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Reading Group Questions
The following list of questions is designed to
enhance a group or individual's thinking
about or discussing some of the issues we hope you will consider
after reading this book. This is
designed as a starting point only and is not meant to limit the
discussion.
- Queen Esther tells Theresa, "Baby, the Lord has often led me
to discover that when people hiding stuff about themselves, they give off
telltale signs with their clothes, their hair, the way they keep their
house and such...." When have you discovered that dynamic to be true?
How does heeding such visual cues relate to the Scripture that says, "God
doesn't judge by outward appearances but by the heart"? (See 1 Sam.
16:7.)
- "I am sick and tired of hearing about that black-man shortage
mess," Queen Esther declares. Why does she quote Psalm 34:9-10 in
response to "that mess"?
- Lamont believes "some things need a bit more than falling on
your knees and worrying God" in prayer. Do you agree or disagree?
Why?
- Perhaps part of Lamont's issue with prayer as the answer to everything
is his assumption that prayer is a passive act. Queen Esther thinks of
prayer as warfare. How do you think of and experience prayer? What different
images of prayer do you recall in Scripture?
- "Where other folks see blight, I see heritage," Lamont tells
Craig, "heritage that we ... owe it ourselves and our children to
preserve." What is your heritage? How are you preserving it for yourself
and for your children, born and unborn?
- Uncle Joseph advises the sisters Nina and Lauren against acting "cold
and mean" to their men in times of conflict. "You better sit
down and work it out with him," the older man declares. How do you
handle conflict in relationships? What do you believe is the biblical response
to wrong or hurtful behaviors in marriage or a significant partnership?
When is it wise to let a man walk out of your life?
- What do you think about Charmayne's willingness to work with Jethro,
especially in light of how he treats her as a black woman? How do you handle
such issues in a business setting? What biblical wisdom do you apply in
such situations?
- "Imagine a man loving you so much, he married you just so his
desire to hold you in his arms wouldn't interfere with your desire to get
right with God." Theresa marvels at that thought. What is the ultimate
expression of male-female love in your experience--or imagination? Why?
- First Lady Lena liked to say that when you dealt with someone who
had trouble hearing the truth, "speak the Word of God because that
Word never failed to stop them ... in their tracks." When has someone
spoken such a Word into your life? What situation are you facing that could
use such a dose of gospel truth?
- Lamont realizes that the smells of his home church made him feel
safe. What are the smells of your home church? How do they make you feel?
If not a church, describe the place that makes you feel safe.
- Dr. Nance disdains the youth choir with their style of worship and "uniform." What
challenges has your church faced related to worship styles? What Scriptures
guide you in your own convictions on such matters--a Pauline conviction
about being all things to all people so you might save a few or a steadfast
loyalty to the time-honored traditions of the faith?
- Compare the salvation experiences of Baby Doll and Lamont. How are
they the same? How are they different? What was your experience? If you
have not had one yet, what is it that holds you back?
- When the Cashmere project seemed doomed by all human expectations,
the church clung to the words of Psalm 56:11. Read it aloud and consider,
when have you ever needed to claim this assurance and this alone? How did
God move in your situation? Were you able to maintain that trust? Why or
why not?
- "If I love her--and I do--then, if I marry her, doesn't that
say it all?" Lamont demands. How would you answer that question? Does
a marriage proposal really say it all? Why or why not? What do you expect
from a man after the wedding? (See Ephesians 5:25-33 if you're having trouble
imagining that!)
- Vanessa challenges Theresa on her "issue" with men and
their financial standing. What is your issue with men? Why? How is it legitimate--and
how might it be blocking you from embracing a good thing in the Lord?
- In chapter 16, Lamont reflects on Colossians 3:19 and Ephesians 5:33.
He derives some practical advice from those Scriptures. Do you think that
advice is well founded? Why or why not? What lesson(s) do you glean from
those biblical texts? (Reread them in their larger context as well.)
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