My Pronouns Are…

In the picturesque town of Harmonyville, nestled between rolling hills and lush greenery, lived a community that epitomized the idyllic charm of small-town life. Harmonyville, with its cobblestone streets and charming cottages adorned with vibrant flower gardens, was a place where everyone knew each other by name. The town’s population of around 5,000 people was a close-knit community that valued tradition, faith, and neighborly connections.

Benjamin, a young man of 23, was a pillar of the community. Raised in a family deeply rooted in Christian values, he embodied the essence of Harmonyville’s tight-knit society. With his sandy blond hair and earnest blue eyes, Benjamin exuded an aura of kindness and sincerity. Known for his active involvement in the local church, he was a regular at community events, always willing to lend a helping hand to his fellow townspeople.

Contrasting Benjamin’s steadfastness was Trey, a 25-year-old with a penchant for challenging the status quo. With a charismatic demeanor, Trey’s jet-black hair and a perpetual twinkle in his hazel eyes hinted at a rebellious spirit. Unlike many in Harmonyville, Trey had moved to the town only a few years ago, bringing with him a different perspective and a desire to question established norms.

As Benjamin and Trey forged an unlikely friendship, the dynamics of Harmonyville began to shift. The town’s traditional values and close community bonds were momentarily tested by the interplay of their contrasting worldviews. The townspeople, accustomed to a harmonious existence, observed with curiosity as the two young men engaged in thought-provoking discussions that challenged the very fabric of their beliefs.

Harmonyville’s main square, adorned with a charming fountain and surrounded by quaint shops, became the backdrop for many of these conversations. The local bakery, known for its warm pastries and friendly atmosphere, often served as a meeting place for Benjamin and Trey. The aroma of freshly baked goods mingled with the tension of intellectual exchange, creating a unique blend that mirrored the dichotomy within the town.

However, it was the Harmonyville Coffee House, a cozy establishment on the corner of Elm Street, that became the common meeting place where the townspeople would overhear and observe Benjamin and Trey’s engaging discussions about their differences. With its rustic wooden furniture, exposed brick walls adorned with local art, and the soothing aroma of freshly ground coffee beans, the Harmonyville Coffee House provided the perfect backdrop for conversations that went beyond the usual pleasantries.

Regular patrons, engrossed in their own conversations or lost in the pages of a book, couldn’t help but eavesdrop on the thought-provoking exchanges between Benjamin and Trey. The clinking of coffee cups and the gentle hum of conversation created a harmonious atmosphere that mirrored the essence of the town itself.

As Benjamin quoted biblical verses and Trey countered with liberal viewpoints, the Harmonyville Coffee House became a microcosm of the larger debate unfolding within the town. The subtle tension and intellectual energy in the air captivated the attention of those seated nearby, turning the coffee house into an unintentional arena for the clash of ideals.

In the days leading up to the public debate, whispers of the discussions held at the Harmonyville Coffee House circulated through the town like a gentle breeze. The townspeople, intrigued by the unfolding dialogue, found themselves drawn to the coffee house, hoping to catch a glimpse of the ongoing conversations that would shape the upcoming debate.

The coffee house, once a haven for quiet contemplation, transformed into a symbol of the evolving dynamics within Harmonyville. The eclectic mix of patrons, from farmers to artists, shared knowing glances and exchanged subtle nods as they absorbed the rich tapestry of perspectives being woven by Benjamin and Trey.

The Harmonyville Gazette, always attuned to the pulse of the community, even featured a column titled “Coffee House Chronicles,” documenting the evolving friendship and debates between Benjamin and Trey. The quaint coffee house inadvertently became a meeting ground for unity amidst diversity, and its tables bore witness to the transformative power of genuine dialogue within the heart of Harmonyville.

As the public debate approached, the anticipation in Harmonyville reached a crescendo. The town hall, a historic building with wooden beams and stained glass windows, was buzzing with excitement as residents gathered to witness the clash of ideals between Benjamin and Trey. The stage was set for a dialogue that would not only define the town’s stance on multiple genders but also serve as a testament to the resilience of Harmonyville’s close-knit community.

Trey, with confidence in his stride, presented arguments for multiple genders, articulating the need for recognition and acceptance of diverse gender identities. The crowd listened attentively, a mix of curiosity and concern etched on their faces.

In response, Benjamin, true to his character, began with a quote from Genesis. “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” The familiarity of biblical verses resonated within the hall, and the audience waited with bated breath for the unfolding dialogue.

As the debate progressed, Harmonyville found itself at a crossroads. The charming town that prided itself on unity and tradition was now witnessing a clash of ideals that would either deepen the divisions or pave the way for a newfound understanding.

In the days that followed the debate, Harmonyville experienced a subtle transformation. The townspeople engaged in discussions at the local coffee shop, sharing their perspectives and grappling with the implications of the debate. The Harmonyville Gazette, a quaint newspaper that chronicled the town’s events, featured letters to the editor expressing a myriad of opinions on the matter.

Trey, now immersed in his quest for understanding, began attending local church gatherings with Benjamin. The community, initially divided, witnessed the blossoming of a unique friendship between the two young men. Harmonyville, true to its name, became a melting pot of diverse perspectives, learning to embrace differences while cherishing the shared values that defined the town’s essence.

As Benjamin and Trey continued their unlikely friendship, Harmonyville emerged as a symbol of resilience and growth. The town, with its rich history and newfound openness, embraced the complexity of the human experience, proving that even in the face of differing beliefs, harmony could prevail.

However, the most unexpected transformation occurred within Benjamin himself. The union of Trey’s liberal notions and the scientific evidence presented during the debate prompted Benjamin to reassess his perspectives. Wrestling with the weight of biblical teachings and the undeniable biological truths, Benjamin underwent a profound change of heart.

In a quiet moment of reflection, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of Harmonyville, Benjamin came to a realization. The harmony he sought within himself and the community required an acknowledgment of the diversity of human experiences. Guided by newfound insights and a deep understanding of the complexities involved, Benjamin no longer clung to a rigid view of gender.

With humility and grace, Benjamin embraced a more nuanced understanding that allowed for the recognition of the varied experiences of those around him. The once unwavering believer in a binary view of gender now acknowledged the intricacies of identity and the importance of compassion in navigating these complexities.

As Benjamin shared his evolving perspective with the community, Harmonyville witnessed a transformative moment. The town, once divided by the clash of ideals, became a beacon of acceptance and understanding. The Harmonyville Coffee House, where the initial debates had unfolded, now bore witness to a new chapter in the town’s history—one characterized by openness, empathy, and a shared commitment to embracing the beauty of diversity.

In the heart of Harmonyville, amid cob

NEW RELEASE: Crystal Empire

CRYSTAL EMPIRE

King Gavin Stoutheart and his council face war like the world hasn’t seen in ages. The enemy kings will soon lay waste to the countryside, and it is up to Gavin to fight with the tools given to him to avoid destruction. 

While gathering his forces for war, Gavin must also work through unexpected ambassadors, secrets among his closest allies, and hidden clues from the past within the Riland Capital to avoid repeating the mistakes of those who preceded him. 

While an abundance of crystals helps Gavin’s army to control more war animals and to speed training, nothing ever goes as planned while defending against the remaining four Crystal Kings. The enemy has surprises of their own as they seek to overwhelm and crush Gavin and his allies.

©2019 John M. Olsen (P)2020 Immortal Works

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