The Valley of Decision

Composed by Gia Hatten

Book: Heroes & Thieves V: Warring Hearts (specifically chapter 9)

Overview: I wanted Warring Hearts to have some special things since it is the mid-season finale to Heroes & Thieves. It’s the halfway point and the end of the Clapian Trilogy (Books 3-5), so I thought “Why not have another song?” And not just a poem where people have to imagine the music, but actual, composed music to go along with the tortured spirit that is Warring Hearts. Thus, The Valley of Decision was born.

Concerning the Composer: Gia Hatten is my sister-in-law from Oklahoma and very talented in the realm of music. When I found out that she had been tinkering with making her own songs, I wanted to see if she was up to the challenge. And, boy, did she deliver! I remember when I first listened to the prototype of the song, I began crying (which is not a super-high bar, but still) and immediately told her that she had accomplished exactly what I was looking for.

More About "The Valley of Decision"

So, many people hear the title “The Valley of Decision” and probably immediately think of the book of Joel:


“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14


But, full disclosure, I didn’t immediately think of the book of Joel. To my great regret. I had actually heard that terminology first from the song “Through the Fire” by Randy Travis. He says in the chorus:

 

 “And He never promised that the cross would not get heavyOr the hill would not be hard to climbHe never offered victory without fightingBut He said help would always come in timeJust remember when you’re standing in the valley of decisionAnd the adversary says give inJust hold on, our Lord will show upAnd He will take you through the fire again”

 

Why is this a big deal? Because what Joel is talking about and what Randy Travis is talking about are two different things. Joel’s context of chapter three is speaking about judgment. The valley of decision, in that instance, reflects the decision that has already been made and that decision is judgment. Randy Travis is talking about when you’re in a place where you need to make a decision; whether the right decision or the wrong one. And I must stress that Randy Travis’ version is the one I based my valley of decision off of. For, in the chapter “The Valley of Decision” in Warring Hearts, a few different people are given a choice that must be made. Some choose right, some choose wrong. And it’s a very significant point in the book, so I want to make sure everyone knows what the origins were for that name.

Going over it further (of course, I’m not going to give out any spoilers. Read the book if you want to know what happens!), my original intent for this song was for it to be used in pivotal moments for other characters in other Zalian Chronicles books. When a crucial decision must be made that will shape someone’s future. It’s rather exciting that way, having my own song for a very specific kind of scene. And if these books ever make it to television or movie format, I will do everything in my power to make sure this song is used in those moments! 

When the composer, Gia, was first putting the song together, she asked me if there were any other songs that I wanted this song to be like. I was greatly moved by the song “Heritage of the Wolf” by James Horner in the 1995 movie, Balto. LOVE that song. And I wanted something that would match the same kind of melancholy, worrisome feeling surrounding a choice. And, in my opinion, Gia nailed it.