Firethorn (Discarded Heroes) (56 page)

Blessings in Christ,
Ronie

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1. Each of the Discarded Heroes books tackles post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a different way with the hope that readers will become more aware that trauma endured by those in combat and those who face terrifying situations comes in many forms. Have you experienced a traumatic event?

2. Firethorn addresses the issue of denial. Griffin rarely deals with his issues, instead believing that once he is “past” them, there is no need to look back. He thinks it isn’t worth his energy or focus, yet the pain and the repercussions of not adequately dealing with those issues leave him unable to relate to others well. Is there something in your life that you have pushed aside and not really dealt with?

3. Unhealed hurts and unforgiveness can lead to bitterness, which is detrimental to mental health. In fact, Katherine Piderman, PhD, staff chaplain at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, offers this list of the benefits of forgiveness:
Letting go of grudges and bitterness makes way for compassion, kindness, and peace. Forgiveness can lead to:

• healthier relationships

• greater spiritual and psychological well-being

• less stress and hostility

• lower blood pressure

• fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain

• lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse
*
Jesus said, “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14–15).
Is there someone you need to forgive, perhaps even yourself, and move on to a healthier mind, body, and spirit?

4. If you have read the other books in the Discarded Heroes series, you have seen a recurring element of the Nightshade men making sacrifices for one another and for loved ones. In John 15:13, Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” It is impossible to know with 100 percent certainty what we would do in situations like these, but do you feel one life is worth trading for another? In light of your answer, how would you respond to Christ’s sacrifice for you?

5. As a military brat, I grew up around a large diversity of races and cultures. My father was in the military and was exposed to these same experiences, yet he held tightly to many prejudices. Jesus says in John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” And Acts 10:34–35 says, “Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.’”

It’s clear that God shows no partiality regarding skin color but rather regarding the condition of the heart. Have you encountered discrimination or prejudice? If so, how have you handled it? Also, how can we as Christians show the love of Christ and do as we are commanded: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19)?

6. One very important character trait for Griffin is respect, which directly ties into honor (as with the Marines). After a tragedy diverts his life from his prideful ways, Griffin does his best to live a life of honor. In Firethorn, events happen that systematically disassemble the reputation he has built over the last dozen or so years. Such is life. It does not take into consideration our careful planning and future goals. Have you had experiences like this? Have you seen all your diligence undone in one unexpected or tragic incident? How have you handled it?

7. Firethorn sees the return of characters from throughout the series (this was so much fun for me—I hope you enjoyed it as well!). In bringing them back, I sought to show reconciliation of family relationships. Families are extremely instrumental in the development of who we become, but they are not the determining factor. In Firethorn you meet Scott Callaghan. An illegitimate son, he has worked to overcome his father’s legacy. We have a choice and—thankfully—through Christ, the power, to break devastating family cycles. What legacy are you creating?

8. Kacie/Kazi survived a brutal experience in her teen years, and now she has an inclination to maintain control in every situation. This is a common coping mechanism, one that even I struggle with (silly me, thought I could control my characters—ha!). Unfortunately, control is an illusion. We, in fact, can only control one thing—ourselves (how we react, respond, etc.). Do you struggle with control?

9. The members of Nightshade travel the globe and have the opportunity to experience various cultures and diversity. In Kazi’s line of work, she does the same thing. Do you enjoy traveling and meeting others from different cultures? What is the most unique culture you have encountered?

10. At first Kazi is angered that Griffin calls her Baby Girl. What significance does this have to her? Do you have a pet name that is special to you, either yours or one you’ve given to someone else? (Hint: In
chapter 21
, what does “dziewczyna” mean?)

11. In
chapter 28
, Griffin and Kazi have a heart-to-heart conversation, which draws out their attraction to each other. Griffin shows great restraint during the rooftop scene. Why does he do this? Do you think it is the right decision? What impact does it have on Kazi?

12. The cemetery featured in Firethorn, Shanganagh Cemetery outside of Dublin, is where I buried my mom in 1995. Just as Kazi said good-bye to her best friend, we are—at least for now—saying good-bye to the members of Nightshade. So let’s give them a bit of honor: Which character was your favorite? Why? If you’ll e-mail me your response, I’ll post your “In Memorial” on my blog!

An Army brat, Ronie Kendig married an Army veteran. They have four children and two dogs. She has a BS in Psychology, speaks to various groups, is active with the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and mentors new writers. Ronie can be found at
www.roniekendig.com
or
www.discardedheroes.com
.