Half Paralyzed, Twice Strong; Discussion Questions
By Fred Gutierrez, Rich O’Brien, and Linda Falter
About the Book
"Doctors thought his bullet-pierced brain, paralysis, and crippling past would define him. Instead, they never stop shouting to the world that Fred Gutierrez is an overcomer....."
Half Paralyzed, Twice Strong; A Shot at Hope from Life's Deepest Rough is the astounding story of one man's defiance of his left-side paralysis, and the friend who coached him all the way to a one-armed golf marathon for the glory of God. Rich O’Brien is a former college golf coach who is filled with boundless optimism after a miraculous recovery from multiple catastrophic injuries. But Rich’s victorious return to golf has been fueled by the faithful prayers of a disabled veteran he barely knows—Fred Gutierrez. When Rich agrees to coach Fred in achieving a dream to play one-armed golf, a fresh hope drives Fred to harness an iron resolve he never knew he possessed. Along the tortuous path to his goal, Fred’s life-long battle with a pain far greater than his physical disability comes to light.
Half Paralyzed, Twice Strong combines near-death experiences, staggering golf comebacks, and life-changing miracles with a frank look at a cross-section of American life we might prefer to ignore. Inspirational stories may abound, but few take the risk of honestly addressing such topics as PTSD, forgiveness after sexual assault, parental abuse, or bipolar disorder. Fred Gutierrez knows all too well that sympathetic silence can do precious little to bring about change. Thankfully, his friend and mentor, Rich O'Brien, offers Fred much more: himself. The result is a strength and an impact far greater than either could have imagined. Fred and Rich are not glamorized Hollywood heroes, but instead are two of those humble souls who quietly pack a payload of hope and courage. Their story is a rare gift.
?Discussion Questions for Group or Personal Reflection (pages 150-151)
Chapter 1: As humans, we recoil at the idea of encountering God at our worst. Should we? Why or why not? How does Psalm 139 shed light on this question?
Chapter 2: What part does honesty play in coming to God? What part does it play in bringing others to Him? In being a good spiritual mentor?
Chapter 3: Have you ever struggled to forgive? Should we “forgive and forget” or “forgive and give it over to God”? Is forgiveness a moment in time, a daily path, or both?
Chapter 4: What do you do when you hear pronouncements over your life that don’t line up with the promises of God? What if everything you see around you seems to line up with the negative view?
Chapter 5: What is your life’s passion? What steps can you take that will allow God to cultivate it fully?
Chapter 6: In what ways do you identify with this thought from the chapter: “ I had more to lose before I would look up?” How does this relate to the parable of Jerusalem known as “The Prodigal Son?
Chapter 7: Consider this phrase: “When you are waking up every day facing a huge mountain, you need a powerful motivator not to quit.” What is your mountain? Your motivator? Are you struggling not to quit?
Chapter 8: Rich’s frozen shoulder was a picture of how difficult it can be to overcome scars, though he eventually accepted this painful experience as a training tool for his life and game. How do the scars of life’s failures train us? What happens if we refuse to accept the lessons/discipline they offer us? Are you facing this choice?
Chapter 9: Do you know someone who struggles with a prescription painkiller or other addiction? Based on the chapter, what advice would you give them? If you have been there yourself, are you willing to come forward in order to bring them hope?
Chapter 10: Why do you think Rich chooses to celebrate the anniversary of his injury? Is it for his own benefit or the benefit of others? Are you comfortable sharing God’s work in your own life? Do you think if Rich had not been in the habit of sharing his story that Fred would have asked his “million dollar question”?
Chapter 11: Has someone in your life believed in you? What effect has that had on your dreams? Is there someone you feel you should be encouraging more consistently? Could you offer practical help in any way?
Chapter 12: This chapter discusses the difficulty of being “written off” after extended disability. It also begins with Jesus’ admonition to ask, seek, and knock on the door of heaven. Is there an area in your life where you have written yourself off- where you have given up on asking, seeking, knocking? When Fred signed up for the mission trip, it may have raised some eyebrows. Is God calling you to a similar step of faith?
Chapter 13:A portion of the chapter states, “My whole life history, the good and the bad, had prepared me for this.” Do you agree that bad events in life can prepare you for good- if so, how? Do you see this principle at work in Fred’s life as well as Rich’s? Do you see it reflected in the life of Paul, Peter, or other biblical characters?
Chapter 14: Perseverance in pursuing skill and knowledge is a major theme of this chapter, as well as being willing to tackle the uncomfortable or unfamiliar (like speaking in front of a camera). How can we maintain a balanced perspective between working hard and trusting/waiting on God?
Chapter 15: Fred said, “ Your greatest hope is your relationship with God; keep holding onto His hand. Don’t ever give up.” In your own words, how would you describe your greatest gift? How does the Scripture broaden our understanding of hope.
Chapter 16: Do you have hopes for your own unfinished story? Do your hopes include seeing “rescues in an endless cycle”? Do you see yourself as “rescued” or as a “rescuer”?