Homefront Hero (23 page)

Dear Reader,

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.” Life’s “hot waters” are indeed what makes us strong, and are often how God molds us into who He wants us to be. John and Leanne came into this story with goals very different from the experiences God gave them. But in His infinite wisdom, God not only gave them hardships, but gave them each other. Love allows life’s challenges to bring out the best in ourselves and our relationships. While John’s and Leanne’s wounds make them who they are, their spirits reveal who they can be. It’s my hope that these two brave lovers give you hope and courage for the challenges you face. As always, I love to hear from you at www.alliepleiter.com or P.O. Box 7026 Villa Park, IL 60181.

Allie

Questions for Discussion

1. Think back to a time when your future felt wide open with possibilities like Leanne’s. What caused you hope? What caused you fear?
   
2. Are people right or wrong to call John Gallows a hero for his airship incident?
   
3. Would you have said yes if you were asked to be part of the Red Cross knitting promotion photos? What would you have done in Leanne’s place?
   
4. Did you have a time in your life where physical pain was a serious issue? What helped you cope? What made it worse?
   
5. What is good about Leanne’s idea of waltzing? What’s not so wise about it?
   
6. How would you help a soldier like Private Carson?
   
7. Do you think John recognizes the gift he’s been given? Why or why not?
   
8. Would you have stopped John from waltzing in front of General Barnes? What would you have suggested he do instead?
   
9. Leanne tells John, “God’s placed you in just the right place at just the right time.” When have you felt this way? What came from the experience?
   
10. John disregards his body’s need to heal. Do you agree with his approach? What are the risks and are they really worth taking?
    
11. Leanne says, “I am [not] free to ignore God’s instructions simply because I wish differently.” When have you faced this struggle? Would you change how you reacted?
    
12. Have you faced a large-scale crisis like the influenza epidemic? What did you gain from the experience? What was the cost of it for you or those you love?
    
13. If John were your son, would you have made him get on the train or let him stay with Leanne?
    
14. Leanne feels God close to her when she is desperately ill. Have you had such an experience? How has it changed you?
    
15. Is there a way you can use a craft you love to support the men and women in the armed forces? Contact your local yarn shop, fabric store, Red Cross, or search the internet to see if there’s a project suited to you.
    

ISBN: 9781459227880

Copyright © 2012 by Alyse Stanko Pleiter

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