Themes of the Trilogy: the Sword
And what of shield and sword lain low?
Count they a loss when to the foe
They yield a victory of blood and bone
If they may save those they call their own?
I’ve always been fascinated by the indelible link between love and sacrifice: what one loves, one sacrifices for, and that sacrifice is made lighter by the love that prompted it. It’s a principle I’ve seen demonstrated by my parents, my friends, my fiance, and most of all, by Jesus. When I started writing the Tiding Bearer Trilogy, I knew I wanted to represent every type of love, and delve deep into the true meaning of sacrifice—both its struggles and its beauty; its motivation and its consequences.
Bible scholars may be familiar with the four Greek words for love, each representing a different type of sacrificial and devotional bond, and if this is all new to you, don’t worry! I’m going to explain each one in its own section as well as the ways I infused it into my stories and characters.
Eros: Romantic Love
Passionate and devoted, eros is what we would call romantic love. Although God created intimate love and marriage as a sacred and blessed reflection of His character, sin has corrupted and perverted humanity’s idea of romance. Much of what’s labeled as romantic today is little more than self-serving lust and infatuation (I’ve talked a lot about my take on YA romance over on my Instagram ), but God’s design is actually intended to prevent the build up of selfishness and develop a spirit of service and humility within us. Ephesians 5:25 prompts husbands to “love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her”. What an example to follow!
Throughout my trilogy, the characters experience their fair share of crushes, kisses, butterflies, and blushes, but ultimately each develops into deep, meaningful relationships built on a foundation of trust, respect, and understanding. Representing Christ’s love for his church is a responsibility I take seriously as a writer, and although none of the couples in my stories are “perfect,” they support and encourage each other, apologize when they’re wrong, and learn from their mistakes.
Philia: Brotherly Love (friendship)
While eros depends on some level of romantic attraction, the bond of brotherhood defined by philia may be an even more astounding display of selfless love. Friendship requires a profound and continual choice to care for someone with no other reason than “they’re my friend!” The Bible is full of representations of brotherhood, from David and Jonathan, to Paul and Silas, and as believers we are all called to intentional, selfless love for our brethren in Christ. Contained within this sacred command is a solemn duty:
to keep each other accountable to God’s word and call out each other’s sins in love and humility (Galatians 6:1; Proverbs 27:6)
to bear each other’s burdens, build each other up, and share each other’s sorrows (Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:15; Jude 1:20)
to fight together in spiritual battles through Christ’s power (Ephesians 6:12; Ecclesiastes 4:12)
to celebrate each other’s victories and encourage each other in godly service (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24)
It was this calling to accountable, supportive friendship that inspired me to create a trio of main characters rather than just one. I wanted to showcase the power of Christian fellowship, as well as its challenges, sacrifices, and responsibilities. Rather than focusing primarily on romantic relationships, I prioritized Doran, Mavis, and Errol’s friendships with each other and the supporting characters.
These themes shine brightest in book three, Heart of the Tiding Bearer. Errol finds himself far from his friends, desperate to regain their trust and make up for his mistakes, while at the same time fighting to save the brother who once betrayed him. Redemption and sacrifice weave through the conflict and crescendo in the ultimate sacrifice… and the ultimate redemption.
Storge: Familial Love
Whether through siblings or parents, father-figures, or godly mentors, storge presents itself in the steadfast, caring and protective bond of family. God demonstrates this love in His adoption of believers: “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure” (Ephesians 1:5) and fills the role of father with great tenderness and wise correction (Psalm 103:13; Proverbs 3:12). The most famous story of God’s Fatherly affection is found in the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), who welcomed his son home with open arms after his son scornfully abandoned his family in search of selfish pleasures.
But sadly, not all earthly families are an accurate depiction of the heavenly one and the same is true in Tenebra: Doran is an orphan with no mentor to offer advice or kindness, Mavis finds herself in constant conflict with her mother’s high expectations and harsh comments, and Errol makes a mistake worthy of disinheritance, severing him from his only remaining family. Throughout the series, each finds consolation and help through their various mentors (whom you can learn more about here!) and form their own “found family,” as fiercely loyal—and prone to bickering—as any blood siblings.
Errol has his own unique journey to family… But you I won’t spoil the story for you. ;-)
Agapē: Unconditional Love
Finally we come to the most costly form of love: agapē. Eloquently summarized in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, this love represents the very essence of God’s character and serves as the foundation of His kingdom. Unlike the others, this love isn’t based on reciprocation, and will continue to seek the good of others even if the pursuit causes suffering for or requires sacrifice from the pursuer. It’s the very love Jesus displayed on Calvary: "By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us,” (1 John 3:16).
There are too many spoilers for me to get into all the ways the Tiding Bearer Trilogy explores unconditional love, but I will say that as the stakes rise and the characters understand the Giver’s Path more fully, sacrifice becomes an increasingly prevalent theme. I hope that my humble stories will impress upon you even just a small measure of the immense love and compassion the Giver has for you, and of the plan He has for your life—and your eternity.
Until next time, stay kind, curious, and courageous. <3 <3 <3