True Harmony
by Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes
(2 Corinthians 13:11, NLT).
I like harmony. To be honest, I love it. A lot.
I’m the kind of person who could light scented candles each day to celebrate ceasefires and peacetime. I’d rather have serenity than confrontation. I would’ve made a great flower-child had I been born a bit earlier. The thought of giving out garlands in airports and dancing carefree through the streets makes me smile.
Fantasizing about a more ideal period in history or being preoccupied with peace means not having to confront much of anything. This isn’t really harmony. It’s a fallacy where I ignore tons of details that need my attention. I also ignore God’s calling to write about work that needs doing and issues that need addressing.
For example, if I’m conflicted over a piece I’m called to write, or a particular writing project seems daunting or out of my league, I procrastinate instead of jumping into action. I’ll also obsess over a simpler time in my life when I didn’t have so many deadlines, editors to answer to, and complex matters to attend. I’m not proud of this, but sometimes I put these worries out of my mind. For a time. Until I’m cranky and eating way too many carbs. Just so, I can keep my “harmony.”
But in reality, true harmony isn’t kept, it’s created.
True harmony is created by growing in maturity.
At this time in our history, it’s vital for writers to embrace the confrontation and tension of writing for God’s people. This way we can find our path to created harmony.
Like me, have you avoided writing about a hot topic, or an issue, like racism or segregation within the Christian community because it was uncomfortable?
Have we chosen our comfort and peace over God’s calling for us to confront the darkness we all too often deny?
Personally, I’m guilty. I have to do better. I know I do. As a writer, will you walk alongside me and answer the call to choose confrontation over comfort? Restoration over complacency?
Lord, as an author, I ask you to help me strive for restoration over complacency. Open my eyes to my shortcomings and help me grow in maturity. Bless me to encourage others, and to be of one mind, living in peace with fellow believers of ALL nations. Help me embrace the needed confrontation and tension of writing for your people to glorify you. Amen.
Katherine is a counselor, consultant, author, and owns an event-planning business. Her art and writing are distinguished by awards including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference. Katherine loves speaking to groups, delivering messages with quick wit and real-life stories. Connect at https://godslittleblackdress.com/ or https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Little-Black-Dress-Women/dp/1365056163
Girl. Did I ever need this, this morning. Thank you for sharing your heart.