Dealing with tough topics is something that is often skirted in this time of easily hurt ‘feelings’ and divided people. Yet, there’s never been a time where it’s more necessary for Hopebringers to speak the truth about things that others avoid.

But the real issue is how to go about it and still have friends at the end. It’s a matter of either holding our tongue and then creating a false sense that life is ‘normal’ without problems or speaking and creating a haven where people feel comfortable around you. 

There are eight pointers for speaking out on hard topics.

Don’t Glorify It

If we focus on the issue and make it seem as if it’s the good, then we’ve not done anyone any favors. It’s what makes much of modern fantasy dark.

Don’t Pull the Problem Out of Perspective

Perspective matters. If you focus on the problem then there can be no hope left. Instead, acknowledge the issue but then show the way through. When we make the problem the focus, then we forget a way out.

Show Hope

This is very similar to #2. Shine the light! There is a way out.

Focus on the People Not the Problem

I’d say this is what Rebecca P. Minor did in her newest book, The Rending Cauldron. The characters were the main focus not their terrible situations that they were in (slavery, sexual assault.) So, when you’re talking about tough issues, remember there are real people going through it. Love them!

Love Those Who’ve Been There

When we talk about tough issues, there are people who’ve been there. Honor their struggle by loving them and not minimizing their experiences. 

Don’t Forget There Are Consequences

This often gets overlooked. We say you can just move forward, but there are consequences for what happens. Those who’ve been through trauma will have to live with that memory. Those who’ve walked a hard path due to their own decisions will need to heal and then still have consequences.

This is where we come in as Hopebringers. We walk with them through life together with whatever those consequences may be. Let them know they deserve a “Happily Ever After” even if there are daily reminders of what has happened.

Talk About the Issues

As I started with, it’s easy to remain silent. But when we start talking about death, suicide, human trafficking, abuse, assault, and many more, we allow others to acknowledge that they’ve been there. It helps them not feel alone. (Remember the “Me, too” movement?)

The same reviewer that said Kristjan’s Rise is more than a book, also said that it reminded her of a time in her life when she’d gone through something similar.

Don’t Gloss Over It

And lastly, don’t gloss over the issues. This is what was done when I was growing up. By not speaking of things, it made them taboo. But glossing over them does the same. It minimizes what someone has experienced.

---

May you have the courage to speak up about things others avoid. May you shine love, light, and hope into people’s lives this week.