1. What role do flashbacks play in the unfolding of the
narrative? Was there a particular flashback that connected with you? Why?
2. If you could sit and have a conversation with one of the
characters, whom would you choose? Why? What would you want to talk about?
3. Which character did you most identify with? Least identify?
Is there a character that evoked a strong positive or negative reaction from
you? Did your opinion change as the story unfolded?
4. Identify some of the turning points for the main characters
(Hannah, Meg, Mara, and Charissa). Why were these moments significant?
5. Name some of the images or metaphors that were significant
in each character’s process of self-discovery and transformation.
6. What are some of the important growth points for each
character?
What are some of the unresolved issues for each character? What
next steps do you hope each character takes?
7. Mara says, “I hate the word ‘discipline.’ I already feel
guilty.” What is your reaction to the concept of spiritual disciplines? Did
your opinion change as you traveled with the characters? Was there a particular
discipline that connected with you?
8. How would you respond to an invitation from New Hope?
Going Deeper:
1. How would you define "spiritual formation?" What do you find appealing or frightening about taking a sacred journey with other people?
2. What are your images of God, and how have these changed over
the years?
3. What “flashbacks” from your own life give insight into who
you are today?
4. When you think about your strong positive or negative
reactions to particular characters, what do those reactions reveal about you?
In what ways did the characters become mirrors or windows into your own life?
5. Which metaphors or images from the characters’ journeys spoke
to you or made you uncomfortable? What metaphors or images would you use to
describe your own journey toward intimacy with God?
6. Dr. Allen speaks to his students about a dance of movement
between attraction and resistance to God. What’s happening in your spirit as
you reflect upon your own movement toward or away from God?
7. How honest are you in your praying? What’s your reaction to
Hannah’s prayer on the beach?
8. Do you believe it’s a gift when light exposes the contents
of our “internal toxic waste containers?” Why or why not?
9. Meg says, “It’s easy to lose sight of how far I’ve come if
I’m only looking at how far I have to go.” Do you ever feel overwhelmed or
discouraged by the distance you still have to travel? What helps you keep a God-ward
perspective on your journey?
10. What next steps do you sense God is inviting you to take?
How are you “dumping the junk” to travel more “freely and lightly” with Jesus?
How are you “relaxing into God?”