1. Lily journeyed to the colonies with her sisters, expecting to remain with them in the new land. But the girls had barely set foot in America before they were auctioned off and split up. How do you think Lily, as the youngest, was able to accept her fate without a protest?
2. Lily admired her older sister Rose all of her life and hoped one day to emulate her. Do you think she succeeded? In what way?
3. John Waldon deeply loved his wife, Susan, and it broke his heart to watch her dying by inches, yet he never allowed himself to feel bitterness toward God. Why do you think some people find it easy to blame God for circumstances beyond their control?
4. Susan Waldon gave up the comforts of a privileged life to elope with John when they were barely twenty. She had every reason to regret missing out on the good things in life, yet her love for John remained constant. Do you know anyone who possesses that kind of sweet spirit?
5. In her four years of servitude to the Waldon family, Lily became quite attached to Susan and the children. She also grew a little too fond of Susan’s husband. She knew that coveting was a gross sin—one she confessed again and again. Did she do an adequate job of keeping her attraction hidden?
6. John watched Lily turn from a frightened, wide-eyed waif of a bondservant trembling on an auction block to an engaging young woman. Even though he loved his wife dearly, he had to fight against a growing attraction for Lily. Do you think he remained completely faithful to Susan despite those unwanted desires?
7. Lily was only fourteen when John purchased her indenturement papers. Later, Mariah’s husband was willing and had the means to redeem her, but she chose to stay with the Waldon family. Did you ever face a life-changing decision? How can a person know for certain that the right choice was made?
8. The little settlement of Beaver Cove was situated in an area vulnerable to Indian attacks. Only a stalwart soul would choose to live under the constant threat of danger. What qualities did Lily possess that made her want to make her home there?
9. Both John and Lily were staunch believers who lived their faith. Even though God worked in quite a roundabout way to bring them together, they eventually did find their happy ending. That doesn’t always work for everyone, however. Why do you suppose that is?
10. Lily and the Waldon family prayed fervently for Susan’s health to improve, yet she grew increasingly weak and finally died. Sometimes it’s hard to accept that Christians aren’t always protected from the bad things that happen. What promises of God comfort you during the trials of life?
11. Was there a particular character in Lily’s Plight that you identified with? Why?
12. What will you most remember about Lily’s story?