by Joyce Meyer
9. Jenny asks, “Is it different when life gets taken from you moment by moment than when it gets taken all at one time?” (p. 134). Discuss the difference Jenny was talking about, comparing Eddie Crockett’s circumstances and his outlook on life to Jenny’s daddy’s attitude.
10. Similarly, does a slow revelation of truth have a different impact than a sudden understanding? Jenny’s transformation took place over the entire summer through a series of small glimmers of hope—pennies. How do you think she would have responded if she had found a fortune all at once?
11. Jenny says, “I saw the pain behind Jean’s words, and I couldn’t have felt more betrayed. Mama was supposed to take care of us” (pp. 141–42). How did Mama’s lack of intervention increase Jenny’s feeling of abandonment?
12. Jenny experienced a shift in her understanding of reality as she began to spend time with Aurelia’s family. We measure things by what we know. Do you ever measure God by your meager earthly understanding? How can we come to a complete and accurate understanding of God?
13. A question that comes to mind in light of any abuse is, “How could a loving God allow this horrible thing to happen?” Can you see ways that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28 NIV)? Can you see ways that God took what man had meant for evil and turned it “to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20)? Discuss how Miss Shaw was uniquely able to minister to Jenny because of her similar experiences.
14. The way her father treated her left Jenny with a damaged and diminished sense of self worth. She said, “I suffered Daddy’s reminders in my head. I knew everyone looked at me and did not like what they saw. . . . When wrong happened, it would always somehow be my fault” (p. 97). How did Miss Shaw point Jenny to Jesus as the foundation for her self-esteem? If we are confident in Jesus’ unconditional love for us, how will that affect our relationships with others?
About the Authors
Joyce Meyer is one of the world’s leading practical Bible teachers. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, she has written more than seventy inspirational books, including The Confident Woman; Look Great, Feel Great; the entire Battlefield of the Mind family of books; and many others. She has also released thousands of audio teachings as well as a complete video library. Joyce’s Enjoying Everyday Life® radio and television programs are broadcast around the world, and she travels extensively conducting conferences. Joyce and her husband, Dave, are the parents of four grown children and make their home in St. Louis, Missouri.
Deborah Bedford is an award-winning author whose novels have been published in fifteen different countries and a dozen different languages. She and her husband, Jack, live in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with their two children. She began her career as a romance writer but now writes women’s fiction that stirs readers’ hearts and points them toward hope in God. Look for other inspirational stories by Deborah, including A Rose by the Door, A Morning Like This, When You Believe, and Remember Me. You can reach her by visiting her Web site, www.deborahbedfordbooks.com, or by writing to:
P.O. Box 9175
Jackson Hole, WY 83001
