Public Faithfulness and Secret-Keeping

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Written By Carol Harston

As we read in Frances’ Step One, Frances’ family treated faith in public as the highest good. What others thought of the family was akin to God’s approval of the family’s faithfulness. Reflect on how family perception impacted the beliefs you received. 

  • In what ways have you seen people assume that public faithfulness mirrors God’s approval?

  • Frances’ secret-keeping kept her mother from having to expose and stop the abuse. What factors could have been at play to stop her mother from stepping in to stop it?

  • How can faith communities foster honesty (no matter the costs) so that all children can be safe in their homes?

  • Children have little choice or voice when adults misbehave. What beliefs contribute to this challenge?

Carol Harston
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