The Quiet Voice | Complete

Chapter 22

The church conference venue buzzed. People chatted and laughed as they excitedly greeted one another. Others busied themselves by moving chairs around and putting cups out, making sure that everything was ready for the conference.

Chelsea sat quietly against one side in the hall, taking in the sights and sounds around her. She felt strangely comfortable, even though she didn't know anyone else there. She had a smile on her face as she witnessed the joy and excitement of everyone around her.

Okay God, I'm here to find myself and draw closer to You. Please take over and guide me along this journey. I feel so lost and empty. I don't know who I am or where I need to be. As I sit here right now, I feel as if I have no future and all my dreams have been destroyed. I thought that by now I'd be happily married and a mother with a toddler. Now I have nothing and no one. I'm completely on my own. I feel like a ship without sails, lost at sea in a storm. Please come guide me. I don't know what I'd do if You deserted me too. Please God. Hold my hand and lead the way.

Sudden movement to her right brought Chelsea's attention back to the conference and she gave a little jump.

"Excuse me," smiled a gorgeous gentleman with big blue eye. "Is someone sitting here?" he asked, pointing to the empty seat next to her.

Chelsea's eyes scanned the hall and she was quite surprised to see how quickly it had filled up. There were only a few scattered seats available here and there, but not many.

"Oh no," she shook her head blushing, "I'm alone... I mean I'm not with anyone..." Chelsea groaned inside, wishing she could dig a hole and jump in it. What was it about this man that made the English language desert her?

Chelsea took a deep breath to compose herself. "What I wanted to say, but found it very difficult, was that you are more than welcome to sit here. The seat is available." Chelsea couldn't stop herself from blushing. She'd never been so tongue-tied speaking to someone before.

"Hi, I'm Hank," smiled the handsome man, extending his hand as soon as he sat down next to her, "I'm also here alone." His smile was blinding, very sincere and immediately put Chelsea at ease.

Just then a voice over the speaker system requested all guests to take their seats as the conference was about to begin.

Here we go God, Chelsea prayed, time for You to work a miracle, please.

The pastor of the church made a short speech welcoming everyone and said a prayer, blessing the conference and all the hearts that it would touch, heal or open. He then welcomed the guest speaker on stage and everyone clapped with great excitement.

A beautifully graceful woman stepped on stage and crossed over to the podium. The way she moved was so captivating that Chelsea couldn't take her eyes off of her. She moved as if she were floating, not walking.

"Good morning everyone," she greeted and even her melodious voice amazed Chelsea. "Thank you all so much for finding time in your busy lives to bless me with your presence. My name is Grace Reeves and I'd like to tell you all about how I met God and drew closer to Him.

"I grew up in a very privileged household. What that actually means is that I was a spoiled brat who got everything that I wanted. And people loved me not for who I was but rather for the amount of money my parents had."

Everyone snorted at Grace's honesty and Chelsea was pleasantly surprised with her openness to share something so private with everyone there.

"I grew up lonely, but never alone. Let me explain that in more detail. I was always surrounded by people, but never anyone who ever had something meaningful to say or share. I watched Swan Lake as a child and fell in love with ballet. I was hooked from that moment on. Ballet was my life. My parents spared no expense and enrolled me into the most elite studio and paid for only the best teachers. I had private lessons because my parents couldn't live with the thought of me sharing my valuable class time with others who also happened to share my passion."