Healing Stones (51 page)

Our editors, Amanda Bostic, L. B. Norton and Jocelyn Bailey who never ceased to amaze us with their insights, their tact and their ability to find every speck of literary clutter.

Our dear, dear friend Joey Paul, to whom this book is dedicated with love and respect. His championing of Sullivan Crisp and his belief in us is matchless.

READING GROUP GUIDE

1.
Healing Stones
was created first and foremost as literature, to be embraced and enjoyed. We hope you were able to immerse yourself in the story and know the characters as real people. Without destroying any of the sheer pleasure (as so often happened in your high school English classes, we are sure!), you might want to discuss some of these points.

a. The story is written from two distinct points of view— Demitria's and Sully's. Which one did you relate to personally?

b. Were there any secondary characters who captured you? Mickey? Jayne? Ethan? Porphyria? Rich? Chris? Tatum?

c. Were there any characters who frustrated you? (i.e., made you want to shake, slap, or throw them out the window?)

d. Which story line did you want to stay with most? Demitria and Rich's dilemma? The quest to discover who took the pictures? Sully's inner demons?

e. Was there anything about the style of the novel that either delighted you or turned you off ?

f. Were you satisfied when you finished reading the last page?

g. What do you think the next phase of Sully's journey will look like?

2. The theme of the book is, of course, forgiveness, on its many levels. It might be helpful to discuss how you define forgiveness— and how you've experienced it—before looking specifically at how it plays out in
Healing Stones.

a. Were you able to forgive Demitria for her unfaithfulness to Rich, or did you think she pretty much got what she deserved?

b. Were you able to empathize with Rich in his inability to forgive her?

c. How did you feel about Christopher's reactions to his mother? Why do you think he responded so bitterly?

d. How, in your opinion, was Jayne able to forgive her mother when Christopher couldn't?

e. What was up with Mickey? She showed so much compassion for Demi, but when her own daughter needed some, she couldn't seem to produce it. What's that about?

f. Demitria needed forgiveness, surely, but what about the people she needed to forgive?

g. Do you agree with Demi's interpretation of the story of Jesus and the adulteress?

h. How about Ethan's explanation of how we are saved from our separation from God by the death and rebirth of Christ (as described in his Easter sermon)?

i. Kevin St. Clair and Wyatt Estes obviously had a very different view of grace than Ethan and Demi, but is there anything in the St. Clair/Wyatt take on forgiveness that you agree with?

j. Both Sully and Demitria had issues with forgiving themselves— and accepting God's forgiveness. How is that different from giving and receiving forgiveness with other people?

k. When Sully agonized over what he should and possibly could have done to save Lynn, Porphyria said, “Maybe you could have. Maybe you even should have.” Did that surprise you? Discuss whether what Porphyria goes on to say about how
to accept God's forgiveness and healing rings true for you.

l. Is it enough to simply be forgiven? What does the novel seem to say about what has to come after the acceptance of mercy and grace?

3. Do you have someone like Porphyria in your life? What does that person mean to you? Do you see yourself being a mentor to someone else?

4. In
Healing Stones
, we have tried to show people at their breaking points, where a decision must be made, and the decision will determine the direction of the rest of a person's life journey. Chat together about each of these characters' breaking points—where they occur in the book, what choice they make, and how they play out.

a. Demitria Costanas

b. Zach Archer

c. Rich Costanas

d. Jayne Costanas

e. Christopher Costanas

f. Ethan Kaye

g. Sullivan Crisp

h. Mickey Gwynne

i. Audrey Flowers

j. Tatum Farris

k. You

5. Have you struggled with regret like Demetria did? Is there something in your past that you held inside, that you are only able to share with others now?

If you or your reading group has questions for us, please feel free to email either or both at: [email protected] or [email protected]. Or if you would like to do a more in-depth study of
Healing Stones
, you can download the curriculum from www.nancyrue.com. We love to talk about what we're doing with the Sullivan Crisp novels, so do not hesitate to contact us. We are all on this journey together.

New Life Ministries

Building Character
and Transforming Lives
Through God's Truth

New Life Ministries
is a non profit organization, founded by author and speaker, Stephen Arterburn. Our mission is to identify and compassionately respond to the needs of those seeking healing and restoration through God's truth.

New Life's ministry of healing and transformation includes:

New Life
- our daily, call-in counseling radio program hosted by Stephen Arterburn. To find a station near you call 1-800-NEW-LIFE or go to www.newlife.com. You can also listen online.

Counselors
- our network of over 700 counselors nationwide. Call 1-800-NEW-LIFE to find one near you.

Weekend Intensive Workshops and Seminars

•
Every Man's Battle

•
Healing Is a Choice

•
Lose It for Life

•
Nights of Healing

Coaching
- Our personal coaching program is “Professional Accountability” to come alongside you and give you solution-focused direction.

Website

• Podcasts and broadcasts of
New Life

• Blogs, message boards and chats

• Our online store, featuring products by our radio show hosts

• Find workshops and counselors in your area

24-Hour Call Center
- There is someone answering calls in our Call Center, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

1-800-New-Life www.newlife.com

We have three
character building workshops.
One just for you!

Healing Is a Choice and Lose It for Life
with New Life host, Steve Arterburn live!

Healing Is a Choice weekend intensive

If you are struggling with anger, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, divorce, abuse, marital struggles, are a wife whose husband is caught in sexual addiction, or are just feeling stuck in your emotional or spiritual state and need a breakthrough, then
Healing Is a Choice
is the workshop for you.

Lose It for Life weekend intensive

The
Lose It for Life
three-day intensive workshop is designed to address weight loss from an emotional and spiritual perspective without pressure, shame, condemnation or guilt Let the flame of realistic, gentle, lifestyle change be kindled for you! “Jumpstart” your journey into a free and full life by registering for our Lose It for Life Workshop.