A Quilt for Jenna (41 page)
Authors: Patrick E. Craig
Jenny laid her head down in her mama's lap again. “Sometimes I dream about being in the car where you found me,” Jenny said. “The dreams are sometimes strange, and mostly I don't understand them. You are there, and then you're an angel. And there's a bad man, and then
Daed
is there, and he always makes me feel safe. All I know is that I was lost and you found me. Thank you, Mama, for saving me.”
A voice from the doorway piped up. “No, Jenny, it was you who saved us.”
A tall man stood there, his hair and beard starting to show gray hairs among the black. He was stern of face but with a smile hidden in his eyes. He took off his black, broad-brimmed hat and came into the room.
“And how are my girls today?” he asked as he reached down and pulled them both into an embrace. He kissed Jenny on the cheek and the forehead and then gave Jerusha a kiss on the lips.
“Husband!” said Jerusha as she lowered her eyes and blushed red.
Reuben smiled and held them both even tighter.
I. Dealing with Loss
In chapter 1 Jerusha has experienced a deep personal tragedy in the death of her daughter, Jenna, and the disappearance of her husband, Reuben. She deals with it by letting a root of bitterness into her life that results in hatred toward God.
1. Have you ever had a similar loss in your life? A similar situation?
2. How did you deal with it?
3. What was the outcome? Positive or negative?
Scripture References: Philippians 3:8; Hebrews 12:12-15
II. Family Roots
In chapters 6 and 7 Jerusha learns about the roots of her faith and her family from her
grossmudder,
Hannah.
1. How important is it to understand your family's heritage?
2. How do you gain strength from your family?
3. If you are someone whose family is scattered and out of touch, how does it affect your life?
4. How important are families to God?
Scripture References: Psalm 68:6; Ephesians 6:4
III. Under the Law or Under Grace?
When Reuben returns from the war, he has been so traumatized that he seeks refuge in the church. He learns a great lesson in chapter 37.
1. What did Reuben place his faith in?
2. Was following the law the path to personal peace for Reuben?
3. What did Lowell tell Reuben about earning points with God that broke the bondage Reuben was under?
4. Do you think you are a Christian just because you follow the rules?
5. If you do, is it working for you?
Scripture References: James 2:10; Romans 8:1-2,
IV. Choices
In chapter 25 Jerusha must make a life-and-death decision. One choice will bring glory to God, the other will bring glory to her.
1. Have you ever had to make a decision that meant sacrificing something very precious in order to follow God?
2. How did you respond to the test?
3. What was the outcome?
Scripture References: 1 Peter 1:7; 1 Peter 4:12-14; John 3:16
P
ATRICK
E. C
RAIG
is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. He spent the next 26 years as a worship leader, seminar speaker, and pastor in churches and at retreats, seminars, and conferences all across the western United States. After ministering for a number of years in music and worship to a circuit of small churches, he is now concentrating on writing and publishing both fiction and nonfiction books. Patrick and his wife, Judy, make their home in Northern California and are the parents of two adult children and have five grandchildren.