Reading Guide Questions

1. It isn’t unusual for gossip to start surrounding a recently widowed (or divorced) person who resumes dating or even becomes engaged. Do you think there’s an appropriate time lapse for a person to “mourn” a relationship before embarking on a new one? Why or why not? What reservations do you have about hooking up with someone who lost a former partner through death or divorce?
2. When depression threatens, Cassidy pulls out a memory verse to encourage herself. What Scriptures do you keep on tap, so to speak, to lift your spirit?
3. To what degree are you content in the life God has given you—single or married? How do you relate to friends who are in different phases of life—or different degrees of contentment?
4. Cassidy knows her Scripture, studies the Bible regularly, and truly believes the Word. However, she doesn’t feel worthy of claiming the promise of God’s peace and sustenance by surrendering her past to the Lord. What keeps you from laying hold of God’s promises?
5. Considering that both Cassidy and Trevor are wrestling with issues of grief, their discussion about tears raises interesting questions. How do you grieve? How do you relate to others—men and women—who grieve differently? What does Scripture say about grief?
6. Derek doesn’t want Trevor to call Social Services or the police about his abusive and neglectful mother. At the same time, he struggles against hatred for her. How would you counsel youth like Derek?
7. What vibe do you get from the Special Day ministry meetings? Have you ever had a similar experience in a ministry—one that just didn’t feel quite right? What was it about the ministry?
8. Like Brenda, Aunt Odessa dies without warning, giving no one opportunity to say goodbye. What comfort can we find when a loved one passes away suddenly?
9. While it is true Rave had ulterior motives for expressing concern about Trevor and Cassidy’s living arrangements, Pastor Audrey seems to feel the concern is legitimate. Do you agree? Why or why not? How much effort do you expend in avoiding situations that might tempt you?
10. Do you believe in love at first sight? If so, how do you define it? What do you think of Oliver Toby’s definition: “I’m saying I only wanted good for Louise [from the first time he saw her]. She immediately became a part of my prayers…. That’s what true love is, wanting the best for the other person”?
11. Rave admits to herself that sex has become a drug for her. Does learning about her past experiences with sex (e.g., incest, rape, molestation) make it easier for you to sympathize with her and care about her? Why or why not?
12. Cassidy had Dunbar; Trevor had Kendall. Both struggled to accept the presence of the other’s “friend” in their married life together. Is it possible for a married person to have a friend of the opposite sex—without negatively affecting the marriage? Why or why not? How do you handle your spouse’s (or boyfriend’s) friendships with other women? How does he deal with your male friends?
13. What was your response to Clement’s advice about sex at the bachelor party? How do you apply Ephesians 5:28 to sexual intimacy? What experience have you had with power in a man’s hands—for good or for evil?
14. Oliver Toby advises Cassidy that while some memories are just that and safely left in the past, other memories can’t remain secret—because they can’t be handled alone. How do you discern when you can safely put a memory to rest versus bringing it into the light?
15. Do you agree or disagree with this statement—and why? “Cassidy had turned him away. So if her husband turned to Kendall, then there was no one to blame but herself.”
16. Cassidy accepts pastoral counseling from Clement and Vivica but strongly resists therapy. Why? What experience do you have with counseling or therapy? Were they Christian or non-Christian, positive or negative? Do you believe seeking therapy (even from a nonbeliever) is beneficial? Why or why not?
17. What would you advise a young woman like Cassidy or Rave, who found herself pregnant and without a supportive marriage partner? What options are available to such a woman? What seems good for her—and/or best for the child?
18. Second families—whether created through remarriage, foster care, or adoption—present complex politics, tensions, insecurities, and other challenges, for spouses and children alike. What experience do you have with such families? How have you navigated the challenges and what sources of help have been available?
19. How has Cassidy’s inability to love herself obstructed her abilities in other areas (e.g., marriage, parenting, ministry)? How does Cassidy’s example shed new light on Jesus’ selection of “Love your neighbor as yourself” as the second greatest commandment?