Unraveled

5.

Beyonce's POV

As I stood in the sanctuary, the soft hum of conversation enveloped me, mingling with the sweet scent of fresh flowers adorning the altar. Sunday was always a special day—a chance to reconnect with my faith, to seek guidance, and to express my gratitude for all the blessings in my life.

I closed my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath and centering myself. "Thank you, God, for your love and grace," I whispered to myself, feeling the warmth of His presence wrap around me. "I'm here to praise You today, to share Your message, and to uplift those who need it."

Just as I was settling into that peaceful mindset, a sudden commotion interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see a couple of familiar faces from earlier in the week—Onika and Lauren, the girls I'd seen at the mall. Lauren looked eager and friendly, while Onika had a more defiant air about her, a blunt hanging from her lips.

"Hey! I'm Lauren," she said, stepping forward with a smile. "We wanted to come to a local church today and l remember seeing you at the mall and wanted to say hi!"

I offered a polite smile in return, but my gaze drifted to Onika. "It's nice to meet you both," I said, trying to keep the conversation light. But then I noticed the smoke wafting from the blunt in Onika's mouth.

I felt a pang of concern. "Um, I'm sorry, but we don't allow smoking in the church," I said gently, my voice firm but kind. "It's not good for your body, and it can distract from the message we're here to share."

Onika's expression shifted, anger flaring in her eyes. "I don't care about your rules," she snapped, her voice sharp. The tension in the air thickened as she turned away, clearly frustrated. "I'm not here for your preachy nonsense."

I watched her exit, a mixture of disappointment and compassion washing over me. I understood that her anger might stem from deeper issues—her bipolar disorder could manifest in ways that were hard for her to control. Still, it hurt to see someone reject the very space meant for healing and acceptance.

Turning back to Lauren, I offered a small smile, hoping to shift the energy. "I'm glad you came, Lauren. Church can be a powerful place."

She nodded, a hint of worry in her eyes as she glanced at the doors where her sister had just left. "I'm really sorry about her. She's been struggling a lot lately."

"I understand," I replied softly. "It's tough to see someone you care about in pain. Just remember, love and patience can work wonders."

As the service was about to start, I returned to my thoughts, praying for Onika. I hoped she would find her way back, not just to the church but to a place of peace and healing. Today was about praise, and I was determined to let that light shine, both for myself and for those who might need it most.

The service began, and I stood at the altar, my heart swelling with gratitude for the community gathered before me. The energy in the room shifted as people settled into their seats, anticipation hanging in the air like a sweet promise.

"Good morning, everyone!" I greeted warmly, my voice echoing through the sanctuary. "Thank you all for being here today. It's a blessing to see each of your faces. I'm filled with joy and ready to share God's message with you."

As I looked out at the congregation, I felt a wave of connection, a reminder of why I was here. I paused, taking a moment to soak in the atmosphere of hope and faith surrounding me.