Harmony
This past week, the word that’s been sitting heavy on my heart is harmony.
Last weekend, I attended a women’s retreat where I had the honor of teaching a group of women from all different backgrounds. Despite our differences, there was one beautiful common thread — the desire to connect, to be in unity, and to experience community. That kind of harmony doesn’t happen by chance; it’s created when hearts are open and judgment is laid down.
This weekend, I found myself in a different space — a prayer retreat for those of us serving on the prayer team. Out of all the incredible sessions we attended, the one that stayed with me most was about helping others with their mental and emotional state. It reminded me that our concern for others should go beyond belief systems; it should come from a place of true compassion and care for the soul.
I’ve learned through my own journey that healing often begins when we face ourselves. Forgiveness, though it may seem like it’s for someone else, is actually a gift we give to ourselves. But to truly forgive, we first have to be honest — and that honesty requires empathy.
But empathy isn’t easy. It asks that we look at life through someone else’s eyes. And the truth is, many people aren’t met with empathy at all. They’re met with judgment. With opinions. With pride, anger, greed, or indifference. That’s why it’s so important to remind ourselves to meet people where they are. Because that’s where healing begins — and that’s what leads to harmony.
When we talk about meeting people where they are, we also have to understand what that process really looks like. Many times, people are carrying anger, and anger comes in stages. There are seven stages: shock, denial, frustration, anger itself, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance.
When you think about it, those stages aren’t just about rage — they’re about pain. Everyone is working through something, even if it shows up as attitude, silence, or distance. Understanding that helps us respond with grace instead of reacting in judgment.
At the prayer retreat, I was also reminded that Jesus wanted us to focus on the New Testament — not to forget the Old, but to see it as a guide that leads us to His greatest gift: the Holy Spirit. The Spirit allows us to connect with all humanity. As Romans 12:16 says, “Be not wise in your own conceits.” That verse reminds me that I have something to learn from everyone, no matter who they are or what they believe.
When we move through life — whether it’s with family, friends, or co-workers — and we choose understanding over ego, we open the door to peace. My truth may not look like your truth, but we can still walk together in harmony.
Even when it’s hard to make sense of the pain and chaos around us, maybe we can pause and ask what the world is grieving. Because pain is part of the process — and how we handle it determines how much peace we allow into our lives.
A soul that truly seeks peace will find it.
May your path lead you to peace.
And may your light help someone else find harmony along theirs.
Psalm 133:1 (KJV)
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Romans 12:16 (KJV)
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.