Joo-Joo and I have been staying in the guest house and paying rent (I found another job!). Knox’s mom likes to make breakfast for Joo-Joo every single morning. I’m talkin’ real, for real breakfasts! And Knox’s dad reads the newspaper to Joo-Joo. And he sits there in his high chair like he really understands what the man is saying! I expect your son will be reading any day now. He loves his “Pa-Pa Reth,” even if he can’t pronounce the name correctly.
Momma is fine. She’s still fussing because I didn’t come home with Joo-Joo soon after the incident. But I told her things were better for him here. I don’t want to sound bougie, but I really don’t want to go back to Memphis. I mean, the city itself is fine, but the way of thinking we grew up with was not the best. Now that I’m out of “survival mode”, I see things differently. Life isn’t just about getting by, it’s about thriving. Not letting people tell you what you can’t do, but having faith that whatever God has for you is for you.
Did you know that the Bible says God can do more than we ask or can imagine? (Ephesians 3:20!) That’s one of the scriptures I’ve memorized since I started going to Bible study. I go to church with Knox on Sundays, too, but I really like the Bible study on Tuesday nights best because we get to ask questions. There’s so much we didn’t know about God and Jesus. Like a whole new world has opened up! Knox and I have been toying around with the idea of starting a ministry to the homeless. To spread this same hope. To let people know that we have to have our minds renewed in Christ. Knox knows a lot about scripture and how to run things all legal, and I know what it’s like to be hopeless. I can relate to people in this predicament first-hand. So, together, I think Knox and I can really be a blessing to a lot of people. But we’re just praying about it right now so don’t go telling Momma we’ve started an organization.
But enough about me. Are you involved with any ministries in prison? If not, please do. Everybody needs hope.
I want you to know that I love you. I know you’re not the cop-killer people said you were in court. I don’t know what made Patrick the way he was, but I know it wasn’t your fault. I’m praying for you. Don’t worry about Joo-Joo. He’s in great hands with me, Knox, and God.
I love you, Sam. Knox and I are coming to see you next month. Per your wishes, I won’t bring the baby since you don’t want him to see you behind bars.
I will also make sure we go to Memphis so he can spend Christmas with Momma.
Love you forever,
Jada “future Mrs. Stoneworth” Jones
~
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Discussion Questions
Knox’s ex-fiancé told him that he shouldn’t let money determine what he does. Rather, he should determine what he wants to do and then find a way to make it happen. Do you agree with her philosophy? Why or why not?
Rainey is upset because she feels her parents have a double-standard for her vs. her older brothers. Did you grow up in a house with a double-standard? Should parents have lower/different expectations for sons than daughters? Are double-standards based on gender biblical?
When Rainey asked Jada questions about her background, Jada refused to answer them. Do you think she was justified in her refusal? Do you think Knox handled the situation well?
Despite all the signs that Patrick has abandoned his vows to love and protect his wife, Jada does not feel it’s her place to tell Sam to get a divorce. What are your thoughts about Jada’s silence?
Do you agree with Jada’s idea that “people believe what they want to believe” or with Knox’s philosophy that “people are deceived”?
Jada decided to pray for her sister instead of Patrick. What were your thoughts about her decision? Is it possible for an abusive relationship to be healed? What should the victim do in the meantime? When is it time to go?
Rev. Whittaker’s sermon about the “soul mate” theory changed Knox’s focus about marriage. What were your thoughts about the sermon? What other “deceptive philosophies” have you uncovered with Bible study? [Note: The history can be substantiated in Plato’s The Symposium.]
As Knox listened to his co-worker, Fritz Lewis, talk about how terrible things might get if their company merged, Knox was praying for the right words to plant or water a seed in Fritz’s heart. Are you comfortable ministering to people outside of church? What does everyday ministry look like for you at work? The grocery store? A beauty shop appointment?
Jada covers her shape with bulky clothes because she wants Knox to like her for her mind, not her curvaceous body. Sam tells her that her curves are a part of who she is. Where would you side in this discussion? How do you find the balance between accepting your body and modesty?
Jada decides not to take her sister’s advice due to Sam’s relationship with Patrick. Do you take relationship advice from people who are in dysfunctional relationships? Would you value marital advice from someone who is in a third or fourth marriage? Why or why not?
Jada has a hard time believing that Knox is a genuinely kind person. Do you find it difficult to trust people? Why or why not? How does trusting God and putting our hope in Him free us to love others better?
At one point, Jada decided not to involve herself in her sister’s relationship anymore. Jada says, “I can’t take a big, black magic marker and draw the boundaries for her life.” Is there some truth in that statement? Is it possible to lead a loved one out of a bad relationship if they don’t want to go? What’s the alternative—stand by and watch them suffer? How exactly do you pray for people who are emotionally or spiritually blind? Do you have scripture reference for such prayers?
Jada told Knox that it was hard to care about tomorrow when you’re hopeless and all you have it today. Do you agree? Does it make sense, then, the people would risk infection or even more when they can’t see past the moment?
Jada had a habit of imagining the worst-case-scenarios. How does her negative thinking habits impact her life? Do you take captive of your thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5), or do you allow them to run wild like Jada does? Do you believe that your thoughts shape your life in some way?
Knox accused Jada of wearing her rough upbringing like a badge of honor when, in his opinion, it only spoke to how irresponsible her parents had been. Do you agree with Knox at all? Were you tired of hearing Jada say that she was “from the hood”, too?
About the Author
Michelle Stimpson’s numerous works include the highly acclaimed Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), the award-winning Mama B series, and Falling Into Grace, which has been optioned for a movie of the week. She has published several short stories for high school students through her educational publishing company at WeGottaRead.com.
Michelle serves in women's ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. She regularly speaks at special events and writing workshops sponsored churches, schools, book clubs, and educational organizations.
The Stimpsons are proud parents of two young adults—one in the military, one in college—and a weird Cocker Spaniel named MiMi.
Visit Michelle online:
www.MichelleStimpson.com
www.Facebook.com/michelle.stimpson2
More Books by Michelle Stimpson
Christian Fiction
A Forgotten Love (Novella) Book One in the “A Few Good Men” Series
The Start of a Good Thing (Novella) Book Two in the “A Few Good Men” Series
A Shoulda Woulda Christmas (Novella)
Boaz Brown (Book 1 in the Boaz Brown Series)
No Weapon Formed (Book 2 in the Boaz Brown Series)
Divas of Damascus Road
Falling into Grace
I Met Him in the Ladies’ Room (Novella)
I Met Him in the Ladies’ Room Again (
Novella)
Last Temptation (Starring “Peaches” from Boaz Brown)
Mama B: A Time to Speak (Book 1)
Mama B: A Time to Dance (Book 2)
Mama B: A Time to Love (Book 3)
Mama B: A Time to Mend (Book 4)
Mama B: A Time for War (Book 5)
Mama B: A Time to Plant (Book 6)
Someone to Watch Over Me
Stepping Down
The Good Stuff
The Blended Blessings Series (co-authored with CaSandra McLaughlin)
Trouble In My Way (Young Adult)
What About Momma’s House? (Novella with April Barker)
What About Love? (Novella with April Barker)
What About Tomorrow? (Novella with April Barker)
Non-Fiction
Did I Marry the Wrong Guy? And other silent ponderings of a fairly normal Christian wife
Married for Five Minutes: Hope for Living Inside Real-Life Marriages
Uncommon Sense: 30 Truths to Radically Renew Your Mind in Christ
The 21-Day Publishing Plan
All This Love (Stoneworth Series Book 2) Page 13