The Other Side of Darkness (42 page)

1. “It’s not good enough” is a statement Ruth often hears while growing up, and later on she internalizes and repeats it. How do you react when you hear words like that?
   
2. Ruth, the middle child, never feels she’s wanted or even loved. Do you think this is real or imagined? Why?
   
3. Why do you think Ruth begins to experience OCD symptoms at such an early age? What do you think could’ve been done to help her?
   
4. Were you surprised to discover that OCD sufferers are at greater risk for spiritual deception? Why or why not?
   
5. Why do you think Ruth was so consumed with a need to feel clean?
   
6. How would you react if a loved one became involved in a church like New Fire?
   
7. Ruth “unselfishly” donated time, energy, and money to the church, but it only seemed to get her deeper into trouble. Why do you think she continued to do this?
   
8. Sometimes Ruth and her daughters believed they saw actual demons (an element inspired from a real-life story). How do you explain this?
   
9. How did you feel about Ruth’s role as a wife and mother? Explain.
   
10. Everyone is subject to some kind of obsession or compulsion. What are yours? And how do you keep them under control?
    
11. Ruth had a good friend in Colleen. What would you do if you believed a close friend or relative was experiencing a serious mental illness?
    
12. Ultimately, Ruth came to realize that God was not the one who had led her to such dark spiritual places. And while she welcomed that realization, she still needed psychological treatment and care. Why?
    

healthfinder

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Mental Health America

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Mental Health America (formerly the National Mental Health Association) is the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness.

Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation

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The mission of the OCF is to educate the public and professional communities about OCD and related disorders; to provide assistance to individuals with OCD and related disorders, their families, and their friends; and to support research into the causes and effective treatments of OCD and related disorders.

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National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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National Institute of Mental Health

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