The power of a conversation

While writing my latest book, From the Hart, I kept thinking about the conversations it could inspire. At the end of each chapter, there are three questions. They can be considered individually, but I thought readers might enjoy sitting with a group of friends to discuss them.

Here are a few examples …

• Finding Joy in the Quiet: What brings you joy in the morning?
• When I am Overwhelmed: When is it difficult to pray, “Thy will be done?”
• Declining the Invitation: What do you think about being invited to an argument and not engaging in it?
• Finding Heavenly Peace: What holds you secure when your snow globe is shaken?
• The Affirmations: When have you argued with God?

I grew up listening to the conversations my mother, grandma, and aunts had around the kitchen table on Sunday afternoons. I learned a lot about life. There was a lot of wisdom shared around the table. Those conversations created a good foundation for all of us Catron Cousins.

If you read my first book, When the Hart Speaks, you know that my mother, her nine sisters, and one brother were raised in the hills of Kentucky. My grandparents moved to Muncie, Indiana, before I was born.

Back then, the womenfolk, all wearing an apron, ate after the menfolk were served their meal, and all the kids were fed. That idea could spark an interesting discussion for today. We cousins would find a corner on one of the beds upon which to eat from aluminum TV dinner plates, which were later washed to use again. Precious memories were made and heartfelt conversations were held in that tiny four-room house in Muncie. In good weather, the conversations moved to the backyard.

Have I ever mentioned I have more than 60 first cousins on my mother’s side? Half lived in Kentucky, half in Indiana.

Back to my thoughts about conversations.

I love having conversations with friends at coffee shops, cafes, on my porch, and at my kitchen table. Reassurance, advice, and wisdom are shared. It’s almost as if those places are sacred. Relationships are deepened during those conversations.

I hope From the Hart creates conversations.

I know that people often judge a book by its length. From the Hart is 114 pages, a quick, easy read. As I wrote, I kept thinking, I wish someone had reassured me that God did not design me to be a people-pleaser or a fixer. I was never meant to be anyone’s savior. Saying “No” did not make me a bad person. The weight of the world was not mine to carry.

Oh, how I tried to do and be all of the above. It wore me out mentally, emotionally, physically, and even spiritually.

If I can help my readers avoid the mistakes I made, then I have achieved what my heart set out to do.

As I wrote, I imagined someone sitting across from me, sharing a chat over a cup of coffee or tea. There is no judgment at my table. I hope my readers feel a virtual hug whenever they read my words.

Harsh words are hurled by so many in our current environment. It hurts my heart. Jesus invites ALL to the table. I often think about not only what Jesus would do, but what He would say.

Arguing is not allowed at my table. We may have differences, but they should be expressed with respect and open-mindedness. That is the essence of a conversation. We need more meaningful conversations and fewer rants and raves. Yelling and one-sided arguing do not constitute a conversation. I want to bring humility into any discussion. Remember humility? I miss it.

From the Hart shares many thoughts written from my heart. I hope the questions after each chapter spark conversations at kitchen tables, neighborhood porches, and church roundtables. I’d love to be part of those conversations. Changes begin with a conversation.

Let the conversations begin!

You can purchase “From the Hart” on Amazon at a.co/d/06kiySik.

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Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). She is the recipient of the Reporter’s Spring 2025 Ink-Stained Wretch award. Visit janethartleonard.com.