QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

  1. Have you ever found yourself holding back love out of fear? How did you overcome that fear?
  2. In this story, Faith Hagin feels like she failed as a mother. Have you dealt with guilt or feelings of inadequacy in any area of your life?
  3. In the story, Gabe Reynolds needed to control things in his life. Do you find you have the same tendency? Do you think it might be something you could turn over to God?
  4. Is there someone in your life who has suffered the death of a spouse? How might you help them in their grief?
  5. What do you think is the theme, or premise, of this story?
  6. One of the theme verses (listed in the front of the book) is First Corinthians 13:13. What does this verse mean to you?
  7. The other theme verse is First John 4:18. What does this verse mean to you?
  8. How do you see these two verses relating to the story?
  9. Faith worried about planning the perfect vacation with her son, about competing with Gabe’s late wife (whom she saw as perfect), and about finding someone who would love her totally (and maybe perfectly?). Do you or someone you love tend toward perfectionism? How does that affect you or others around you?
  10. Chelsea was a pretty typical twelve-year-old. Did you find you could relate to her? Could you understand her wish for her dad to find a girlfriend?
  11. Have you ever been white-water rafting? Or have you ever done something that pushed you beyond what you would normally be comfortable with? Can you share about the experience?
  12. If you have pushed yourself beyond your comfort zone before, what did you learn from it? What did you learn about yourself?
  13. Were you ever involved in a church youth group? Was it a positive experience?
  14. If you’re involved in a church, has your church family been a support to you in any way you’d like to share? If you’re not involved in a church, is there somewhere nearby you’d consider visiting?
  15. Do you know someone who’s loving and supportive like Miss Ann was in the story? How can you stretch yourself in learning to be more generous with love?