Never.
This is the problem with putting human attributes on God. He is always, 100 percent about invading our lives with His love.
Invading? Yes. Complete means that He loves us into our dark corners. It makes me think of a wave crashing into a cave, washing every part.
In short, we can’t escape His love, His benevolence. Even in our darkest moments, His love is there.
Hard to imagine, isn’t it? If anyone knows my testimony, they know about the violent years my family lived through as we served as missionaries in Russia. But if I allow God into my memories, I see Him there, pouring His perfect love into every corner. His grace, His love, is always greater than the wounds the enemy can inflict.
Life without God’s love is terrifying. But God’s perfect—complete, overwhelming—love drives out fear.
Try this: next time fear overwhelms you, praise it away. Start singing the truth. Then step forward in the knowledge that God loves you (and your loved ones!) perfectly.
That perfect love even includes deep wounds. Like the loss of loved ones, and for Caleb, the loss of his leg and his future. I recently listened to Captain Scott Smiley, a soldier who lost his sight in a car bomb attack in Iraq. His courage and continued faith struck me, especially when he told the audience that he was better off now. That God was using him in a way he never could have imagined. That is trust in God’s perfect love. I want that kind of faith; I believe that kind of faith changes lives, and that is the faith I gave to Caleb. He reminds me that we are not responsible for the things that happen to us, but only for our response to these things, and that God can use our surrender for the good of others.
Sometimes our wounds are not physical but emotional. Like Lucy’s. In today’s world, it seems that losing your virginity to your high school sweetheart is almost expected. But it shouldn’t be. And neither should we, as a society, overlook the damage that giving oneself away before marriage might do, what lies one might hear as a result. I wanted to show how both Lucy and Seb were wounded by their choice, but also how God could give them a fresh start in His perfect love for them.
In every book I look for that profound moment from the Lord to show me how He wants to change me through the writing of it. That moment came when I wrote, God loved most foolishly. He came into the dark world to rescue people who might never love Him back. I stared at that line for so long I almost deleted it. It felt blasphemous. God is not foolish. But He is love. Big, overwhelming, incongruous love that looks foolish. A love that, even now, doesn’t seem wise. I mean, really, has He taken a look at the people He loves recently? What a mess they are! (And I’m not looking at anyone but myself when I say that!)
But see, that’s the amazing part. His love is perfect. Not messy. Not uneven. Consistent. Overwhelming. Freeing.
Life-changing.
And He offers it to us, no strings attached.
May you have a foolish heart for Christ, just as He has for you.
Thank you for spending time in Deep Haven, reading Issy, Caleb, Lucy, and Seb’s story. If you are interested in more Deep Haven stories, check out Happily Ever After, Tying the Knot, and The Perfect Match.
In His love,
Susan May Warren
About the Author
Susan May Warren is the RITA Award–winning author of more than thirty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church.
Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times and won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Four of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives.
For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.
Discussion Questions
1. At the beginning of the story, Issy is showing symptoms of what disorder? Have you ever had something so consume your life that you felt trapped? What helped you or would help you overcome that fear?
2. Issy has a rather unusual “work from home” job. Have you ever called in to a radio or television show? What do you think about online communities like the one Issy has formed? What are their benefits and dangers?
3. Issy has a top-ten list for her ideal man. Do you think that’s a good idea? Why or why not? What characteristics might be on your top-ten list?
4. Lucy can’t believe it when Seb, her high school sweetheart, shows up in town. Have you ever been surprised by someone from your past? When and where? How did it affect you, if at all?
5. Caleb wants to prove himself despite his disability. Have you ever felt as if the cards were stacked against you and you had to prove yourself? How did you handle that situation?
6. Seb returns home, hoping to relive his glory years. But some things aren’t as glamorous as he remembered. What parts of your past would you like to relive? What would you gladly never repeat?
7. Issy runs from Caleb when she first sees him. Have you ever been ashamed by your reaction to something or someone? What did you do about it?
8. Caleb gets desperate and asks for the advice of a radio host. Where have you gone for relationship help? Looking back, do you think you were given good advice?
9. In chapter 14, Pastor Dan points out that Caleb has been unwilling to continually accept grace, as Peter refused to let Jesus wash his feet. Have you ever been like Caleb and found God’s grace difficult to accept? Why?
10. Lucy and Issy are best friends, but Lucy hid the full truth of her past with Seb from Issy. Why? Would you have hidden such a secret from your best friend? Why or why not?
11. Near the end of the story, Seb and Lucy are able to come to terms with their past and are set free to start over. Is there any relationship you would like to start over with? What is keeping you from doing so?
12. Why is Caleb upset when he discovers that Issy is Miss Foolish Heart (as Issy is when she discovers BoyNextDoor’s identity)? Have you ever felt exposed or betrayed? How did you respond?
13. Caleb’s worst fear comes true when his secret is revealed in the middle of the pivotal football game. How would you have reacted in that situation?
14. Issy has let her fears create unnecessary distance between her and her father. Have you ever been estranged from a family member? Have you mended those bridges? If not, what holds you back?
15. What truth does Issy come to realize that helps her break free from her fears? Do you agree with what she learned? How could you apply the same truth to your life?
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