a reflection of the steps that lead to your healing and freedom. You are not bound by your past, but instead, you’re writing your future. Just as the Declaration outlined grievances and claimed rights, you can do the same in your healing process. 1. Claim Your RightsJust like the Founding Fathers declared the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, you too can claim your right to: Safety: You deserve to feel safe in your body, mind, and spirit. Healing: You are allowed the time and space to heal, however long it takes. Joy: You have the right to pursue the things that bring you happiness, even after trauma. Self-Love: You are worthy of compassion and love, especially from yourself. Boundaries: You can set limits to protect yourself, your energy, and your well-being. Voice: Your story is yours to share or keep, on your terms. 2. Acknowledge What You’re Free FromThe Declaration of Independence listed the oppressive forces they were breaking away from. For your own declaration, you can list the things you are freeing yourself from: Self-blame: Let go of the idea that any part of what happened to you was your fault. Shame: Release the feeling of shame that may have been placed on you by others. Disbelief or Doubt: Free yourself from the need for others to validate your experiences. Fear: Begin the journey toward releasing fear that keeps you from living your life fully. 3. Declare Your IntentionsJust like the founders set the stage for a new nation, you can set intentions for your healing journey: I will prioritize my healing, even when it feels difficult. I will listen to my body and honor its needs. I will be kind to myself on days when it feels harder to heal. I will celebrate the small victories along the way, no matter how tiny they seem. --- Celebrating Your Own Independence Day Just as fireworks and parades mark the Fourth of July, your personal celebration doesn’t have to look like a public spectacle—it can be quiet, introspective, and deeply personal. Here’s how you can honor yourself on this day: 1. Light Your Own Fireworks (Metaphorically):Do something that sparks joy for you. It could be writing in a journal, going for a walk, lighting a candle, or playing your favorite song. This is your way of lighting up the sky within yourself and saying, “I am here. I survived.” 2. Gather a Personal Parade of Supporters:Independence isn’t something you have to do alone. Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you, whether that’s friends, family, or a trusted therapist. If you don’t have that community yet, know that Sparrows of Hope stands with you. You’re never alone in this journey. 3. Reflect on How Far You’ve Come:Take a moment to sit with how far you’ve come in your journey. Even if there’s still more healing to do, celebrate the small wins. Just like a nation learning to stand on its own, healing is a process, and every step counts. 4. Create Your Own “Freedom Traditions”:Establish personal traditions that represent your independence and healing. Whether it’s a yearly journal entry, a self-care ritual, or an activity that empowers you, find ways to celebrate your personal freedom every year. --- Why This Matters: Just as the Declaration of Independence marked the birth of a new nation, your own declaration can mark the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone—it means claiming the right to heal on your terms, in your time, and with the support you deserve. This July 4th, whether you’re celebrating with others or reflecting on your own, remember this: you are free. Free to heal, free to grow, free to thrive. Your past doesn’t define you, and each day, you are writing your future. And that, my friend, is worth celebrating. --- With love and support,Kathe'rine, Founder of Sparrows of Hope

Your Own Declaration of Independence

Hey Friend,Today, I want to share a message that’s close to my heart. Whether you’re someone who holds faith deeply or someone who’s struggled to find it, I want to speak to the part of you that might feel like you’ve lost hope. We all go through moments that feel endless, where it seems like the weight of what we’ve endured will never let up. But there is something important to remember: this too shall pass.This phrase, "this too shall pass," speaks to a universal truth. Pain, hardship, and sorrow don’t last forever, even though it may feel that way right now. Whether you’re leaning on your faith or just trying to get through each day, the idea is the same—things will change, and you will come out on the other side.For my faith-based survivors, I want to remind you that your faith has carried you through the toughest moments, even if it feels distant right now. God has not forgotten you, and He is still carrying you, even if you can’t feel it right now. For those of you who might not believe in God or have struggled with faith, I want you to know that your value is no less, and your strength is still enough to get you through this. ---“This Too Shall Pass” by Yolanda Adams ---&gt; “In the middle of the turbulence surrounding you, These trying times are so hard to endure.” Reflection: When you’ve faced trauma, it can feel like the storm surrounding you will never end. You might be in a place where you feel like you can barely keep your head above water, and it’s hard to imagine a day where things will feel better. But even in this turbulence, remember that you’ve endured so much already. Whether you lean on your faith or simply on the fact that you’ve made it this far, there is a calm on the other side of this storm.Prompt:Think of a time in your life when things felt overwhelming, but eventually passed. What did you learn from that experience?How can you remind yourself today that this turbulence won’t last forever? ---&gt; “But this too shall pass, Like every night that’s come before it.” Reflection: The beautiful thing about this lyric is that it reminds us of something simple yet profound: every night eventually gives way to day. It may feel dark right now, but each time the sun rises, you’ve been given another chance to move through this pain. If you’re someone of faith, this might be a reminder that God is giving you strength for each new day. If you’re not someone who leans on faith, know that you’re still waking up, still moving, and that itself is powerful.Prompt:How do you feel when you wake up each day? Even if it feels hard, can you find something in each new morning that gives you a sense of hope?What are small ways you can take care of yourself, even on the hardest days, to remind yourself that each day is another chance for healing? ---&gt; “Though your heart is heavy, You will be able to smile again.” Reflection: This lyric speaks directly to those of you who feel like you’ve lost your joy, and your heart feels too heavy to bear. It’s okay to feel that way—sometimes the weight of what we’ve gone through makes it feel impossible to smile again. But just because it feels that way now doesn’t mean it will always feel that way. You will smile again. Whether it’s through faith or through the simple process of healing, that day will come.Prompt:Has there been a moment recently, no matter how small, where you felt a little lightness or joy? How can you hold onto those moments as reminders that you will feel more of them again?What small steps can you take to begin finding things that make you smile, even if it’s just for a moment? ---&gt; “It won’t last, It’s only for a while.” Reflection: This line is a reminder that pain isn’t permanent. While it may feel like it right now, you are moving through this, not stuck in it. Whether you believe that God is guiding you through or that you’re relying on your inner strength, the fact remains that this chapter won’t last forever. Healing is a process, and while it’s hard, it’s moving forward, even when it feels like it’s not.Prompt:Think about where you were a year ago compared to where you are now. What has changed, even if it’s just a small step forward?What’s one thing you can do for yourself today to remind yourself that this won’t last forever? ---A Message for You:Whether you are someone of faith or someone who doesn’t have a particular belief system, I want you to know that your journey is valid. There are no “right” or “wrong” ways to heal. If you’re someone who believes in God, let this message remind you that He is with you, even when you feel abandoned. If you’re someone who doesn’t believe or is unsure, know that your survival alone is proof of your strength. You have been moving through this, one step at a time, even when it feels like you haven’t. This moment will pass, and each day is another chance to find more light.No matter who you are or where you stand in your faith, the truth remains: you are surviving, and that’s what matters. Keep going, friend. You are stronger than you realize. ---With love and support, Kathe'rine, Founder of Sparrows of Hope

This too will pass : Hope for Survivors

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Hey, Friend, I want to take a moment to talk to those of you who have felt alone in your journey—those who have been through trauma and wondered, "Where is my community? Where is the support I need?" If you’ve felt like no one has been there for you, I want you to know that you are not forgotten. Every single day you’ve survived, you’ve gained a strength you might not have known you had. Even if it feels like you’ve faced your hardest moments in silence, your survival is proof of the strength that lives within you. Today, we are going to walk through Whitney Houston’s song, "I Didn’t Know My Own Strength." This song speaks directly to the heart of what it means to go through struggles and come out the other side, sometimes without even realizing how you made it. You’ve survived in ways that might not have been visible to others, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t real. As we go through this song together, I invite you to think about your own story—to reflect on the strength you’ve shown, even on the days when you didn’t think you had any left. You are supported, even if it’s in ways you haven’t fully seen. You’ve survived because of the resilience that lives inside you, and it’s okay if that’s taken time to recognize. Let’s walk through this journey together, one lyric at a time. --- "I Didn’t Know My Own Strength" by Whitney Houston --- &gt; "Lost touch with my soul,I had nowhere to turn,I had nowhere to go." Reflection:When you’ve experienced trauma, it can feel like you’ve lost yourself—like the part of you that felt whole and hopeful has disappeared. Have you ever felt like you had nowhere to turn? Sometimes, the hardest part is feeling like there’s no way out of the darkness. But look at where you are now. Even though you may have felt completely lost, you’re still here. That’s a sign of your strength, whether you see it or not. Prompt: Think back to a time when you felt like you had nowhere to go. What helped you survive that moment? What small steps can you take today to reconnect with your soul, even if you feel lost? --- &gt; "I thought I'd never make it through,I had no hope to hold on to." Reflection:Hope can feel like a distant memory during your hardest days. When you’ve felt like giving up, it’s easy to believe that there’s nothing left to hold on to. But the fact that you are still here means that even when you couldn’t see hope, you found something within yourself to keep going. That’s resilience, and it’s been with you the whole time. Prompt: What does hope look like for you today, even in the smallest sense? Have you ever made it through something you thought would break you? How does that change the way you see your current struggles? --- &gt; "I didn't know my own strength,And I crashed down, and I tumbled,But I did not crumble." Reflection:Falling apart doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Crashing down doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re human. The power of these lyrics lies in the fact that even though you tumbled, you didn’t crumble. You’ve felt broken, but you’re still standing. That strength is in you, even when you don’t realize it. You are more resilient than you know. Prompt: When was the last time you felt like you “crashed down” but didn’t crumble? How can you remind yourself of your strength the next time you feel like you’re falling apart? --- &gt; "I got through all the pain,I didn’t know my own strength." Reflection:Pain can make you feel like it’s impossible to move forward, but you’ve made it through so much more than you give yourself credit for. You survived, even when you didn’t think you could. Every time you faced the pain, you proved your strength, even if you didn’t recognize it in the moment. Prompt: What pain have you gotten through that felt impossible at the time? How can you honor yourself today for the strength it took to survive those moments? --- &gt; "I was not built to break,I got to know my own strength." Reflection:This line is a powerful reminder that you are not fragile, you are strong. Even though trauma has tested you, it has not broken you. You were not built to break, and now you are learning the truth of your own resilience. There is strength in surviving, and there is even greater strength in learning to recognize it. Prompt: What does it mean to you to realize that you were not built to break? How can you carry this knowledge into your future, knowing that you have the strength to survive whatever comes your way? --- Closing Thoughts: As you reflect on these lyrics, I hope you can start to see your own story in a new light. You are stronger than you realize, and even on the days when you feel most alone, your survival is proof that you have a strength you didn’t know you had. It’s okay if it’s taken time to see this. It’s okay if you still feel unsure. You are here, and that is enough. Remember, you don’t have to go through this journey alone. There is a community of survivors who understand what you’re feeling, and even if you don’t see them yet, they are walking this path with you. And most importantly, you are walking this path with yourself—the strongest person you know. --- With compassion,Kathe'rine, Founder of Sparrows of Hope

You are not forgotten.

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Hey Friends, As we navigate this journey of self-reflection and music, I want you to take a moment to center yourself. Think about your own story—your resilience, your strength, and the times you’ve felt like giving up but kept going. As we walk through these songs and their reflections together, I encourage you to ask yourself, "Do I see myself in this song?" Even if the lyrics don’t perfectly match your experience, there’s always something to learn. Whether it’s a reminder of your own strength, the promise of hope, or the reassurance that you’re not alone, music has a way of speaking to us in ways words can’t. So as you reflect, I hope you find something in these songs that resonates with you, comforts you, and helps you reconnect with your own strength. --- Song Reflections: 1. "I Didn’t Know My Own Strength" by Whitney Houston &gt; "I crashed down and I tumbled,But I did not crumble.I got through all the pain.I didn’t know my own strength." Sometimes, we don’t realize just how strong we are until we’re faced with challenges that test us. This song reminds us that even when we feel like we’re breaking, we are stronger than we think. Your journey, your pain, and your survival are all proof of your strength. Reflection Prompts: Think back to a time you didn’t think you could make it through. What did you learn about your own strength in that moment? What does strength look like for you today, even in the smallest ways? --- 2. "I Won’t Let Go" by Rascal Flatts &gt; "I will stand by youI will help you throughWhen you've done all you can doIf you can’t cope." This song reminds us that there are times when it’s okay to lean on others, and when faith—or even just the love of a friend—can carry us through moments when we feel like we can’t cope. Sometimes, we need to be reminded that we are not alone, even when it feels like no one is there. Reflection Prompts: Who is standing by you in your life, even if you haven’t noticed their support yet? How can you reach out to others or lean on your faith when you feel like you’re struggling? --- 3. "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten &gt; "This is my fight songTake back my life songProve I’m alright song." When you’ve gone through trauma, it can feel like you’re fighting for your survival every day. But this song reminds us that no matter who believes in us—or if no one does—we still have a lot of fight left in us. You are worth fighting for, and if no one else is fighting for you, it’s okay to fight for yourself. Reflection Prompts: When was the last time you stood up for yourself, even if it was just in a small way? What do you need to remind yourself today about your worth and your strength? --- 4. "He Will Carry You" by Gaither Vocal Band &gt; "There is no storm too darkGod cannot calm it.There is no sorrow too deepHe cannot soothe it." For survivors of trauma, especially in faith, it can be hard to trust that God is with us in our darkest moments. But this song reminds us that, even when we can’t see it, God is carrying us through our pain. When your faith feels weak, know that He is strong for you. Reflection Prompts: When have you felt carried through something you thought was too heavy to bear? How can you invite faith back into your journey, even if it feels distant right now? --- Closing Thoughts: These songs reflect a journey of strength, resilience, and faith—whether that faith is in God, yourself, or the people who love you. As you go through these reflections, I hope you take a moment to see the strength in your story, to know that even in your hardest moments, you have not crumbled. You are still here, and that is a testament to your resilience. You are not walking this journey alone, and you don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Sometimes, simply surviving is enough. And other times, it’s about reminding yourself of the fight that still lives inside you, the support that holds you up, and the faith that never truly leaves. --- With compassion,Kathe'rine, Founder of Sparrows of Hope

Self-reflection and music

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Song Reflection: "He Will Carry You" by the Gaither Vocal Band "Oh, if He carried the weight of the world upon His shouldersI know, my brother, that He will carry you." For survivors of trauma, especially those who have experienced betrayal within a Christian community, trusting in faith again can be one of the hardest parts of healing. It’s normal to feel distanced from God when you’ve been hurt, particularly by people who were supposed to represent love and safety. But this song reminds us that even when our faith feels lost, God is still carrying us. &gt; “Come on to me all who are wearyAnd I will give you rest.” These words offer an invitation for survivors to find refuge in the One who never fails. When the people around us betray our trust, it’s easy to feel like God has left us too. But His promise is to give us rest, even in the midst of our pain and confusion. The journey to rebuilding faith can be slow and uncertain, but God’s presence doesn’t depend on our ability to feel it—He is always carrying us, even in our darkest moments. --- Reflection Prompts: What has made it hard to trust God again after experiencing trauma?How does it feel to be reminded that God is carrying you, even when it’s hard to believe? Is there a song or scripture that helps you feel God’s presence again?How can you use that song as a reminder of God’s promise to carry you through this season? What steps can you take to start trusting in faith again, even when it feels painful?Are there small ways you can reconnect with your faith, like listening to worship songs, reading scripture, or praying when you feel overwhelmed? Finding Faith Again After Betrayal: For many survivors, faith can feel like a fragile thing after trauma, especially when the trauma happens within a Christian community. You may feel angry, hurt, or disconnected from the faith you once held so close. It’s okay to feel that way. Rebuilding faith doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s possible to find a way back to the God who carries you. Sometimes, that reconnection happens through songs of worship, like "He Will Carry You." When your own words feel like they fall short, let the words of faith-filled songs remind you that God is present, even when you can’t feel Him. Music can be a bridge to faith when the weight of your pain feels too heavy to carry alone. You don’t have to believe perfectly or feel perfectly connected—God is carrying you regardless of where you are in your healing process. &gt; "There is no storm too darkGod cannot calm it.There is no sorrow too deepHe cannot soothe it." When trauma has shaken the foundation of your faith, remember that God’s love and care for you are constant, even when it doesn’t feel that way. Just as He carries the weight of the world, He is carrying the weight of your pain, sorrow, and doubts. There is no storm or hurt that He cannot heal. --- How to Reground Your Faith: 1. Give yourself grace. Healing from trauma takes time, and so does healing from a faith that feels broken. God understands your pain, and there is no rush to return to “normal.” 2. Find comfort in music. Songs like "He Will Carry You" can remind you of God’s promise to support you, even when words fail. Let music be your prayer when your heart is too weary to speak. 3. Reconnect with scripture. Find verses that bring you peace and hold onto them. Whether it’s Matthew 11:28 ("Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest") or Isaiah 41:10 ("Fear not, for I am with you"), these truths can help you remember God’s presence in your life. 4. Be honest with God. You don’t have to pretend everything is fine. God wants your raw, real heart—the one that’s angry, hurt, and unsure. He is big enough to handle your doubts and fears. --- With hope and compassion,Kathe'rine, Founder of Sparrows of Hope

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Your Own Declaration of Independence

This too will pass : Hope for Survivors

You are not forgotten.

Self-reflection and music

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