That Still Small Voice

Betty D'Couto

It was a good two decades ago, when our family relocated to Chennai for a few years, that I had the God-given opportunity of being a housewife, something I always wanted to be. I basked in the leisure time after the morning’s rush hours of seeing our dear boys off to school, and my best friend, to office. It was here that I got to befriend my family of feathered friends – the Ravens (who inspired my first nugget)! It was also here that I was drawn closer to God. With more time on my hands now, I found my mind and heart more receptive to that still small voice that spoke to me in soft, gentle tones that were loud enough sans the din of living on the edge of each day.

“Knock and it shall be opened to you” quite literally knocked the breath out of my reverie. Here I was, relaxing in bed one afternoon, pondering on how I could put to use the expertise gained through years of experience as a college teacher, when these words wafted into my mind and took root like “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings”- propelling me to do the unthinkable! Up I jumped, spring-like, grabbing hold of the day’s newspapers in which I had read about the Madras University’s Refresher Course for its college teachers, furnishing a contact phone number as well. Losing no time, I called the university to offer my services if needed. It took some time before a gentleman picked up the phone at the other end. When he heard the reason for my call, he said that the resource persons for that programme were already finalized, but that if I was interested, he invited me to chair a session of the Orientation programme that was to commence in another few days, of which he was in charge. My joy knew no bounds. I was directed to knock on That door, and when I did, it sure opened. I am sure that you too, my dear friend, have experienced the prompting from above to undertake something – that “Loudly, Softly, in a Whisper” (the title of an educational picture book) cue as it were. Never have I ever dreamt of addressing a group of college teachers at the Madras University! But it did happen and my young audience and I were more than happy with the outcome of the sharing knowledge and expertise and learning.

“Aunty Bets, you look old” was the bolt-from-the-blue remark made by the teenage son of a very close relative when we were at the dining table chatting as the children were having their tea, upon returning from school. Sean’s mother kept quiet whereas his grandmother, shaken up by his sudden rude remark started to admonish him when I, I just held my nephew’s hand and simply said, “Sean, unless your Betty aunty grows old, how can you grow up into a handsome young man, son!” He was referring to a picture of mine in the newspaper, where I was part of an audience listening to a lecture. If I were not cautioned by that still small voice even before we met up, that random remark may have hurt, because let’s face it, which young woman would want to be referred to as/told to her face, that she looked old? It happened a few days before we decided to set out to spend a few days with these close folks that I was very clearly made aware in my mind of what this lad, Sean, would say to me, and, what exactly my response must be. How beautifully it turned out – with neither of us adversely affected by that seemingly innocent comment. I firmly believe that God-given wisdom put in our mind, mouth and heart is a protective shield that averts any accidental action from affecting all concerned, provided we pay heed and behave accordingly.

In 2003, before we relocated to Chennai, our fourteen-year-old son who was under medical treatment had to have certain tests done to ascertain whether his medication could be reduced. While on our way to meet the doctor, on our final visit, armed with our son’s most recent test report, the following words flashed across my mind, like the scrolling on a news channel, “See, the dense area isn’t there anymore, it has cleared. Now we can start tapering down the drug” – the exact words the doctor used, verbatim, a little later, when speaking to us across the table. That I was awestruck is to say the least! Miraculous. Our son is now a hale and hearty young man, his life a testimony of God’s grace and mercy.

These are only three of those prominent instances when that still small voice spoke wisdom and healing to me, an ordinary human being whose ears are boxed sometimes even before I err! There are many times when I, caught up in the vortex of living, have failed to heed that inner voice of conscience, that still small voice of faith, wisdom and discernment, often resulting in mishaps and misadventures that could have been avoided. But God, in His infinite mercy, never gives up on me, on everyone of us! That Still Small Voice, for me, is the Holy Spirit gently and surely urging us to look before we leap, think before we speak.

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This Post Has 16 Comments

Mercy Jenat A.P January 5, 2025 Reply
Aunty….another beloved story to be cherished …I too encountered the same situation and as you said in this story, sometimes I have failed and sometimes I heard the voice of God and he saved because of his mercy..aunty. During times of grief or heart broken God spoke through Mass or insta reels aunty…in a continuous encounter until my heart feels light…
1. Betty D'Couto January 7, 2025 Reply
  Thank you Mercy. We’re all in this together. Need to pay heed to That Inner Voice of Wisdom and Discernment..
Swathika January 5, 2025 Reply
Maa’m..♥️
Your writing has a unique
ability to transport readers into your world, making us feel seen, heard, and understood. The way you weave together personal anecdotes, spiritual insights, and biblical references is truly masterful mamma.. Your honesty in sharing personal struggles and triumphs make the story even more relatable and inspiring mammaa… As someone who has always been fascinated by the human experience and our connection to the divine, I found your story to be a precious gem. It reminded me of the importance of listening to that still small voice within us, which guides us through life’s challenges and uncertainties. Thank you for sharing your gift with us ⭐️
Swathika January 5, 2025 Reply
Ma’am…❤️
Your writing has a unique
ability to transport readers into your world, making us feel seen, heard, and understood. The way you weave together personal anecdotes, spiritual insights, and biblical references is truly masterful. Your honesty in sharing personal struggles and triumphs make the story even more relatable and inspiring… As someone who has always been fascinated by the human experience and our connection to the divine, I found your story to be a precious gem. It reminded me of the importance of listening to that still small voice within us, which guides us through life’s challenges and uncertainties. Thank you for sharing your gift with Us dear Betty Mam🌟
1. Betty D'Couto January 7, 2025 Reply
  That Voice of Wisdom and Discernment is Free for Everyone. Thank you Swathi for your response that is at once encouraging and humbling.
Chitra January 5, 2025 Reply
Awesome Betty! At times that still small voice can be missed or ignored. You responded well acknowledged the working of the Holy Spirit.
1. Betty D'Couto January 7, 2025 Reply
  Thank you Chitra. We are all recipients of The Voice.
Alphina January 6, 2025 Reply
Ma’am, as I read through this blog post the silent whisper of the Holy Spirit touched me. God whispered, “I am your way maker; as I opened many miraculous ways for my child Betty, so will I do for you”. Thank you, ma’am for sharing your testimony. You are truly a beacon of hope, and I am sure that the Holy Spirit will continue to touch the hearts of many through you!
1. Betty D'Couto January 12, 2025 Reply
  That’s it dear! If God can do it for someone like me, He can and Will do it for you, for anyone.
Thaamarai Selvi January 6, 2025 Reply
A beautiful narration, amma☺️ Your words, actions and presence radiate love, love and only love. For I wish to be in it’s warmth forevermore! Gratitude to you for directing me in ways of righteousness at all times, just with your presence! All I know is that just with your presence and words, I’d create a beautiful path of love with you by side🤍
Pray Eucha January 6, 2025 Reply
The serene beauty of the piece captures the essence of the still small voice succinctly!! Thank you for sharing this ma’am.
Aswini Devi January 7, 2025 Reply
Mam, your heartfelt reflections are truly inspiring, showcasing a life beautifully guided by faith and intuition. The anecdotes brim with divine wisdom and personal strength, reminding us of the profound ways God’s voice leads us through life’s journey. The line “Knock and it shall be opened to you” quite literally knocked the breath out of my reverie is beautifully profound, capturing the essence of divine timing. Similarly, “God-given wisdom put in our mind, mouth and heart is a protective shield” is a timeless reminder of how faith can guide us through even the most delicate moments with strength and clarity. Your blog masterfully weaves personal narratives with spiritual introspection, offering a compelling testament to faith’s transformative power. The balance between vulnerability and strength is deeply moving, encouraging mindfulness and courage in embracing life’s subtle cues. I loved having a sneak peek into your good old days through your meticulously arranged words ❤️
Priya January 10, 2025 Reply
Awesome as ever…loved your theme and honest narrative mam…Kudos to you👏👏👍Thanks for sharing this amazing article mam….
Priya January 10, 2025 Reply
Wow mam👌👌👌
Loved this article👏👏👏
Memories are wonderful mam, I think they not only bring joy, peace when revived but also are the best healers.
Awesome as usual,kudos to you mam👏👏👏.
Betty D'Couto January 12, 2025 Reply
That’s it dear! If God can do it for someone like me, He can and Will do it for you, for anyone.
Lalitha Thozhan January 14, 2025 Reply
Loved this heartfelt piece Ma’am! Your words and the way you pen them are so warm and relatable. It has a beautiful, conversational tone that makes me feel like I’m sitting down with a close friend, listening to their stories and wisdom. Thank you for sharing this with everyone Ma’am! 🦋✨

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