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.
Chapter 1
The idea of making "resolutions" is a key theme in this
novel-resolutions related to faith, health, career, and relationships.
How might such resolutions
tie into our personal growth as followers of Christ? As a person of faith,
do you believe in making resolutions? Why or why not? What are the pros and
cons?
Chapter 2
In this chapter, we get inside Avery's head and discover more about his character-and
about his thoughts concerning his relationships with Darci and Sabrina.
What do you think about this brother? In light of his conversation with
Sabrina about her concerns, what do you think about the potential for their
friendship?
Chapter 3
Now we get a look inside Darci's head-at her thoughts and feelings, especially
about Avery. What do you think motivates her? Does she remind you of anyone
you know? If so, in what way? How do you relate to someone like her?
Chapter 4
Maris and Sabrina both know that Darci is responsible for the unjust firing
of Mr. Lincoln, the security guard. What do you think about their decision
to stay out of the matter? Do you think their involvement would have made
a difference? Should the answer to that question (in this and situations
in our own lives) influence our decisions? Ecclesiastes 3:7 says there's
a time to speak and a time to be silent. How do you discern which time
it is?
Chapter 5
What motivated Sabrina to create a list of goals for herself? What motivates
you to set such goals? What should motivate us? (See Philippians 2:1-18.)
Chapter 6
Hiding in the women's restroom was not exercising faith, Sabrina knew. It
was giving in to a spirit of fear, which was definitely not a gift from
God. Read 2 Timothy 1:7 and consider, How would your life be different
if you moved in a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, instead of a
spirit of fear?
Chapter 7
Did Sabrina make the right choice in accepting Darci's offer? Why or why
not? What other choice(s) did she have? How might these Scriptures guide
us when faced with comparable dilemmas? See Proverbs 2:10-15; 3:5-8; 4:5-9;
and Matthew 10:16.
Chapter 8
Maris says some pretty harsh things related to how Sabrina has been sharing
her faith. Do you think her observations are fair? Why or why not? How
do you share your faith? How do you think your strategy makes other people
feel-and do their feelings really matter?
Chapter 9
Avery asked himself, "What woman didn't want to fall in love? Never
mind 'woman'; what person didn't want to fall in love?" How do you answer
that question and why? What does Scripture seem to suggest about male-female
relationships? (See Genesis 1-2; 1 Corinthians 7:1-9.)
Chapter 10
Sabrina pauses a moment for a "prayer break" before going to meet
with Darci. Someone else who was quite good at such "arrow prayers" was
Nehemiah (see Nehemiah 2:4; 4:4-5,9; 5:19; 6:9b,14). How often do you pause
in your day for such moments? What effect do they have on your day?
Chapter 11
Avery is struggling to sort out his relationship with Darci. He
wants to extricate himself from the romantic entanglement, but
he still feels loyalty
to her as a friend…not to mention the increased pressure to maintain
a good witness in the face of her alleged interest in things of faith.
Think about your own past relationships and your feelings about the man
involved. How do you handle those mixed feelings? How does your faith help-or
sometimes hinder-you!
Chapter 12
Sabrina had adopted the "get in and get out" policy for church
attendance. She said, "It was quick and painless, and presented less
of an opportunity to get hurt." What is your policy for church attendance?
What are the benefits and challenges of that policy? Have you ever been in
a position to echo Sabrina's prayer, "Lord, please help me. She's attacking
me for no reason"? David certainly did. (Check out Psalm 35.) What advice
did Jesus have for responding to such attacks? (See Matthew 5:10-12, 43-48.)
Chapter 13
Maris is facing her own "enemy" in her relationship with
her in-laws. Sabrina's counsel is sound (see Matthew 5:44-45).
Do you think she is applying
it in her own life, though? Why or why not? When have you found it easy to
give good counsel to a friend that is difficult to apply to a comparable
situation in your own life?
Chapter 14
Sabrina's experience in the coffee shop is a comical but also sobering illustration
of how we are held accountable for our testimony. If our faces were as
recognizable as Christians as Sabrina's became as the Resolutions representative,
how would other people's expectations and attempts to set us up as role
models influence our choices-even choices that are essentially harmless
and permissible in God's eyes? (Read Romans 14 for a biblical example.)
Chapter 15
Sabrina declines to share her vision of an ideal mate with Avery, because
she's wary of having a guy endeavor to become that ideal-only to resent
it in the end. Is it ever legitimate to attempt to live up to or embody
someone else's ideal? Why or why not? What has been your experience with
such attempts?
Chapter 16
Maris and Avery both admit to a tendency toward workaholism-having a hard
time leaving the job at the office. Many people in Christian ministry have
a particular challenge with that issue, because after all, it seems spiritual
to work for God every day. Do you struggle with workaholism? Why or why
not?
Chapter 17
A call from her ex-, jealousy and insecurity in her relationship
with Avery, continuing anxiety about her situation on the job…Sabrina's Sunday
was proving to be anything but a day of rest. Not until nearly the eleventh
hour did she remember the source of her help, her peace, and her rest.
How has "a little talk with Jesus" given you strength and wisdom
to carry on?
Chapter 18
Darci was surprised by Sabrina's backbone in their latest meeting. What do
you think made the difference in Sabrina's response? Do you think her interaction
with Darci was consistent with a Christian witness? Why or why not?
Chapter 19
Sabrina describes herself as being cocooned against the turmoil surrounding
her, even after her altercation with Darci. Scripture describes that cocoon
as a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). How did Sabrina
achieve that peace? How can you?
Chapter 20
Avery is pushing Sabrina to tell him why she seems reluctant to explore a
relationship with him-and he wants a reason that doesn't involve Darci.
Is there such a reason? If so, what is it? Or, is Sabrina right in blaming
Darci for being the sole obstacle in her friendship with Avery? Why?
Chapter 21
Does this candid glimpse of Darci make you more sympathetic toward her or
not? Why? How might better understanding our enemies' motives affect our
relationships with them?
Chapter 22
The heated discussion between Jasmine and Maris raises some challenging questions
about what an effective witness entails. What do you think about some of
the issues they mention-the question of religious language, the arguments
for salvation, the merits of talking about Jesus vs. embodying his character?
Chapter 23
Sabrina found extraordinary comfort in praying through the psalms
after the tabloid media "exposed" her relationship
with Avery. Why do you think the psalms minister so powerfully
at such times? Remember Psalms
2; 3; 7; 13; 17; 27; 35; 46; and 121 (just to name a few!) when you find
yourself in trying circumstances.
Chapter 24
Maris was surprised to hear herself offer to pray for Sabrina, but she followed
through on the offer. Why? Describe a time when crisis-your own or someone
else's-served to open a hard heart to a step of faith like Maris's.
Chapter 25
Darci is stunned by how Sabrina continued to "come out on top" when
faced with a variety of challenges. Darci figured someone who was supposedly
turning the other cheek when attacked couldn't really expect to "win" the
battle. But, that's exactly the kingdom principle that Jesus describes in
Matthew 5:9-10. When have you seen that principle at work in your life? What
is the dynamic at work?
Chapter 26
Avery alludes to (and Sabrina quotes) Jesus' words in John 8:32. What truth
was Jesus referring to? In a larger context as well, how does truth set
us free?
Chapter 27
Forced to seek refuge with Sid and Maris, only to find herself surrounded
by the press there as well, it is easy to imagine that Sabrina felt like
David when he wrote Psalm 40:12. When you have found yourself closed in
on all sides by those who wish you ill, what Scriptures offer you peace,
comfort, and courage?
Chapter 28
If you were Sabrina, how would you have answered Maris' question, "What
is a Christian?" Consider these Scriptures as you develop your response:
Philippians 2:1-18; Colossians 3:1-17; 1 John 4:7-5:4.
Chapter 29
Witnessing Sid and Maris go forward to make a public confession of their
faith was an answer to Sabrina's prayers-an answer that bolstered her confidence
in God's ability to address her other concerns as well. How has God's faithfulness
in one area of your life increased your faith in other situations?
Chapter 30
Did Sabrina's interview on Morning Coffee fulfill the exhortation
to "preach
the gospel at all times, and when necessary use words"? Why or why not?
Chapters 31-32
How did the article written by Iris Davenport (a.k.a., Sunny Harris) fulfill
Jesus' words about the truth setting one free?
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