On Spirit Winds–A Personal Poem

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A caterpillar once I was

And went about my day,

Crawling only where I chose

And going my own way.

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But then a change–a Spirit-change,

A butterfly am I.

Carried now on Spirit-winds

As through this life I fly.

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I go to whom He sends me

And carry burdens His;

Relinquished fully of myself,

I feel the Spirit’s kiss.

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No longer my own way I choose

But His, the way I love;

Longing now for that which comes

From knowing Him above.

On Spirit Winds…

Was composed many years ago. This poem, inspired by an experience that truly changed the trajectory of my life, is a portion of my testimony.

I’ve written extensively about this–what I’ve referred to as my “window” experience. It was the day Jesus called me to turn from the mental window I’d peered through for years–a place of pain and isolation that, though I stood on the outside, held me captive.

But on that day…

The day my Savior said, “Turn,” I was set free! More, the Lord commissioned me to help others find freedom by pointing them to Jesus.

Ironically, He used the image of a butterfly net. When I turned from the mental picture of the window, I ran through lush green fields chasing butterflies, fluffy, white clouds overhead.

Capturing butterflies in a net was completely out of character for me, so I asked Him, “Why a net? I love butterflies and want them to fly with freedom.”

It was then the Lord replied, “The net represents capturing others with words–both spoken and written. You hold their attention for just a few moments, pointing them to Me, the One who sets them free.”

And I understood.

Much like He called those rough and tumble fishermen–exhorting them to begin fishing for people rather than tilapia–Jesus called me too. But whereas Peter, Andrew, James, and John dropped their nets to follow Him, Jesus asked me to pick mine up.

And my net?

Words, steeped in The Word, soaked in scripture. But more than setting me free that day, the Lord directed my steps by giving me a purpose, though it would be a number of years from that day in early 1991 until I’d better understand my ministry.

God is so good!

Not only did He give me purpose when He set me free, He also transformed me, showing me I wasn’t only a butterfly-catcher but a butterfly too!

Hence, this poem–a poem that speaks of my story but holds broader meaning for others as well. At least, that’s my hope–that you, too, soar…

On Spirit winds.

And I ask:

• How has the Lord transformed your life?
• Has He spoken to you through a specific experience, saying as He said to me all those years ago, “You are free!”?
• Is there a particular scripture you love which speaks to your testimony?

I’d love to hear. I’m offering another copy of dear friend Lori Hatcher’s new devotional Walking in Faith–60 Devotions to Renew Your Strength (Our Daily Bread Publishers, 2026) as well as some “bonus” goodies.

Leave a comment for a chance to win. I’ll draw one name on Sept. 4th, and ship to your door (U.S. residents only, please).

And remember, friends:

On Spirit winds we find freedom because…

“If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed” (John 8:36).

To listen to a beautiful song regarding the power of our stories–click HERE!