ABOUT THE FILM ailing ranch, brother Howard (Ryan it into your discussion the following Kwanten) wants to leave Wyoming week (or the next time you meet). Flicka is a contemporary mo- for college in Boston, and her mother This will allow your members the op- tion picture adaptation of Mary Nell (Maria Bello) is fighting to keep portunity to view the film themselves O’Hara’s beloved novel My Friend her family from falling apart. (rent or purchase) if they so desire. Flicka. In the film, 16-year-old Katy McLaughlin (Alison Lohman) About the Discussion Guide Discussions dreams of fulfilling her family legacy by working on her father’s ranch in Flicka is a film for children and In an effort to help you reinforce the adults. It provides opportunities to themes and messages of Flicka, we modern-day Wyoming. But, Katy’s provided, or use some of your own. discuss subjects that interest one and have chosen clips from the film that father (Tim McGraw) wants more for To finish, you can close each session all. Themes such as honesty, self con- you can show to your group. These her, insisting that Katy go to college. by giving the brief “Lesson to Learn” trol, respect, and compassion–these clips can be downloaded online at Katy finds a wild mustang, which she provided at the end of the topic. names Flicka, and sets out to make and other topics are addressed in the www.foxfaith.com or shown through her a riding horse. But, Flicka and movie, which is why we’ve created a specially made DVD that you can Lead with Honesty Katy are more alike than she could this Discussion Guide. With this request at the same website. These have imagined. Like Katy, Flicka has booklet, you or any other leader can DVD clips are followed up with Clip: The Letter a disdain for authority and is not utilize the messages in Flicka as a questions and scripture found in the Clip: Katy’s Tale about to give up her freedom without group discussion tool. Discussion Guide. The questions Katy McLaughlin is a girl with big a fight. In the end, her relationship should draw your group members dreams about her future. But, her with Flicka becomes a catalyst for The lessons are supplemented with into a conversation about what they daydreams get her in trouble when change for the entire McLaughlin movie clips you’ve either received or have just seen. It is not necessary to she occupies her time at her private family, which is at a major crossroads: downloaded online. These clips were tackle these topics in a row, or all in school thinking about the wide-open Katy’s dad is considering selling the specifically selected to help you set one session. If you would prefer just spaces of Wyoming. Upon returning the tone and furnish the context for to cover one or two, feel free. It is all home at the end of the semester, her your discussion or Bible study. There up to you. failure to mention her problems at are also suggested scriptures for your school hurts her credibility with group to study in depth, and we’ve First of all, introduce the discussion her parents. In the second scene, provided several discussion provok- by saying something like this: “We’re Katy tells her family about a wild ing questions based on the different going to talk about some topics from cougar and the mustang that saved scenes. This guide is an easy to use the filmFlicka . These include the her. Her family has a hard time be- way to kick-start interesting discus- importance of honesty, why self- lieving her story. sions within your small group, and control and respect are necessary, and it works without any of your group how our compassion touches others. Questions having seen the film. However, it is We have some scenes from the movie For Katy, life seems idyllic at recommended that you announce that we are going to look at and then the McLaughlin home. Summertime your intentions of using the film clips analyze to see what we can learn with her family, warm breezes, and ahead of time. For example, the week from them.” the fragrance of open spaces bring joy before you intend to have a clip-ori- to her heart. But, something happens ented discussion, you might show the Next, give a brief overview of the shortly after she arrives home that film trailer (included with the clips) film. Then, play the clip you have drastically changes the atmosphere. to your group or congregation and let selected. Once the clip plays, then What is it? them know that you will incorporate open the floor for discussion, using the questions and scriptures that are

1 When the letter arrives at their Lesson To Learn When we omit the truth or “stretch” HARNESS it a bit, we lose the trust of others. DETERMINATION home from Katy’s school, what reac- Katy McLaughlin is a free spirit and For example, Katy returns from tion does her Dad have? Why is he sometimes it gets her into trouble. her ride exclaiming that there was a Clip: Wild Herd upset? What bothers him more, the For instance, when she is supposed cougar that had been scared away by Clip: Sold! money that has been wasted on her to be taking her final exam, she ends the wild mustang. Although her fam- Katy McLaughlin is a girl who has education, or Katy not telling him up daydreaming about the ranch and ily believes that she saw the beautiful a strong spirit and knows what she about her failed exam? What may the wide-open spaces of Wyoming. mustang, they are skeptical that the wants. Once Katy sees the mustang have been Katy’s reason for omitting Although her heart’s desire is to be horse scared away a cougar. In fact, in the wild, she dreams of making it the truth? at home rather than in school, she they don’t really believe that she saw her own. However, her Dad warns still has a responsibility to finish the one. Of course, this angers Katy since Katy to leave the horse alone. When If Katy had been honest about school year by doing her best. she doesn’t, there are consequences failing the final exam, and had told she is telling the truth, but perhaps she has a past history of exaggerating for her actions–actions that threaten her parents as soon as she got home, the herd and her own life. how would Katy’s relationship with or telling “fibs” that has contributed to the disbelief she confronts upon her Dad have been different? What Questions has she lost because she wasn’t com- returning from her ride. pletely truthful? A strong spirit with lots of de- There’s a reason God wants us to termination describes Katy perfectly. Katy loves the solitude of the be truthful in all things and why he How would you describe yourself? ranch and the opportunity to go into commands us not to lie. Each day, What personality traits do you have the countryside for a horseback ride. you are building who you are and that are good, but might get you into When she returns home with the who you will be someday. According trouble sometimes? (Think about story about the wild mustang, and to the bible (Proverbs 22:1), having Katy and how her determination how it scared away the cougar, why It isn’t surprising that her Dad and a reputation for honesty, and being works when training horses, but can doesn’t her family believe her? What Mom are unhappy when they learn trustworthy, is more valuable than work against her when she doesn’t does it mean to “stretch the truth?” that she has failed her final exam. any amount of money. Throughout stick to the rules.) Based on her family’s reaction, do you Even more disappointing to them history, there are examples of men think this is the first time Katy has is the fact that she didn’t tell them. and women who were given a Katy’s dad sees nothing but stretched the truth? When Katy omitted the truth and chance at greatness and prosper- trouble ahead when Katy discov- ignored the fact that she had jeop- ity because of their reputation and ers the wild mustang. Still, Katy is Saying that someone “stretches ardized her education, it was a huge strength of character. Can you think determined to make the high-spirited the truth” is another way of saying disappointment. Certainly, the family of any? God has a plan for all of our horse hers. What action does Katy that they exaggerate or “fib” a little. has made sacrifices to send Katy to a lives and he wants us to be a person take after she has been told to leave Have you ever “stretched the truth?” private school, but more importantly, that he can bless and develop. God is the mustang alone in the country- If so, why? Is a “fib,” “white lie” or her parents’ dream for her is that she protecting us with rules that He has side? Why do you think Katy’s dad “stretching the truth” really lying? will grow up to be a truthful young given us in His Word. Through God’s made up this rule for her? Read Proverbs 6:16-19 and Proverbs woman. Even though Katy may have word, we are given a map to our own 19:5. What can we do to make sure been afraid to tell her parents, she integrity and character that He would When Katy ropes the mus- we live the way God wants us to would have benefited in the long run like to reveal in us. Your character tang, she loses control of her new- live. Read Psalm 119:9-11 & 66, and if she had been honest. Unfortunate- can’t be bought at any price and when found horse. What happens when Psalm 19:14 for ideas. ly, by not doing so, she planted a seed you have it, it shouldn’t be sold for Flicka joins the McLaughlin’s herd of of doubt about her honesty. any price. horses? What would have been the consequences of Katy’s actions if her dad hadn’t been able to rope Flicka?

2 3 Think about how determined gotten it yet, or are you still waiting? Katy is to capture the wild mustang What steps can you take to achieve and bring it back to the ranch. Do your “dream?” Read Psalm 37:4-5 for you think it’s right to disobey your a special promise from God. parents to get what you want? Why or why not? See what the Bible says Lesson To Learn in Ephesians 6:1. Now make a list Katy McLaughlin is intelligent, of ways you might have handled compassionate, and strong-willed, the same situation and still have all characteristics that are part of her been obedient. nature. From the day she was born, those qualities have been develop- Once Katy’s dad brings Flicka ing. Now that she’s a teenager, she to the ranch, he warns everyone to has choices to make when using the stay out of the corral. Still, Katy is special talents and gifts that God has determined to tame the horse. What given her. happens to her on the night ride? How could this event have ended Because Katy is a confident young tragically? Read Proverbs 1:8-9 and woman, she knows that she has the Exodus 20:12 to see how God expects ability to rope Flicka and patiently us to behave toward our parents. train her. These are skills that her rules. Then, Katy would have had a her bravery gets her in trouble in the What does “honor” mean? parents have taught her over the better understanding of the “big pic- corral and again on a nighttime ride years on the ranch. However, her dad ture”–his expectations and why. Also, when she’s thrown from the mustang. Flicka is brought back to the sees problems with Flicka that Katy by lovingly discussing Katy’s dream While she avoids serious injury, there ranch and Katy’s dad is determined to doesn’t see. A wild mustang can take to tame the mustang, they may have are still consequences to be faced sell her to the horse trader. Why do leadership of an otherwise tame herd worked together to explore that when Rob, in his anger, sells Flicka. you think he is taking such a drastic of horses, seizing control away from goal. Their lack of communication action? How does this affect Katy? the cowboys. Besides that, a mustang and understanding fuels a growing Certainly, Katy was heartbroken over Now, put yourself in Katy’s “shoes” living freely doesn’t want to give up stubbornness in Katy–one that might the turn of events. But, her willful and think of ways that she and her its freedom without a fight–one that have been avoided. disobedience brought about the loss dad could have worked out a solution could cause severe injury to anyone of Flicka and having to deal with for keeping Flicka. trying to train it. Unfortunately, Katy is stubborn and her angry parents. We can’t help but decides to do things her way, riding wonder why Katy isn’t obedient, In the same way that God has Because Rob is determined to protect out to rope the mustang on her own. especially after she sees the runaway expectations of how kids should Katy and his investment in the ranch, Naturally, the horse is too power- herd and the near disaster. How dif- behave toward their parents, He has he sets some rules that Katy resents. ful–just as her dad knew–and Katy ferent things could have been if she provided some instructions for moms Rules are good and necessary. How- loses control. As a result, Flicka joins would have done what the Bible says: and dads, too. Read Proverbs 22:6, ever, Katy’s dad might have handled the herd and leads them to a nearby Children obey your parents; this is Proverbs 29:15 & Ephesians 6:4. What things differently to avoid conflict. cliff in a wild stampede. Thankfully, the right thing to do because God has do we learn from these verses? Instead of setting boundaries without Katy’s dad ropes the wild mustang placed them in authority over you. an explanation of why they are being in time to prevent a disaster. Even (Ephesians 6:1 LB) Have you ever wanted some- set, her dad could have talked with then, Katy still believes she knows thing as badly as Katy wants Flicka to Katy about his reasoning, along with best and sneaks out each night to try be her horse? What was it? Have you the consequences of not following the to tame and train Flicka. In the end,

4 5 By doing as our parents ask, we Questions honor them, which means that we Katy McLaughlin is a very com- are respectful. We may not always passionate person, especially when understand their reasoning, but we it comes to horses. How would you should appreciate and value their define the word “compassion?” What years of experience and wisdom. Dads emotions does Katy experience when and moms are here to love, to protect, she sees Flicka locked in the horse and to lead us. When we’re young, trailer and later corralled with the we’re in the process of developing our wild mustangs at the fairgrounds? personality and skills for being the best person we can be in the future. Because Katy identifies with If, we are strong-willed like Katy, God Flicka and her desire for freedom, she can use that trait in many wonderful decides to enter the horse race. Why ways–maybe as a scientist, a mission- does her brother, Howard, agree to ary, or a doctor, to name a few. To help her with her plan to free Flicka? achieve goals like these, we need train- Was this the right thing to do, even ing and discipline. So, be patient and though he felt compassion for his obedient, trusting that when the time sister? Why or why not? Read I Peter is right, God will give you your heart’s 3:10, Proverbs 14:8, & Psalm 32:2 to desires in His perfect way. see what the Bible says about being deceitful. Now, read Proverbs 3:7-8 for Why does he have a change of heart Lesson To Learn HAVE A BIT OF in how he approaches the tragic situ- some good advice. Compassion is a wonderful personal- COMPASSION ation? Talk about the impact love has ity trait. It allows a person to feel sym- on the choices we make in our lives; When Katy escapes the fair- pathy when someone or something is Clip: The Race for example, obeying our parents, grounds with Flicka, what frighten- suffering. A person with compassion is Clip: Attacked! caring for a pet, the way we treat our ing event happens on the ride home? able to understand pain or heartache, One of Katy’s beautiful attributes brothers and sisters, or attending Afterwards, while Flicka lies on the even though they may not be experi- is her ability to have compassion church for worship. and an understanding of Flicka’s ground with horrific wounds, what encing it themselves. This is the kind compassionate action does Katy take of person Katy is when it comes to the nature. Where some would see only Our faith can get us through to keep Flicka alive? wild mustangs, and especially Flicka. a wild horse, she identifies with the troubled times like Katy experienced. mustang’s free spirit and disdain for Read Psalm 34:15 & 17 and Philip- Because Katy is headstrong, she When she sees Flicka in the horse authority. So, when Flicka is sold and pians 4:6-7. What does God promise has put the health of her horse and trailer she is devastated at how Flicka ends up at a rodeo in the first scene, to do for us when we pray? Also, do herself in danger. Think of what you is reacting to the confinement. Like Katy’s heart goes out to the horse that you think our Heavenly Father has might have done to free Flicka that her horse, Katy burns with anger has lost its freedom. Her method for compassion for us? Read Lamentations wouldn’t have involved deceit and at the realization that she has been freeing Flicka brings about a pain- 3:22-23 for the answer. Talk about dangerous risks. Discuss your ideas. forced to do something against her ful experience in the second scene how the story could have been differ- will. But, her dad has been pushed to that ends with resolution to a family ent if Katy had taken her problems The disastrous ride home leaves the limits by Katy’s stubborn behavior conflict. and requests to the Lord. Katy terribly sick and in danger of and believes the only solution is to losing her life. In the days that follow, get rid of the horse by selling it to how does her dad show compassion both to Katy and to Flicka, as well?

6 7 ly, Howard felt compassion for Katy, Her dad is torn between putting the Lord. In the Bible, we are continually but he could have figured out another horse out of its misery and giving it reminded to ask Him for anything way to help her that would have a chance to live despite the odds. At and He will answer: If you believe, been honorable. Although Katy and the same time, he knows that killing you will receive whatever you ask for Howard’s intention to give Flicka her Flicka will widen the gap between in prayer (Matthew 21:22 NIV) and freedom is honorable, their actions he and his daughter and may affect again in Mark 11:24, Therefore I tell are not. Think how worried Katy’s her emotionally forever. Deep in you, whatever you ask for in prayer, parents are when they realize that his heart, Rob is a compassionate believe that you have received it, and it their beautiful young girl is in the man and one who fiercely loves his will be yours. (NIV) arena with all the wild horses. Then, daughter. After reading her school the horse trader. As a result, Katy is imagine their feelings of despair journal, he experiences even more Our wants and needs are important enlisted to help Rob get Flicka into when they can’t find Katy after she empathy for the mustangs and Katy. to us and they are important to God, the trailer–a heartbreaking event escapes with Flicka. Its not hard to In the end, his deep love for Katy is too. He wants to bless us with His for Katy. feel compassion for Katy’s mom and instrumental in his decision about help and power to change our lives. dad. It’s unfortunate that Katy can’t Flicka and subsequently his resolu- But, it takes our asking for God’s Unfortunately, this experience causes feel the same for them, especially tion to have Katy take over the ranch help as well as faith to believe that further resentment toward her dad. since she has such a compassionate someday. nothing is too big for Him to handle. But, if Katy were truly honest with spirit. It seems that Katy isn’t aware When we give up control and lean herself, she would see that she has of the pain she inflicts on her parents What a different story it might have on our compassionate and loving made choices that brought her to because of her unruly behavior. been if Katy would have had more God, while living a life that is pleas- this place. Certainly, she could have faith in our compassionate God and ing to Him, we will find that our listened to her dad and chosen to Naturally, Katy’s love for her horse His promises. Instead, she decided hopes and dreams come true–right at not sneak out at night to work with is foremost on her mind. When she to handle everything on her own–in the perfect time. Flicka. Although the end result was succeeds at riding Flicka out of the ways that weren’t pleasing to the a tamer horse, the way she got Flicka arena to freedom, she discovers that to trust her was by going against her there’s a high price to pay for taking dad’s wishes. Is the horse worth the the situation into her own hands. price of losing the relationship she Lost in the rain, and the darkness of had with her father? The bible tells us night, she falls from Flicka when a to honor our father and mother so we cougar attacks. But, it’s Flicka who will live long in the land the LORD takes the brunt of the battle as she your God is giving you. (Exodus protects Katy. In the end, Katy is as 20:12) This is the one commandment courageous as Flicka and compassion- that comes with a promise. In truth, ately cares for her horse through the going against her father’s wishes night, stemming the flow of blood would not be the right thing to do. hour after hour–an act of kindness Katy put herself in danger in the cor- that weakens Katy in the chill of the ral and later on the nighttime ride. rain storm. Later, when her family goes to the fair and rodeo, Katy and her brother, Although Flicka and Katy both Howard, plot to free Flicka. Again, survive the ordeal, it isn’t without a Katy stubbornly moves ahead on a lot of suffering for not only her horse plan of deception–one to fool the of- and Katy, but for her parents as well. ficials at the wild horse race. Certain-

8 9 Flicka is a contemporary motion picture adaptation of Mary O’Hara’s beloved novel My Friend Flicka. In the film, 16-year-old Katy McLaughlin (Alison Lohman) dreams of fulfilling her family legacy by working on her father’s ranch in modern-day Wyoming. But, Katy’s father (Tim McGraw) wants more for her, insisting that Katy go to college. Katy finds a wild mustang, which she names Flicka, and sets out to make her a riding horse. But, Flicka and Katy are more alike than she could have imagined. Like Katy, Flicka has a disdain for au- thority and is not about to give up her freedom without a fight. In the end, her relationship with Flicka becomes a catalyst for change for the entire McLaughlin family, which is at a major crossroads: Katy’s dad is considering selling the ailing ranch, brother Howard (Ryan Kwanten) wants to leave Wyoming for college in Boston, and her mother Nell (Maria Bello) is fighting to keep her family from falling apart.

The Discussion Guide draws out the themes in the film, touching on such important topics as the importance of honesty, why self-control and respect are necessary, and how compassion touches others, plus more. Each topic is com- plete with thought-provoking questions, related scriptures, and helpful lessons. To supplement the lessons, clips from the movie have been offered as a visual aid. These clips are available for download at www.foxfaith.com or may be shown through a specially made DVD that you can request at the same website. These clips and the guide, used in Sunday school classes, other small groups, or by parents will provide you with an opportunity to initiate discussion.

For more information and additional Church Resource material, go to www. foxfaith.com.

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