Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Serve - Sever - Veers - Verse (08/14/25)
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TITLE: Not Relevant | Previous Challenge Entry
By April Wenzel
08/16/25 -
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“Thanks,” Kelly said as she poured juice into her glass and then took a sip. “Actually, I’m skipping the verse this week. Half the time the verses don’t even make any sense, and this week it’s about enemies. I’m not a soldier or a government, and I don’t have enemies. It’s not really relevant to me,” said Kelly.
“I see,” Mom said as she sat down across from Kelly. “What did Mr. Veers say about that?”
“I didn’t tell him. It’s just youth group. It’s not like I’m getting graded. Besides, he randomly calls on one person to recite it, and he always picks someone in the front row. I’ll just sit near the back next week.”
Mom placed her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her palm. Kelly watched her, waiting for a response. When none came, she said, “Earth to Mom, are you listening to me? You’re too quiet. Aren’t you gonna give me some kind of lecture or something?”
“Aside from ‘watch how to speak to me, young lady’ no.”
Kelly looked down. “Sorry. I guess that was kind of snarky.” She continued to watch her mother lean on her palm. “You’re really gonna let me skip my memory verse this week without saying anything?”
“Yup. You’re old enough to make that decision. I’ll respect it for now.”
“Ah ha! I knew there was a catch. You said, ‘for now’.” Her mother’s raised eyebrow told her she was pushing it again. “Sorry, Mom.”
Kelly’s phone chimed. “Yikes, I gotta go or I’ll miss the bus.” She shoved a piece of toast in her mouth, threw her phone in her backpack, then stood up and leaned over to give her mother a quick half-hug. Through her mouthful of toast, she managed to say, “Wuv, ya,” as she sprinted out of the room.
Later that week at school, Kelly’s history teacher announced, “We’re going to be acting out a small part of a history lesson today. I need volunteers for several acting parts and a soloist part.”
Kelly’s best friend Stacy leaned over toward Kelly. “You should volunteer. You’re always so dramatic when you tell stories. I bet you’d be good at acting.”
Kelly smiled and sat up straighter. “Awww, thanks. Actually, I was thinking about volunteering for the solo.”
Stacy winced. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea. I’ve heard you sing, and no offense, but I think you’re kind of tone-deaf. Don’t get me wrong. You have a pretty voice. I just don’t think you have a full grasp of how to hit the right notes. Ya know?”
“Gee thanks. Some kind of friend you are. I’m a good singer.”
A voice from behind Kelly said, “Stacy’s just jealous because she can’t sing. I’ve sat next to you in music class when we’re all singing together. You’re a wonderful singer. You should definitely do the solo.”
Stacy scowled. “Don’t listen to Derrick. You can’t trust him. You know how he is. He’s just wants you to embarrass yourself in front of the entire class.”
“Embarrass myself?” Kelly shot up her hand and glared at Stacy. “You’re a terrible friend. You’re the one who’ll be embarrassed when the entire class praises my performance.”
When the teacher noticed Kelly’s raised hand, she said, “Kelly, would you like to volunteer?”
“Yes, I’ll be the soloist.”
The teacher gathered the volunteers at the front of the room and handed out scripts. The play was short and well received by the students, who enjoyed the break from regular class, except for the end solo. As Kelly sang out The Star-Spangled Banner, students frowned, giggled, and whispered. Halfway through her solo, Kelly ran from the room as the students burst out laughing.
That night at youth group, Kelly sat in the back of the room feeling confused and frustrated about her experience in class that day. She pondered the conversation with Stacy and Derrick wondering where she had gone wrong.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Mr. Veers, who began to pray. When he finished, he called on Jennifer, asking her to recite the verse of the week.
“Proverbs 27:6. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
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