The story spark was Girl Power. I chose the writing prompt “Her parents named her Harmony .” We had 20 minutes to write.
What’s in a Name?
Their life was in turmoil. Lack of income made living hard. Add to that, she was pregnant and soon would give birth to another mouth to feed.
The world itself was also in turmoil. Despots ruled, wars continued, there was no right or wrong. Chaos was the order of the day.
Then came the birth. A child, new to this bedraggled earth. And she was beautiful.
They asked, “What should we name her?” There were plenty of ancestors’ names that could be used. There were also plenty of popular names thought of.
But they decided that this child needed to be named something that expressed the needs of their culture, a goal to strive for, a name that could bring this crazy world to its senses.
Hope was the first name they thought of, but it was discarded. Hope means a wish for an unknown future. We need something that represents a future that will exist, not one to wish for.
Destiny was another name considered. Again, it was rejected. Destiny means a foregone conclusion, but it doesn’t mean that it will be a good one.
What we need is a name that represents a world that works together as one and is a better place to be.
Both called out the word ‘Harmony’ at the same time.
A smile appeared on both their faces as the child before them gurgled in harmony with their pronouncement.
“We name you Harmony,” they said. “Let you be the guiding light in our future. Let you be the bringer of peace and contentment. We will be by your side forever. Let our love carry you through life’s adventures.
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Fast-forward 40 years. Harmony was a true beacon in the world. She was a powerful teacher. Through her powerful writing and sharing, others listened, and there was change. Her parents’ prophecy became a reality. The world became one of compassion, responsibility, empathy, cooperation, thoughtfulness, and love.
And both parents lived long enough to see it happen.
