Unifying tales in a divided America revealed

What child needs to determine his or her sexuality at the age of 7, 8, 9, or 10, long before a child even hits puberty? Could it perhaps be bad for kids to focus incessantly on their sex and the sex of others; to be encouraged by teachers and other adults to consider changing their sexual orientation and even their gender? The same goes for critical race theory, which teaches our kids to focus on skin color.

The left’s woke political agenda is an assault on traditional values, particularly for Christian families. One industry seemingly weaponized by the left to wage war on our value system is the entertainment business, which includes not only TV and film but also literature. Drugs, sex, and violence are apparently no longer sufficient pop culture fodder for families and growing minds!

Can we in our current political climate, in which Americans are so ardently opposed to those on the other end of the political spectrum, join together in anything?

Rather, the industry has diverted to a more pointed political agenda — one in which children must always question parental authority (as the parents are bumbling idiots, especially sitcom dads); the seven dwarfs were definitely not into Snow White; and the only characters that are potentially not inherently racist are the 101 dalmatians — since they have black and white spots and therefore must simply be very deeply conflicted.

As an attorney and mother of three children, I’ve always had a penchant for writing but recently felt called to write my own book series, a series that celebrates our traditional values. “The Magi of Miriam: The Boy Who Saved the Kingdom” is a Christian action and adventure series that engages the reader in self-discovery and the glorification of God. In other words, "The Magi of Miriam" focuses on the very antithesis of those prevalent political and sociological schemes that are designed to mock and lambaste faith and family — the pillars of a healthy society.

Putting the woke narrative aside, I searched unsuccessfully for decent literature to feel good about giving to my kids. The vast majority of trending books and graphic novels for children seem to harken back to the 2006 classic American science fiction comedy, "Idiocracy." Without naming them all, don't you feel yourself getting dumber by the page as you read some of the popular series with your kids today?

What fascinates me is that it wasn’t always this way. Our family once received one of the Walt Disney “Cartoon Classic” compilations from around 50 years ago. The vernacular, the concepts, and the humor were all so advanced relative to current literature, which got me thinking, “Why is so little expected of our children?”

I also noticed that nearly all current shows and literature seem to portray parents as imbeciles with dull personalities and impaired cognition. Could that exacerbate the dynamic whereby many parents feel their kids don’t listen and have no respect for them, leaving grandparents in the corner of the room uttering the common refrain, “Our kids never behaved like that with us. What’s wrong with your kids?”

All of this led me to write “The Magi of Miriam,” an uplifting tale that challenges the reader to focus on a relationship with God and encourages the reader to overcome insecurities and tap into God’s empowerment and His imprint upon each of us to do good.

Twelve-year-old Jesse Walker is trying to adjust to a new life in Eufaula, Alabama, with his father and sister following the death of his mother, when he finds himself thrust into an adventure. Our adolescent protagonist must battle forces of darkness in an enchanting realm, where he encounters a lively cast of characters — royals and lords, good and evil, Magi, Thwackers, crawlies, and other oddities, in the memorable Land of Miriam. Jesse must overcome his boyhood insecurities to rise triumphant.

It ought to be a unifying book that lets readers join with their neighbors, regardless of their political, religious, or even sexual orientation, and focus on important themes beyond ourselves.

But can we in our current political climate, in which Americans are so ardently opposed to those on the other end of the political spectrum, join together in anything? Can we, despite social media, AI, and foreign political interference, which cleave our country every which way, enjoy a bit of entertainment and godly contemplation together?

I think we can. Shockingly, “The Magi of Miriam” appeals to Democrats and Republicans. It turns out that we all have the innate desire to focus on things beyond ourselves. We all feel the imprint, acknowledged or unacknowledged, of God upon us — a desire to be and do good for ourselves and others. "The Magi of Miriam" is a small effort to refocus our attention from the divisive issues trending today toward love — love for ourselves, for God, and for each other.

So go ahead, smile at someone who likes Biden. Dare yourself to introduce a Trumper to someone who voted for Obama twice. Maybe wear a bulletproof vest when you’re doing it. Wish them alla blessed day. And please mention that there’s a new book out that they may enjoy. Better yet, form a book club and learn how much we all have in common on the real matters of life — coming to a bookstore near you.