A Light on the Hill
Page 30
I’m so very blessed by the team at Bethany House, including Raela Schoenherr, Jen Veilleux, Noelle Chew, Amy Green, and Jennifer Parker, among all the other amazingly talented and supportive people that work so hard to bring my books to readers’ hands. I’d also like to thank Elisabeth Espinoza, Joanie Shultz, Ashley Espinoza, and my mother, Jodi Lagrou, for beta reading; Laurie Westlake for allowing Tammy Gray and me to stay at the beautiful Milagro Farms for an intensive writing retreat; and Brenda Jeter for bringing my family a meal on that crazy last day of marathon edits. Thanks also to my Wanderers, the best street team ever, for having my back during launches, for encouraging me and supporting me, and for sharing my work with your friends and family.
I could not do what I do without my sweet husband, Chad, who works so hard for us and supports me so unceasingly, and my children, Collin and Corrie, who fuel my imagination. And, of course, I cannot leave out my readers! Thank you for honoring me by spending your precious time reading my stories and for all the wonderfully encouraging notes and reviews you send my way.
Questions for Conversation
Seven years have passed between Jericho and Wings of the Wind and the events in A Light on the Hill. What changes did you see in Moriyah’s personality during that time? Have you (or someone you know) ever experienced a traumatic incident that affected your (their) personality? What growth have you seen come from this painful incident?
Rimona is a bitter and hurting young woman who lashes out at Moriyah without cause, and yet Moriyah still shows her grace and compassion. What opportunities have you had to extend grace and mercy to someone who has wronged you? What reconciliation came about as a result of your actions?
Ora is a mentor and substitute mother for Moriyah, one gifted with extraordinary insight as a result of her disability and the tragic incidents in her past. What mentors have you had along your life’s journey? How have their strengths built you up and encouraged you during troubled times?
Have you, or someone you know, ever made a mistake that had shocking or far-reaching consequences, like Moriyah did? How did the Lord use that situation for his glory?
Darek struggles throughout the book with the balance of justice and mercy—both from memories of what happened to his mother and the situation with Moriyah and his nephews. Have you ever been faced with a moral dilemma without any clear answer? How did the situation get resolved? Do you regret the choice you made?
Darek sees beyond the mark on Moriyah’s face to the beauty of her spirit. Who in your life do you feel sees you this way, in spite of any insecurities or flaws you might have? How has this type of love changed the way you see yourself? Have you reminded yourself lately that your heavenly Father sees you this way? If not, take a moment and thank him now for such unconditional acceptance and love.
From childhood, Moriyah experienced moments of extraordinary closeness to Yahweh in the form of dreams, visions, and the Voice speaking to her soul. What experiences have you had with hearing the voice of God in a powerful way? What was the vehicle through which you heard his voice—the Word of God, godly people in your life, or some miraculous means?
Was the description of the Yom Kippur ritual in Chapter 35 new to you? Which shadows of Messiah Jesus do you see in this yearly atonement festival, and in the person of Eleazar, the High Priest, in this book?
In Chapter 37, Moriyah realizes that just as some people have judged her due to the mark on her face, she too judged others without knowing their hearts, and built a wall out of self-protection that limited her potential for friendships and ministry in her community. In what ways have you judged others wrongly in the past? What brought about awareness of your mistake? How has God worked to bring down your own walls?
Were you surprised by Eitan’s admission? Shelter of the Most High, the next book in the CITIES OF REFUGE series, will continue his story as an adult. What ramifications do you foresee as a result of his impetuous decision in childhood? What do you think his life will be like in Kedesh?
Connilyn Cossette is the CBA bestselling author of the OUT FROM EGYPT series from Bethany House Publishers. Her debut novel, Counted with the Stars, was a finalist for both the INSPY Award and the Christian Retailing’s Best Award. There is not much she likes better than digging into the rich, ancient world of the Bible, discovering new gems of grace that point to Jesus, and weaving them into an immersive fiction experience. She lives south of Dallas with her husband of twenty years and two awesome kids who fill her days with joy, inspiration, and laughter. Connect with her at www.ConnilynCossette.com.
Books by Connilyn Cossette
OUT FROM EGYPT
Counted With the Stars
Shadow of the Storm
Wings of the Wind
CITIES OF REFUGE
A Light on the Hill
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