Authors: Tessa Afshar
Pearl in the Sand (45 page)
P
rofound thanks to Wendy Lawton from
Books and Such
Literary Agency, who took me under her professional wings, and proceeded to change my life. Words cannot express my gratitude to Paul Santhouse from Moody Publishers who believed in this book and championed it so faithfully. I also wish to thank Duane Sherman and the other dedicated staff at Moody whose incredible encouragement and hard work made every part of the publication process pure joy.
Writing is a solitary process, but even the most self-contained writers need the companionship of a few special friends. To those who supported me along this journey, read my first drafts, and loved me and prayed for me through every step: Karen Connors, Janice Johnson, Cheryl Mallon, Tegan Willard, Kathi Smith, Linda Stricland, and Emi Trowbridge, my dearest thanks. I would have given up many times without your encouragement. And Millie Tolley, for your prayers and eyes that saw, I am so grateful. Thanks also to Leslie Goetler who in the midst of crazy residency hours took the time to give me medical information, and Persh Parker who showed me how a raging river can be crossed.
A special thanks to my closest friend, Rebecca Rhee, who brought me a Christmas tree when I had no time and made me soup on cold long nights. Rebecca and Beth, your friendship through the years has been one of the most profound blessings of my life. What would I do without you?
Many thanks to my father and mother for the generous freedoms they bestowed on me all my life, including letting me read at the dinner table when I was a child and allowing me to love Jesus freely when I grew up.
And to the many women who inspired this story with their valiant battle against the sorrows of life—sorrows that led to self-condemnation and shame: you are women of worth (Ruth 3:11).
In chapter 1, we see overt and subtle ways that Rahab’s family fails to love and protect her. Describe some of these situations.
What emotional wounds does Rahab sustain as a result?
In your own life, were there ways in which your family failed to love and protect you?
How do you feel these circumstances have affected you?
In chapter 2, Rahab befriends Debir. What are some of the qualities in Debir that draw Rahab to him? What defects do you detect in him as a friend?
Describe the qualities you would like to see in an ideal friend. How many of these qualities do
you
possess?In chapter 3, we see Rahab being drawn to the Lord. What qualities does she perceive in God that draw her to Him?
Use three words to describe God as you understand Him.
What made Rahab willing to risk her life in order to save the Jewish spies?
In chapter 6, what principles can we learn from Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the army of the Lord?
In chapter 8, Joshua accuses Salmone of growing judgmental in his attempt to become righteous. What do you think that means?
Do you see any judgmental attitudes in yourself?
In chapter 17, Rahab says that she is grateful for the snake. What do you think she means?
Are there snakes in your life for which you have learned to be grateful? Share why.
In chapter 21, Salmone calls Rahab his Jericho. What does he mean?
Ancient cities were often surrounded by defensive walls meant to keep harmful elements out and allow good to come in. Rahab’s heart has walls that act in the opposite direction: they allow harm in (for example pride, the belief that she isn’t lovable or worthy, fear), and keep love and intimacy out. In what ways are the defensive walls of your heart reversed like Rahab’s?
In chapter 23, Salmone tries to explain the difference between shame and true guilt. Explain this in your own words.
In chapter 24, Rahab and Salmone both comprehend the true source of Rahab’s worth through the lesson of the pearl earring. What gives you your sense of worth? In what ways does your life show this?
How do you think God feels about you?
In chapter 26, Rahab learns purity in the bed of her husband. What does that mean to you?
Rahab finally forgives her father. What do you think helps her do that?
Are there still unforgiving places in your heart? What will help you overcome these feelings?
In what ways do you feel you are like Rahab?
What are some of God’s qualities discussed in this story that touched your heart? Why?
If there is a way into madness, logic says there is a way out. Logic says. Tallis, a philosopher’s servant, is sent to a Greek academy in Palestine only to discover that it has silently, ominously, disappeared. No one will tell him what happened, but he learns what has become of four of its scholars. One was murdered. One committed suicide. One worships in the temple of Dionysus. And one & one is a madman.
From the author of The Brother’s Keeper comes a tale of mystery, horror, and hope in the midst of unimaginable darkness, the story behind the Geresene demoniac of the gospels of Mark and Luke.
by Tracy Groot
Find it now at your favorite local or online bookstore.
www.MoodyPublishers.com