Wedded to War
Page 37
6. At the ball near the beginning of the story, Caleb says to Charlotte, “What if your stepping out of formation was actually a step in the right direction? What a shame it would be if you were always confined to a prescribed number and pattern of steps.” Have you ever stepped out of the expected pattern for your life? Did you feel like you were going in the wrong direction at first? How do you view those steps now?
7. Throughout the book, Ruby either has to make “a new start” for herself, or respond to a dramatic life change that feels more like “the end” for her. Can you recall a point in your life which you initially thought was a turn for the worse, but which ended up growing into a new start for you?
8. What insecurities fuel Phineas’s behavior throughout the novel? How do our own insecurities affect how we interact with people?
9. Shoddy uniforms fell apart even before the first battle, leaving soldiers exposed to the elements and driving morale into the ground. In both North and South, many soldiers even went without suitable weapons. Has there been a time when you thought you were prepared to meet a challenge, only to discover you weren’t well equipped for the task, after all? Read Ephesians 6:10–17. Now think about your spiritual challenges. What happens when we try to meet these without being properly dressed in the full armor of God?
10. During the Civil War, amputations were considered necessary to prevent the damaged limbs from poisoning the rest of the body, claiming the life of the soldier. How does this relate to Jesus telling us to cut off the hand that causes us to sin? (See Matthew 18:7–9.)
11. Edward Goodrich’s crisis of faith comes when he focuses on the casualties of war and disease. Where did Dr. Gurley place the focus of his remarks during Willie Lincoln’s funeral? (page 264)
12. Today, wars and injustices happen around the world every day. Does this affect your faith in a sovereign God? Why or why not? How does your faith change when you experience your own personal battles?
13. For much of the story, Ruby is held captive to shame and guilt. Is there any sin that you feel God cannot forgive? Is it harder for you to forgive someone else, or for you to forgive yourself? Why?
14. Between August of 1861 and the following summer, the North idolized Major General George B. McClellan and believed he was the answer that would defeat the South and save the Union. What is the danger in placing too much faith in any one person or possible solution? When have you seen this happen in our own country? In your personal life? What happened?
15. Dr. Caleb Lansing hates how many amputations he must do, because it seems in direct contradiction to his innate desire to heal—which he always thought of as putting things back together. But sometimes we must experience pain or go through conflict before there can be peace and healing. When has this been true in your life?
16. As Charlotte flexes her newfound independence, she grows to disdain many men in authority over her. Her decision to circumvent the proper procedures and authorities costs Marty her life. Is she any better than the ambulance drivers who disobeyed orders and ran away from the battlefields without carrying any patients? Have you ever been placed under authority you didn’t agree with? What happened? Under which circumstances is it necessary to go against authority?
17. Edward begins to lose his way when he cares more about Charlotte’s approval than he cares about God’s. Can you remember a time when you valued someone else’s opinion of you as more important than God’s? What happened?
18. Alice’s priority is to serve her husband, while Charlotte’s goals take her far from home. Just before the Seven Days’ Battle, Alice says to Charlotte, “Sometimes the people who most need our help are the ones God has already placed in our lives.” How do you balance ministering to your own family with serving the Lord outside your home?
19. When Charlotte returns to New York after nursing, she finds that she no longer fits the life she once lived. Have you experienced a similar “outgrowing” of a previous lifestyle or relationship? What caused the change in you, and how did you respond to the growth?
20. After Ruby has Aiden, she claims the verses in John 8:31–32: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” What kind of freedom is Jesus offering here?
Acknowledgments
Though only my name is on the cover, there are many people whose help and support have made this book what it is. I am indebted to:
Bettina Dowell, for friendship, and hospitality on my way to Gettysburg, where I fell in love with the musty research that led to this entire series of Civil War novels.
Deborah Keiser, for giving me a chance to write fiction, and to Moody’s editorial team for their skillful edits.
My agents David Sanford, for convincing my doubting heart I could actually do this, and Tim Beals, for his support along the way.
Laurie Alice Eakes, award-winning author and my book mentor, for guidance and encouragement.
Linda Montgomery, for housing me during my research trip to the Virginia Peninsula, and for her ongoing support, prayers, and enthusiasm.
Terry Reimer, Director of Research at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, Maryland, for showing me primary sources that strengthened my research.
Everyone who prayed for me and my family during this journey.
My parents, Peter and Pixie Falck, and my brother and sister-in-law, Jason and Audrey Falck, for countless hours of child care while I wrote this novel.
My husband Rob, for supporting my intense writing schedule without complaint, for making every Saturday with the kids a new adventure for them to treasure, and for your many insightful edits to the book.
Most of all, I want to thank God, who is the Word Himself, and the Author of Life, for inspiring and sustaining me.
About the Author
Jocelyn Green is an award-winning author of multiple books, including Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives, and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Military Writers Society of America, Christian Authors Network, and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with her incredibly supportive husband and two adorable children. This is her first novel. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.
MORE TO COME IN THE HEROINES BEHIND THE LINES SERIES
WIDOW OF GETTYSBURG
RELEASE DATE APRIL 2013
YANKEE OF ATLANTA
RELEASE DATE MAY 2014
SPY OF RICHMOND
RELEASE DATE JANUARY 2015
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