Book Discussion Guide, Week #2

Dear Reader,

Blogs are a good resource for widows, but it’s so good to talk face to face with other widows, and my book Postcards from the Widows' Path provides the perfect opportunity. Over the next several weeks, every Thursday, I'll post each of the five sections of the discussion guide to Postcards.... That way you will always be able to access it right here in the blog whenever you're ready for a group. I think this will be a good solution for my overseas friends like Babs, in England, who's in a widows group the Lord is beginning. This way she won't have to wait for it in the mail.

Maybe you'd like to gather two, three or more widows or others for a time of friendship, support and meaningful conversation too. Meet around your kitchen table, or a casual coffee shop, or your church library---any place that's comfortable and distraction free. You’ll cherish the sacred reflections and find renewed hope as we journey through Ruth.

Week 2: Changing—chapters 6-10 of Postcards...; from Ruth 1:10-22 

Icebreaker Which postcard did you like most? Which chapter was your favorite? Which journaling exercise was most helpful for you? If you could live anywhere in the world you wanted, where would you choose to go?

Discussion Questions

· On page 59 is a list of some misconceptions which are easy to believe when we are suffering. Which one do you think is the most common for people today?

· Discuss the three choices for widows in chapter 7. In which group do you find yourself---1) remain? 2) return? 3) risk?

· During grief, some widows are drawn closer to the wonder and love of God, as Ruth. Others struggle like Naomi. How do you see faith existing in both of these women?

· Have friendships changed for you since your husband died? If so, what are some character traits you need to look for in new friendships?

· How would you have felt and responded to the villagers of Bethlehem if you were Naomi returning home after ten years and so much loss?

· There are both similarities and differences between Naomi's outburst in Ruth 1:21 and Christ's cry from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? How are they similar? How are they vastly different?

· Do you view your experience in following God as closer to Ruth's or more like Naomi's?

Conclusion: Take prayer requests and close in prayer. Thank everyone for coming and decide when and where you'll meet next time to talk about section three—Working—taking the next step, a turning point in grief, safe people and much more!

P.S. The best place to order Postcards From The Widows' Path is right here on this blog. Click on the Bookstore tab at the top of the page and you'll find a safe and secure PayPal button. You don't need a PayPal account either. If you prefer to pay by check, please email me with the # of books you want to order and your shipping address. I ship by media mail only and your order will arrive in 2 - 9 days.

For International orders, you must email me first with your country and mailing code so I can send you an invoice which you can securely pay with a credit card.

And finally, if you'd like a free printed copy of the discussion guide, please email me at WCplace@gmail.com