by Marta Perry
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad we’re at least speaking to each other again, even if we’ll never have the kind of relationship you have with your folks.” He smiled suddenly, his face lighting. “But that’s not the kind of doctor I want to be. What I’ve been doing here has been far more satisfying than that residency could ever be. This is what God intended for me all along.”
Her heart was thudding so loudly it was a wonder he couldn’t hear it. “That’s wonderful. For you and for the patients you’ll care for here.”
“Just the patients?” His voice went very soft, and he brushed her cheek with his fingertips. “What about you, Terry? You must know how I feel. I’m not going to let my father’s standards rule my personal life, either. Are you willing to give our love a chance?”
Now her heart was too full to allow for speech. She looked into his face, seeing the barriers swept away, the love shining unguarded in his eyes.
“Yes. Oh, yes.” She stepped forward, feeling his arms close around her.
She didn’t have to struggle any longer, constantly worrying about whether she’d done her best. She just had to do what she’d done out in the woods when Manuela’s life was at stake—run the race God had set out for her, relying on Him, thankful that God had given her Jake to run life’s race with her.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for picking up this latest book in the story of the Flanagan family. I hope you enjoyed visiting with old friends and meeting new ones.
I knew Terry should have a story of her own since the moment she walked onto the pages of Hero in Her Heart, and I’m glad she finally has the chance. It was difficult to find the right hero for her, but I think Jake Landsdowne fills the bill. Someone as strong as she is needed an equally strong hero!
The plight of migrant farm workers in this country is a very real one, as they are often totally dependent on the crew chiefs who bring them in—a situation ripe for exploitation. Churches have been at the forefront of ensuring decent treatment for them, as Pastor Brendan’s church does in this story.
I hope you’ll let me know how you felt about this story. I’d love to hear from you, and you can write to me at Steeple Hill Books, 233 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10279, e-mail me at [email protected] or visit me on the Web at www.martaperry.com. Please come back for the next Flanagan story, Restless Hearts, coming in March 2007.
Blessings,
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
What qualities in Terry make her a good paramedic? Do you think she could be as effective without those innate qualities?
Jake feels as if this position is his last chance. How do you feel about his need to succeed? Do you approve of everything he does to achieve that?
Terry says to Manuela, “Once you’ve learned something, nobody can take that away. It will go with you wherever you are.” Have you found that to be true in your life? How?
Terry finds she’s envious that Jake thought of a way to help Manuela that she didn’t. How have you shown similar feelings? In what circumstances?
Siobhan quotes the verse that says we are called for the good works God has already prepared for us. How have you found yourself led to the people and situations God has prepared for you?
Jake says he thought he was doing God’s will in Africa, but then he contracted malaria and had to be sent home. How did God work in Jake’s life in spite of that? How has God surprised you with the way in which He has used you?
As long as Jake couldn’t forgive himself, he couldn’t accept God’s forgiveness. Why do you think forgiveness is such a difficult issue for so many Christians?
When she thinks of her future, Terry wants a God-centered, happy marriage. How important is it to put God at the center of a marriage? What happens when people don’t?
Jake faces a dilemma—to do what he thinks is right at the risk of losing his job. How have you faced the difference between what the world expects and what God expects? How did you resolve it?
It can be difficult for people from another culture to adjust to a new society. Was staying the right decision for the Ortiz family? Why or why not?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-4572-7
HEARTS AFIRE
Copyright © 2007 by Martha P. Johnson
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