The Hunger

Most of you may know I never release the names of those that I use in my blog. The reason is most of my blogs are very sensitive information. To call a person out in their struggle is rude, inappropriate, and absurd to say the least. So in this blog, we’re going to talk about multiple people I know. Not necessarily friends, but acquaintances who trusted me enough to keep this a secret.

An individual came to me a few years ago talking about how she was feeling hungry. An urge not necessarily for food, nor of water. But rather, of love. She had just left an abusive romantic relationship. She talked about how the beginning of the relationship was wonderful. The typical love story: A man and a woman caring for one another, and deciding to live the rest of their lives together. But over the years, the man became an alcoholic. Then came the bruises and scars of the beatings. The young lady realized her life was on the line, so she contacted the appropriate authorities. But before then, she admitted there was a hunger for that man. Even with the bruises and the scars. One of hope that this man would change… But he never did.

So this young lady found herself with a beaten and bruised soul, living alone in her house. Because of her trust issues, she could not hold another relationship. Family and old friends tried to comfort her while she suffered. They said, “Don’t worry. God will provide you with someone.” All while they walked away and enjoyed their dinner with their family. This is an important learning point, so please listen: It’s not a bad thing to enjoy this life. There were times Jesus enjoyed this life, so there’s no crime nor sin in that. The learning point here is once we see the suffering of another, don’t turn away. If you can help it, don’t just give them a pat on the back and say “You’ll be okay.” Rather, let’s go to them and be the hands and feet of Christ. Do you really want a hurting individual to feel better? Then go to them, listen to their sorrows, and show them the love that they were never shown.

God is the answer to our daily hunger. Even if everyone else condemns us and our basic needs are not met, it is such a comfort. To know in your heart that the creator of heaven and earth is on your side. Yet, this does not address the need for bread or water. This does not address the fact we as humans are social creatures and thrive when we have loving relationships. Simply because we have a relationship with God does not mean we will not feel hurt. So if that’s you, I’m here to validate your pain. Sometimes this life can hurt. Sometimes this life is hopeless. And sometimes, no one will come to our aid. But I have good news for you: In your suffering, you’re not alone. As an individual with PTSD, I can say that I’m with you. The minister in Africa who preaches Christ to the sick and lame is with you. The evangelist in China who holds a hidden church service so to not be arrested is with you. And Christ — in all of His suffering and His willingness to give up what He held sacred and dear in this life — is with you. It is through these examples that we may admit our hunger, and know that we do not hunger alone. May we always remind ourselves of those who put everything on the line for what they hold true.

So let us end this blog with a good note. We’re not alone in our hunger. There will come a day when all hidden things shall be revealed. May we use our hurts to be motivators for our faith. Let us be the hands and feet of Christ. Let us pray…

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it;

trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His Will;

that I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him

forever in the next.

Amen.