Whisper Town

by Patricia Hickman

  6.The various opinions and viewpoints that confront Jeb cause him to question his abilities. He discovers that maintaining his confidence in his abilities is an exercise in mental strength. Have you ever been criticized for making what you felt was the right choice? Is our society supportive of those who choose to make the harder ethical choices?

  7.Reverend Louie Williamson makes reference to standing up against the monsters of his day. What does he mean by standing up against the monsters? In what way does he take a stand?

  8.Angel longs to be a part of Fern’s family or at least live as the Coulters live with what she views as quiet security. Fern considers her family’s background a burden and one from which she has seemingly run away. It is human nature to want a life different than what you already have. Is there a key to building a life in which you will know true contentment?

  9.The Mt. Zion church choir makes an unexpected appearance singing for the Church in the Dell families. If Jeb had asked for a delegation from his church to visit the Mt. Zion Church, what might have been the response? If a minister were to make such a request today, what might be the response?

  10.When Lucky’s brother Ruben shows up to express to Jeb his desire to forgive his family’s enemies, he is eager to see his life change. Then his life changes for the worse. Injustice makes us feel helpless. What are the positives that can follow an unjust act? Do the positives justify the injustice?

  11.Jeb is driven by his frustration to write an essay for the American Dream contest. He wins and then is invited to deliver the message to a small group of people in Washington, D.C., far from Nazareth and far from the inequalities that have not been brought to justice. Does it make us feel frustrated or encouraged when a life that stands for right is handed a small if temporary platform?

  12.Jeb Nubey becomes a symbol to Fern of what a true hero represents. Are most heroes recognized in their day and by their peers?

  13.What small fragment of a community might be changed through one heroic act? What biographies might you recommend of those who through small heroic acts have ushered in a world of change?

  Here are a few recommended biographical titles, but by no means an exhaustive list:

  The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

  Eric Liddell: Something Greater Than Gold by Janet Benge

  A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Eliot

  Jungle Pilot by Russell T. Hitt

  Mary Slessor of Calabar by W.P. Livingstone

  Now It Is Time by Lois Heathman Roberts

  R.A. Torrey, Apostle of Certainty by Roger Martin

  Into the Glory by Jamie Buckingham

  William Carey by Basil Miller

  The Legacy of William Carey by Vishal Mangalwadi

  George Muller: The Guardian of Bristol’s Orphans by Janet Binge

  Gladys Aylward by Catherine Swift

  Multi-biographical volumes:

  Movers and Shapers—Singles Who Changed Their World by Harold Ivan Smith

  Profiles in Evangelism by Dr. Fred Barlow

  Molder of Dreams by Guy Doud (one man’s story of how everyday people impacted his life)