Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Hangry (01/23/25)
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TITLE: The Turn Around | Previous Challenge Entry
By Pamela Kliewer
01/30/25 -
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Claire looked at her calmly, and asked, her tone gentle, “Why don't you tell me?”
“Agitated, lost, out of sorts, disconnected.” A tear slipped down her cheek.
“How long have you been feeling this way?”
“Excuse me?!”
“Serena, I simply asked you a question. You don't need to treat me with such anger and disrespect. You know I care about you. We've been through a lot together over the years.”
“Oh, shut up! I don't need this from you!” Serena grabbed her coat off the back of the chair where she'd been sitting at Claire's kitchen table, having coffee, shoved her arms in the sleeves, stomped to the door, yanked her purse off the hall tree, and stormed out the front door.
Claire still sat in her chair, too stunned to move. What just happened? Something's going on. Lord, please show me how I can help Serena. Give me the words to say.
Outside, Serena sat in her car, tears flowing, her head resting on the steering wheel. God, what's wrong with me? I never act like that. I don't know why I've been so on edge lately. I don't understand why I'm feeling the way I am when I have the man of my dreams now. I need to go apologize to Claire.
She wiped her eyes, got out of the car, walked to Claire's door, rang the doorbell and waited.
When Claire opened the door, Serena fell into her arms weeping. “I'm so sorry, Claire. I don't know what got into me. Please forgive me.”
“I forgive you.” Claire said without hesitation. “Come on in, let's talk.”
They went back to the kitchen table. Serena took her coat off draped it back over the chair, then sat down. Claire sat across from her.
“I really am sorry, Claire, I had no call to behave that way. I honestly don't know what precipitated such behavior.”
“I was praying for you after you walked out the door. I have a question for you. Are you hungry?”
“What?” Serena chuckled. “No, I'm not hungry. What a silly question, after we just had that delicious cake with our coffee.”
“I'm not talking about physical hunger, Serena. I'm talking about spiritual hunger. You've heard the term, hangry, right?”
Serena raised her eyebrows. “Yeah, but it's not something I've ever experienced. What are you getting at?”
“I'm wondering if you're spiritually hangry.”
“Oh.”
“Think about it. Ever since you and Joel got together you've been spending a lot of time together. I'm wondering if that's taking away from time you used to spend with God.”
“Oh my....” Serena looked at Claire, shame creasing her forehead. “Wow, Claire. I didn't even, I, wow...”
“It happened gradually and subtly didn't it?”
“Yeah, I guess it did. You know, I was wondering, when I was sitting out in my car, why I was feeling the way I told you, since Joel is so wonderful. He's kind, considerate, romantic, so romantic. I've never had any guy treat me the way he does. But yeah, I quit spending time with God; quit reading my Bible, quit praying as much.”
“So, the way you've been feeling is because you're missing God. Missing that needed connection with Him. You know, Serena, He tells us in James 4:8 that when we draw near to Him, He draws near to us.
I always picture it happening like two magnets. You know, how when you get them close to each other, they clap together. That's how quick it is when we decide to spend time with God again. He's right there to meet us and fill our deepest need.”
“Thank you, Claire, for being such a good friend to me and telling me what I needed to hear. I have some talking to do with God and with Joel. I'm gonna go home and spend that much needed time with God. Please be praying for me that I won't let that connection falter again.”
“Let's pray now.” The two women grasped hands. “God, thank you for this quick turn around in Serena's heart. Thank you that you are near her and will meet her every need. May she stay on track with you and know your guidance in her life. In Jesus' name, Amen.”
“Amen.”
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