BREAKING STRONGHOLDS
Study Guide
Episode 1: The Situation
MEET THE CHARACTERS:
Ryan James
Ryan is a sensitive, artistic teen. He feels like an outsider at school--doesn’t fit in and now, he has not made the track team. He also carries trauma from the past--His mother died when he was nine years old. He can’t remember ever having a conversation with his dad about his mom’s death, so even as a young child, he buried the pain of losing her. His father, Ethan, is a busy detective who is distant and detached. He has a crush on Peyton (childhood friend) and is sad, angry, and frustrated that she has other boys. She sees him only as a “good friend.” He and his sister, Riley, have a minimal relationship. She is a high achiever. He is an underachiever. She avoids emotional situations, but he feels overwhelmed by them. This has left Ryan feeling lonely, isolated, without hope and purpose. Day and night, suicidal thoughts flood his mind, so he devises a plan. But it is interrupted by a mysterious stranger.
Ethan James
Ryan is a sensitive, artistic teen. He feels like an outsider at school--doesn’t fit in and now, he has not made the track team. He also carries trauma from the past--His mother died when he was nine years old. He can’t remember ever having a conversation with his dad about his mom’s death, so even as a young child, he buried the pain of losing her. His father, Ethan, is a busy detective who is distant and detached. He has a crush on Peyton (childhood friend) and is sad, angry, and frustrated that she has other boys. She sees him only as a “good friend.” He and his sister, Riley, have a minimal relationship. She is a high achiever. He is an underachiever. She avoids emotional situations, but he feels overwhelmed by them. This has left Ryan feeling lonely, isolated, without hope and purpose. Day and night, suicidal thoughts flood his mind, so he devises a plan. But it is interrupted by a mysterious stranger.
Riley James
Riley is a senior in high school with significant opportunities ahead of her. Her father is very proud of her achievements and puts a lot of pressure on her, especially regarding grades and college. She’s the only thing in his life that seems to be going well. Riley is not sure she even wants to go to college. She has spent her years since her mother died (7 years) turning her pain and anger toward achievements, and has never addressed the pain and anger. She doesn’t know how to. She has built walls and intends to keep them there because it feels safer than having genuine, connected relationships.
JOURNAL PROMPTS:
As you watch Episode 1, look for the answers to these questions. Keep a journal of your answers to get the most out of what God may be teaching you through Breaking Strongholds. If possible, watch the episode with others and discuss your answers.
1. As the story opens, what are the negative things that Ryan is thinking about?
2. What positive memory causes him to pause for a moment as he looks up to the light coming through the leaves?
3. Copy Philippians 4:8-9 into your journal.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
4. If dark thoughts creep into your mind, what are three to five positive things you can focus on to shift your perspective from darkness to light?
5. Isolation and loneliness are a big part of unhealthy thinking that can lead to despair. How is Ryan isolating himself and keeping people at arm’s length?
6. Riley is very busy and distracted concerning Ryan while Peyton is more aware that something is “off” with him. Which character do you relate to the most in this episode–Riley, Peyton or Ryan? Why?
7. In this episode, we are introduced to Redmond Quinn. How does Grace feel about Redmond? Why doesn’t she trust him?
PRAYER:
Ask God to help you find your identity and purpose in Him. As a believer in Jesus, He gives you a new identity: "You are a new creation in Christ; the old has gone, and the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17. Understanding your identity in Jesus gives you the purpose to live daily for Him, no matter where you are. Take time to pray and ask God to give you a fresh perspective of who you are in Christ.
