My Hope Is Found
Page 30
3. Cassie’s decision to let Gideon go is a difficult one. Do you think peace may be on the horizon for her? Will her time with Gideon play a role in how she lives out the rest of her life? If so, in what ways?
4. Twice, Tal welcomes Gideon into his home and onto his farm. Each time, Gideon has been in a place of wandering and searching. Why do you think Tal treats Gideon with this kindness? How does the man and his family affect Gideon’s life?
5. One of Toby’s great strengths is his ability to love through difficult circumstances. This is both a gift and a burden for him. It allows Toby to minister to people but also brings him heartache as he lives out the sacrifices of Christlike love. What role does Toby’s selflessness play in Lonnie’s spiritual journey? What role does it play in Gideon’s? How would the story have been different without this element?
6. Knowing that he may not always be in Lonnie and Jacob’s lives, Gideon desires to leave them something of worth—the orchard. What does this symbolize about his love for them? In what ways has this love changed and grown since we first saw Gideon in Be Still My Soul?
7. When Lonnie learns that there are rumors surrounding her and the children who have no present father, she is hurt but manages to turn the other cheek and recognize the gossip for what it is—empty words. In 1902 Appalachia, what could this mean for her future or her place in society? Do you think the rumors hurt Lonnie more than she let on?
8. Gideon looks to Toby as an example of a godly man, something he feels he can never become. At the same time, Toby looks to Gideon as a capable man for carving out a life in the Appalachian hills. Each man sees himself differently than his rival does. What does this say about them? Is this a tendency we humans have?
9. Near the end of the story, Jebediah tells Gideon that he needs to learn to entrust Lonnie to God. In what ways does this conflict with Gideon’s personality? What steps does he take toward trusting God with the outcome? At what time in your life have you had to rely on the Lord in this way?
10. Toby is willing to risk his heart for Lonnie’s love. What does this cost him in the end? Why is Toby willing to put his heart on the line? Lonnie learns to care for Toby in a way she never anticipated. As his friend, what does it cost her to break Toby’s heart?
11. In chapter 38, Gideon realizes that “he knew what it was to be addicted. Knew how to hold on to something with everything inside him.” He fears that his love for Lonnie—this deep need for her—is no different than his other desires in the past. In what ways is he correct? In what ways is his love for Lonnie very different?
12. Lonnie’s life has always paralleled the hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” How have you seen this reflected in her journey?
13. The theme for My Hope is Found is “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1: 2–3). In what ways did you see this verse unfold?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
“Thanks” never seems enough to the team at WaterBrook Multnomah for all you do. You’ve given these stories wings and have been there for each step of this amazing process. I will be forever grateful. A very special thank-you to my editor, Shannon Marchese, for knowing that somewhere inside of me is always the deeper story. You know just how to ask for it. Thank you.
Three years ago I sent MacGregor Literary a note and wondered if it would get an answer. Thank you, Sandra Bishop, for being that answer and for seeing something in this series worth trying for.
To my parents, for a life of love, for being baby-sitters extraordinaire, and for always providing chocolate whenever the going got tough. I’m so thankful for you. And to sweet friends who make this journey not a lonely one, thank you for the hugs and the smiles and the happy tears.
A special thanks to the Patrick County Historical Society for providing invaluable knowledge on the cities of Stuart, Fancy Gap, and Rocky Knob. Also to Pat Ross and William Luebke for going the extra mile in answering my questions.
To my little family: You make life happy and messy and perfect. I adore you.
And to the God who makes all things new: Thank You for filling my heart so that I can find the words. May each one sift through Your fingers so that each story will be for Your glory.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christy Award finalist and author of Be Still My Soul and Though My Heart Is Torn, Joanne Bischof lives in the mountains of Southern California with her first sweetheart and their homeschooled children. When she’s not weaving Appalachian romance, she’s blogging about faith, writing, and the adventures of country living that bring her stories to life.
Gideon O’Riley, bluegrass musician and handsome ladies’ man, has set his roving eye on innocent Lonnie Sawyer. He steals a kiss from the shy girl, causing a misunderstanding that lands them in a shotgun marriage. Can his young wife’s patient faith teach him the meaning of love?
Read an excerpt from this book and more at
www.WaterBrookMultnomah.com!
Gideon and Lonnie O’Riley are finally happy, in love with each other and their young son. But then a woman from Gideon’s past appears, claiming to be his wife and shattering their marriage. How can God redeem their torn hearts?
Read an excerpt from this book and more at
www.WaterBrookMultnomah.com!
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