My Dad's a Dreamer, My Boyfriend's a Planet and I'm Lost in Space
by Clark Sayre
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Study Guide
Chapter One: Part 1
The Cringe Moment
1) Have you ever had a cringy moment? Describe it.
Think of Mary, Jesus' mother. She literally had to carry her embarrassment with her for nine months.
If a man is found sleeping with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. .You must purge the evil from Israel. Deuteronomy 22:23-24
So this was a culture that took betrothal (engagement) seriously. Life or death seriously.
2) First, without looking at the scriptures, answer the following by trying to put yourself in Mary's place.
a) What would your initial reaction be if an Angel named Gabriel said to you: "You 're going to give birth to the Son of God?
b) What would it take for you to change your reaction?
3) If you were Mary, how would you explain to Joseph, your fiancé, why you were pregnant?
4) Now, let's look at Luke 1:26-38
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
5) How were Mary's reactions different than your own?
6) Gabriel said:
Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:36-37
7) Why do you think Gabriel added this? Do you think that was an important part of Mary's decision to trust God?
Chapter One: Part 2
Identity
1) Erika describes herself as "mid" in relation to her other friends Rhon and Nette. How would you describe yourself in relation to your: parents/siblings/friend group/youth group?
2) From that list, who "gets you"/"sees you" best?
3) Judging from just Chapter One, which character is most like yourself: Erika, Rhon or Nette? What makes you say that?
4) Like Erika, list your anxieties? (in no particular order)
5) Choose one and meditate on this scripture: Allow it to calm your heart.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-8
Chapter One: Part 3
Being Seen
1) What do you think Erika means when she talks about being "seen?"
2) Who "sees" you the best: parents, siblings, friend group, youth group, etc.
3) What does it take to really "see" someone?
4) Are you good at it? Why? Why not?
4) How do you think God "sees" you?
5) Reflect on this scripture. Does it alter your view?
13 For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 39:13-14