If you are using these stories as devotionals or Sunday School material, these thoughts and questions are designed to start conversations.
Chapter 1, Lilies, asks us to reconsider what we are called to do. We often assume that callings are limited to career choices, and while a calling may involve a career, it doesn't necessarily have to. No matter what we do, we are called to live beyond fear and it's unruly subject, competition. We are called to promote the well being of others and create an atmosphere of acceptance and grace for our neighbors. Do you think the calling described in the first chapter of Lilies qualifies?
Chapter 2, Just Words, reminds us of the power of our own speech. What we say to others matters. The long and short of it is that words can either build up or break down and it is through words as well as actions that we create relationships. How many of our words are aimed specifically at building up others?
Chapter 3, Beginnings, explores what it means to be forgiven and to forgive. Does it mean starting over? Is forgetting involved? Is forgiving oneself just as important as forgiving others?
Chapter 4, On The Rocks, takes a look at the sort of foundations upon which we build. So often, we try to build our lives on something less than solid and, if we're lucky, we can look back and see where the weak spots are, where the walls are cracking, where the roof is sagging. How much of the foundation of our lives is built purposefully and how much just happens? How much is it built by someone else? How much are we in control of that foundation? Can it be changed?
Chapter 5, Undone, asks us to consider the many things in our lives we have left undone. So often, we feel that if we aren't doing something negative, we are in the clear, but this story challenges that idea and considers instead the need to live in a purposeful and positive direction. What does a life that is moving toward something positive look like? How are we affected by a life that is simply avoiding conflict?
Chapter 6, From The Mouths of Fools, considers where it is we look for wisdom and the role our assumptions play in creating our world views. Do we see ourselves as benevolent and worthy, often deserving of the good things we have? Do we sympathize with others and find wisdom even in the foolish things of the world?
Chapter 7, Hope Maybe, takes a look at what it means to go the extra mile, what it means to be compassionate when what we really want to do is run away. It considers how we use our time and effort. Are we victims of life's injustice, finally giving in to the power of death, or do we stand in the face of it and extend a hand to those around us?
Chapter 8, The Door, is about grief and the power of loss to refocus us and move us to a new place. Does grief always lead to hope? When we pray for miracles, do we look for burning bushes or doors?
Chapter 9, Innocence Gained, considers openness and wonder as keys to God's kingdom. How great a role does openness to new possibilities play in moving us? If we are open, are we safe?