- People treat Esther Marie differently because she has a speech impediment. They make assumptions about her intelligence because
of it. Sometimes they’re impatient. Other times they’re condescending. Why do you think that is? What makes people react badly
to people with disabilities? Fergie and Lucy don’t let her impediment stand in the way of being an employee. What can we learn
from their attitude?
- In Jesus’s lifetime people with disabilities were isolated and shunned. Some suggested their parents had sinned so that they
were being punished. What did Jesus say and do about this attitude and misperception? Seek out scripture in which He talks
about treatment of the sick and disabled.
- Jasper doesn’t have a physical disability. His disability is in the way he reacts to others. He’s socially awkward and has
never learned to filter his words. Yet he defends Esther Marie and sees past her speech impediment to who she truly is. Why
do you think that is? What can we learn from their relationship?
- When Fergie is hospitalized with a heart attack, Jasper is placed in charge of the store even though Esther Marie is better
equipped to handle it—even with her speech impediment. Jasper is outside his comfort zone. This was necessary for him to learn
how to treat others and how to approach Esther Marie with his feelings for her. Has God ever led you to a place outside your
comfort zone as a learning opportunity? How did you react? How do we grow spiritually through these experiences?