Book Discussion Guide, Week #1

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.

♥ ferree

Week One: Grieving—chapters 1-5 of Postcards; based on Ruth 1:1-9

 

Icebreaker: Which postcard did you like most? Which chapter was your favorite? Which journaling exercise was most helpful for you? How would you feel after a 50-mile hike like Naomi and Ruth took?

Discussion Questions

· The widows in Ruth seem pretty special since we can read about them in the Bible, but in what ways were they like ordinary women today?

· What are the ways a person's identity might change because of loss?

· How can listing her losses help a widow through grief?

· What tasks could you start on now in case you decide to move in the future? What would it take for you to decide to re-locate after loss?

· What sort of mountains and challenges do you face? How would seeing them as part of the scenery along the way, rather than the destination, offer hope and help?

· What do you think of the statement that every widow needs both kindness and rest? What might have happened in this Bible story if Naomi had not prayed for kindness and rest? What should we do if we feel our prayers are going nowhere?

Conclusion: Establish a routine of taking prayer requests and closing with a prayer. Thank everyone for coming and decide when and where you'll meet next time. Session 2—Changing—will include the three choices of widows, how friendships change, Naomi's big meltdown and 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