Read Online Like Sheep Gone Astray by Lesile J. Sherrod - Free Book Online Page A

vacant position during a conversation on the church steps between Sunday services.
    As Gloria tapped skillfully on the computer keys, she reflected on how nervous she'd been when she'd told him of her recent training at a technology school, hoping he'd catch on to her willingness to work as he talked to her about how his last secretary had suddenly quit on him; no notice, no note, just up and gone. As a respected public figure, he could not afford to hire another non-professional, and he was highly selective about who would be his new office representative, his executive assistant.
    She had done her best to present herself as a hardworking, capable applicant, standing taller than she felt in her secondhand church suit, knowing there were many others with better credentials than her newly earned GED and office-management degree who would covet such a high-profile position. But as had been the case for the past several months, God showed favor on her and blessed her with the job.
    Since her recent decision to trust Jesus with her life, Gloria had come to know just what Second Corinthians 5:17 meant when it said, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
I've got a brand-new life, a brand-new job, and a brand-new attitude.
She smiled to herself.
    She eyed the cheery greeting card sitting on her desk from her sister.
I am so proud of you. Love, Jackie.
The words sent a warm ripple through her, almost like a bear hug somewhere inside of her. She'd felt the same way listening to Pastor Green the Sunday she decided to join the small congregation of Second Baptist Church of Shepherd Hills. “Some of you have come a long way, traveling winding roads that have left you tired and worn,” he'd said in that warm, fatherly tone of his. “It doesn't matter where you were yesterday. I'm glad you're here today. Welcome home.”
    She heard footsteps behind her and quickly resumed typing before looking up.
    “Good afternoon, Councilman. I'm almost finished typing the report you wanted. Is there anything else you need me to do for you today?”
    Walter Banks stood quietly smiling for a second as he reviewed some papers she handed him, his friendly face seeming to approve of her diligent work ethic.
    “Nothing immediate, Miss Randall.” His smile lingered as he headed for the front door. Abruptly he frowned and turned around. “Actually, there is something you can do for me. I'm late for a meeting at the Westcott Room. Can you look up the cell-phone number of a Mr. Reginald Savant on the Rolodex in my office? He's a constituent who's been seeking support for a business of his. Call him for me, please, and let him know that I am on my way.” Councilman Banks fixed a hat on top of his balding head and left.
    Wasting no time, Gloria found the number and dialed.
    “Hello.” The rich, bass voice of Reginald Savant seemed to vibrate through the phone. Gloria quickly relayed the councilman's message, picturing a polished, all-too-fine, good-looking brother on the other end.
Help me,
Holy Ghost,
she prayed to herself, trying to keep her mind focused.
    “You say the councilman just left?” Reginald spoke softly, making his already deep voice sound like a sultry whisper.
    “Uh, yes. He said, I mean, he is—um, on his way now. To the Westcott Room.” Gloria wanted to kick herself.
Be professional,
she reminded herself.
    “Hmmm,” Reginald murmured. “That is unfortunate. I just left there. If you do not mind, Miss—what is your name?”
    “Miss Randall. Gloria Randall.”
    “Yes, Miss Randall. If you can, please let Councilman Banks know that I will have to reschedule our meeting. I do apologize, and I hope this will not diminish his support, but an unexpected, urgent matter has arisen that I must attend to.”
    “I'll give him the message.”
    “Thank you, thank you. And Miss Randall, I have another message I need you to pass on to him.”
    “Yes, Mr.