by Maureen Lang
Although Dessa has the full support of some in the community, not everyone in Denver supports the kind of mission she is starting. Can you think of a mission that might have difficulty garnering donations in today’s culture, or have we as a society gotten beyond most taboos?
When Henry sees the stove Dessa bought for Pierson House, his reaction suggests that she spent the bank’s money unwisely. But Dessa feels that the stove is a necessary investment that will contribute to Pierson House’s success. Whom do you agree with? Have you ever had to convince someone to spend money on a cause you felt was worthwhile? How did that person react?
Dessa offers “beauty lessons” in order to remind women that God finds them beautiful—even women whom polite society spurns. How can you remind yourself that God loves everyone, even those society sees as unlovely? Do you ever have to remind yourself that God sees you as beautiful too?
Belva helps Dessa because Dessa reminds her of the daughter she might have had. When have you been ready to like—or dislike—someone, just because they remind you of someone else? What can be good or bad about this kind of response?
When Turk Foster offers to help Dessa raise money for Pierson House, most are appalled, but some, like Remee, encourage Dessa to accept the money. Do you think Dessa would have been right to accept donations from such a source? Can money be tainted, even when it’s going to a cause you believe in?
Because of the offer’s timing, Dessa initially believes that Turk Foster’s benefit is an answer to her prayers for funds. What would you have believed in her situation? How do you determine whether a provision or solution is truly an answer to prayer?
When Nadette asks for Dessa’s help to rescue Mei Mei, it’s quickly clear that Dessa is in over her head. Have you ever tried to do something that you should have handed over to someone better equipped? What was the result?
By the end of the story, both Henry and Turk Foster have changed. What is the difference in their transformations? Do you notice any similarities?
Toward the end, Henry says to Dessa that if they didn’t have the pasts they had, they might not have become the people they turned out to be. Is there anything in your past that you wish had been different? If you believed that event made you who you are today, would you still regret it? Why or why not?