Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Adolescence/Teen Years (07/16/09)
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TITLE: The Diary | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lisa Johnson
07/18/09 -
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Sandy sighed. Her daughter, Katie, stalked angrily to her room, slamming the door behind her. How many times had they had this same conversation? How many more times would this battle be fought? Every time Sandy tried to guide her daughter, or give her some loving counsel, the answering tirade was always the same.
“You are so out of touch with reality! The world has changed since you were a teenager. You don’t know anything about what I’m going through. You’ll never understand. I hate you!”
The diary was very enlightening. Page after page revealed its author’s adolescent angst. So much became evident with each new entry.
Insecurity…
“Why did we have to move? I can’t believe I have to start a new school… again. I don’t know anyone. I don’t have any friends. I wonder… will they like me? I sure hope so…”
Self-esteem issues…
“My sisters are both thin. All of my friends are skinny. Why do I have to be the fat one? Did not eat yesterday. Not gonna eat today. Probably won’t eat tomorrow, either.”
Dashed dreams…
“Well… I didn’t make the squad. Can’t believe it after how hard I worked during cheerleading camp. I know all the cheers by heart. I nailed all the moves. I guess I’m just not popular enough.”
Unrequited love…
“I feel so humiliated. I went up to Kyle in the hallway to give him a book he dropped in Algebra class. As soon as I said his name, he took off running, and did not stop ‘til he was all the way at the end of the hall. Then, right there in front of God and everyone, he peeked around a door to see if I was following him. All I wanted to do was give him his book… I guess someone told him that I want to go out with him. He’s in three of my classes… how can I face him now… I could just die.”
Family frustrations…
“I don’t know why Mom and Dad have to argue so much all the time. Sometimes I want to scream at them to just shut up! If Dad would just be nicer to Mom. She’s doing the best she can. I hate it when he makes her cry like that. Maybe she should leave him.”
Spiritual needs…
“That youth leader at Amy’s church says God loves me just the way I am. How is that possible? I’m not exactly the best person in the world, and I’m sure not that important in the big scheme of things… Still, I kinda want to hear more about this God-thing. Maybe I’ll ask Amy if I can go to youth group again with her sometime.”
Fears about the future…
“Just wondering today about what to do with the rest of my life. Do I really want to go to college? What would be the best major to take? What kind of career would I be good at? Do I date seriously right now, or wait ‘til I finish school? What about kids…do I really want to bring kids into the world as bad as it is? Lord, I’m trusting You to help me make the right choices. I really do want my life to please You.”
Sandy turned as she felt arms slide softly around her waist. Her eyes widened in surprise as Katie placed the old book in her hands…a book Sandy had not thought about in years.
“I found this in the old chest in the attic. I know I should have asked before I read it, but… Oh, Mom, I’m so sorry for all the mean things I said to you. Can you ever forgive me? I love you, Mom.” Katie said, tears streaming down her face.
Sandy gently brushed the tears away from her daughter’s face, and gave her a loving hug… much like the hug Sandy’s own mother had given her many years before.
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