Interview, Excerpt

 Freefall Discussion Questions: by Kristen Heitzmann

2. Many of Freefall’s characters are struggling with issues from their past—some recent and others going back to their childhood. Which character connected most powerfully with you? Why?

3. It is easy to point the finger at Allegra’s infidelity and her earlier craving for money (and the security it supposedly brings) as the major factors for the stress in her and Rob’s marriage, but as Rob comes to realize in the story, he also made some choices that harmed their marriage. Even though he supported her during their separation, how might he have treated her in a more loving manner?

4. In this story, Gentry struggles with whether it is possible for her to continue in the acting profession because of the pressures it puts on her morally and her fear of how it might affect her relationship with Cameron as well as her Christian witness. Do you think it is possible to withstand the demands of the acting profession and celebrity—especially in Hollywood? What are some other professions that have similar pressures?

5. Gentry believes Hollywood is a shaper of contemporary culture and Christians have a responsibility to keep shining light and truth in the movies being made, as well as being, themselves, moral role models to other creative youth. Do you agree with Gentry’s position?

6. Can Hollywood be seen as a mission field with a powerful avenue to reach seeking individuals through art and story and the deep connections people make with the characters and plights portrayed on the silver screen? What other unconventional avenues would you consider useful in raising awareness and touching lives?

7. Soon after Rob praised God for his rescue, he was hit by the reality that his life was not going back to “normal.” He struggled to forgive God and Gentry. If possible, share a time in your life when you went through a similar struggle.

8. When Gentry finally remembered her past, she was forced to struggle anew with both Troy’s betrayal and her friend Helen’s rejection. From your experience, or the experience of people you know, what are the most helpful methods for healing after such things occur?

10. Scripture tells us God’s grace is sufficient, but each of the characters in this story has the chance to wonder if that is true. Have you ever come to a place where you thought God was asking more of you than you could handle?

11. At several points in this story, Cameron is certain that God is giving Gentry special protection. Have you experienced a time in your life when you felt the special protection of God or his angels?

12. In chapter 20, Nica tells Gentry that after her mountaintop conversion she walked into the realm of darkness (the set of Steel) with the Shekina glory still fresh. Have you ever met someone who seemed to have the touch of God visible in her or him?

13. Even though Rob seems to be an exemplary Christian, he struggles with God after learning the extent of his loss. But the end of chapter 22 he finally gives in to God’s desire to “resuscitate his soul.” What conditions or factors brought him to the place where he was once again able to lay his life before the Lord and trust him with the future?

14. In Freefall, the author has shown us the human side of Curt--especially when he is holding Gentry captive in the motel room. She isn’t making excuses for him, and of course he is responsible for the choices he makes, but are we sometimes too quick to judge people’s actions by focusing only on the crimes they commit and not so much on what they have endured in their past? Are there things that we can do as individuals and a society to stop the cycle?

15. At the end of the story, are you confident that Cameron and Gentry are headed for a healthy marriage? If so, what have they experienced and dealt with, both as individuals and as a couple, that changed and prepared them since the beginning of the story? If not, what concerns you?

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