I NEED A SINGLE HOUR: Part V - Recalibration

Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. (Matthew 6:26, MSG).

• Job Requirement: Recalibration (to adjust precisely for a particular function)
• Job Applicant: Malkia S. White
• Job Status: Unemployed
• Work History: Resume of Malkia S. White
• Cover Letter: See below

Dear Hiring Manager:

I've not been tied down to a job description for over one (1) month. For your review, I've attached a copy of my resume.

As you can see, I have over fifteen (15) years of experience in marketing, training and development. For over ten (10) years, I've managed daily operations and activities for government, non-profit and corporate offices. I am a certified Paralegal, Notary and I possess a Masters in Business Administration. I am a proficient blogger and a self-proclaimed YouTube sensation. (TEAM JAGUAR Thursday).

Life is challenging because I don't know how I'll make it through one (1) more month of unemployment. I have bills that exceed my unemployment benefits. I have medical expenses that exceed my unemployment benefits. I need to eat. I need operable heat throughout this autumn season. I need to tithe. I need a boyfriend. I need paper to print copies of my resume. I need ink to print the aforementioned. I need enough fuel in my vehicle to travel to the unemployment office and potential offices of employment. I need an impressive interview ensemble. I need you to see my resume, read my resume, call me to schedule an in-person interview, send me an offer letter that exceeds my expectations, and hire me. I need a relaxing, week-long beach vacation before I start this new position. And, I need the new Vaneli boots on sale at my favorite shoe store.

Dear Malkia:

Thank you for your interest in the open position.

I'm offering an opportunity for you to trust that I know what you need before you ask for it in writing. (Matthew 6:8, NIV). Your life is good because each time you enter your closet alone and shut the door closed, I know what you are privately praying and I intend to reward you. (Matthew 6:6, CEV).

Note, you listed some wants. Keep in mind, this new position will offer you the recreational funds to purchase your wants, and prepare you for the love you desire.

Life is abundant because my Son, the One seated at My right hand, making intercession for you, "doesn't change--yesterday, today, tomorrow, he's always totally himself." (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 13:8, MSG).

• The Jesus you called on when you held the job description of Marketing Trainee/Inside Sales Assistant, Incentive Specialist, Director of Administration, Program Representative II, Executive Assistant/Training Specialist, Paralegal, Office Manager/Legal Assistant, Office Administrator/Marketing Coordinator...is the same.
• The Jesus you called on last month, lifted the heaviness of depression, helped you choose Life, delivered you and loves you.
• The Jesus you call on today will "send you what" I have promised; but you must stay in the city (of unemployment) "until you have been clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49, NIV).
• The Jesus you call on tomorrow will give you hope!

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Luke 12:25, NIV).

I Need A Single Hour Blog Series

I know from life experience that challenges do not discriminate--every individual on planet Earth experiences challenges. The theme scripture for this 5-part blog series is Luke 12:25, NIV: Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? It is my hope that this series will inspire you to spend "a single hour" communicating with God.

IMMEDIATE OBEDIENCE: GET UP

Then Jesus, gripping her hand, called, “My dear child, get up.” She was up in an instant, up and breathing again! ....” (Luke 8:54-55, MSG).

Dear Jesus:

I give You thanks for gripping my hand and telling me to get up today!

I've been in a comatose state far too long. My mind, body and spirit have been inactive and my faith needs a jump-start. Forgive me, O Lord, for my diminishing trust.

Give me a willingness to obey You immediately when You call out my name. When You touch me each morning, strengthen me to grip Your hand in return, get up, and believe wholeheartedly that "everything will be all right." (Luke 8:50, MSG).

Lord, thank You for not giving up on me. I pray that I am always appreciative and mindful that I live and breathe as a result of Your resurrection power!

AMEN.

 

While he was still talking, someone from the leader’s house came up and told him, “Your daughter died. No need now to bother the Teacher." Jesus overheard and said, “Don’t be upset. Just trust me and everything will be all right.” Going into the house, he wouldn’t let anyone enter with him except Peter, John, James, and the child’s parents. Everyone was crying and carrying on over her. Jesus said, “Don’t cry. She didn’t die; she’s sleeping.” (Luke 8:49-52, MSG).

BLOG PARTY -- CELEBRATING 2

Thank God! Call out his Name! Tell the whole world who he is and what he's done! Sing to him! Play songs for him! Broadcast all his wonders! Revel in his holy Name, God-seekers, be jubilant! Study God and his strength, seek his presence day and night; Remember all the wonders he performed, the miracles and judgments that came out of his mouth. Seed of Israel his servant! Children of Jacob, his first choice! (1 Chronicles 16:8-13, MSG).

From Hell to Win is celebrating 2 today!

Dear God:

Today marks a second year of celebrating You through blogging. In a posture of prayer and a heart consumed with thanksgiving, I broadcast my love for You. You are praiseworthy and I thank You for the mobility of my hands to compose inspiring messages of hope, praise, and triumph.

You have blessed me with a ministry to tell the whole wide world about You and Your awesome works. (1 Chronicles 16:8, MSG). Leading up to today, You allowed me to share what it means to live by and follow the Spirit--I ask that You continue to use me to express the benefits of having an intimate relationship with You. (Galatians 5:25, HCSB).

LORD, I extend appreciation to all From Hell to Win readers. I love them more! Because they are dear to me, I not only share Your Gospel, I share my life. (1 Thessalonians 2:8, NIV). For two years I've revealed my hells and wins, praying that my testimony would glorify You and offer encouragement to every reader. I intercede for current (and future) readers, asking that they:

• remember Your promises when life is challenging;
• declare life is good as they recall Your deeds; and
• believe the words of Jesus Christ: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10, KJV).

LORD, I thank You for the growth and development of From Hell to Win. In particular, I delight in featuring Vehicles of Compassion. All these people live(d) by faith and I hope their testimonials influence others to become Vehicles of Compassion. (Hebrews 11:13, NIV).

LORD, You are my first choice and You are the Life of my blog party! I sing jubilant songs to You. In the days ahead, it is my desire that the prayers I post on From Hell to Win will continue to exalt You.

In the celebratory name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Thank you for attending From Hell to Win's blog party!

Peace & Love You More...Malkia

FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: JOY

He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.” So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.” (Matthew 28:6-10, HCSB).

Living God: I praise You for being three-dimensional--Father, Son & Spirit! I bow down in worship because You are alive. I extend my thanks to You because You are a  Promise-Keeper. With abundant joy, I exalt You.

As I reflect on Matthew 28 verses 6 through 10, it is an honor to be greeted by the Son. As challenging as life gets, I can be certain that joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5, KJV). LORD, keep me mindful at all times that You gifted a Savior to me with resurrection power. Ready my feet to run and tell the good news about Jesus Christ, "the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16, KJV).

Increase my faith, that it may be unwavering. Forgive me for the times I've been hesitant and fearful to follow Your instructions. Give me the determination to follow the Spirit, so I may share the joy of having a relationship with You.

Enhance my vision to see Jesus today and enable my voice to say: "in Your presence is fullness of joy." (Psalm 16:11, AMP).

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25, HCSB).

JOURNEY TO WORSHIP - A Christmas Psalm

The Magi brought gifts and worshipped Jesus for who he was. This is the essence of true worship--honoring Christ for who he is and willing to give him what is valuable to you. Worship God because he is the perfect, just, and almighty Creator of the universe, worthy of the best you have to give. (Matthew 2:11, NIV Application Notes).

O God, my Creator, I come to worship You

Today, I celebrate the birth of Immanuel (God with us)*

From Heaven to Earth, You came to be with me

Challenging, good and abundant, this long journey

From Hell to Win, Jesus is with me

O Jesus, my Saviour, I come to worship You

Today, I celebrate the birth of Love, Peace and Redemption

From Heaven to Earth, You came to be with me

Challenging, good and abundant, this long journey

From Hell to Win, Jesus is with me

O Jesus, my Healer, I come to worship You

Today, I celebrate the birth of Freedom, Joy and Victory

From Heaven to Earth, You came to be with me

Challenging, good and abundant, this long journey

From Hell to Win, Jesus is with me

O Jesus, my King, I come to worship You

Today, I give You everything I value: my life, my heart, mind, body and soul

From Heaven to Earth, You came to be with me

Challenging, good and abundant, this long journey

From Hell to Win, I'm on pilgrimage to worship Jesus

O Jesus, my Friend, I come to worship You

Today, I offer my dwelling place to You

From Heaven to Earth, You came to abide with me

Challenging, good and abundant, this long journey

From Hell to Win, I'm on pilgrimage to worship Jesus

O Jesus, Son of the Most High, I come to worship You*

Today, I give You everything I treasure: my family and friends

From Heaven to Earth, You came to be with us

Challenging, good and abundant, this long journey

From Hell to Win, we're on pilgrimage to worship Jesus

O Jesus,

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,

we come to worship You*

Mission Accomplished: our journey to worship Jesus Christ

O magnify the LORD!

Today, the light of the eastern sky, guides us to the Light of the World*

[Isaiah 7:14 & Matthew 1:23, NIV; Luke 1:32, NIV; Isaiah 9:6, NIV; John 8:1, NIV]

THE VALLEY - Chapter Two

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. (Psalm 25:16-17, NIV).

From Spring 1999 to Spring 2003, I lived in Missouri's capital city. During that four-year timeframe I accomplished great things professionally, scholastically & community-wise. However, my personal life was terribly lonely and I felt miserable. My closest friends were miles away. I had to drive 2 hours to get to the nearest metropolis (and international airport). The social scene for a twenty-something single in Jefferson City was mundane. The dating pool was the size of a puddle. When it was feasible, I took advantage of every opportunity to escape small town USA.

By Spring 2003 I loathed living in Jefferson City, Missouri. I became so disgusted with my personal life that I spiraled into a deep depression. I hated going to work. I hated going to church. I hated going to sorority meetings. I hated doing community service. I hated talking on the phone. I hated life. I hated my existence. Life in Missouri was M-I-S-E-R-Y!

Loneliness wrecked my outlook so much that I desired to end my life. I no longer wanted to breathe. I'd look at paintings and wish I was an inanimate object whose sole purpose was to beautify an empty space on a wall. I preferred dying prematurely than having to live one more day in a godforsaken town with limited social outlets. I strongly believed that any progressive twenty-something single would:

• feel melancholy not being able to fellowship with close friends on a routine basis;
• be miserable shopping at a mall whose name was Mall; and
• feel dejected being able to count on 1 hand the number of singles available to date.

I knew moving to Jefferson City would be a lifestyle adjustment. But, I figured having familial roots there would help me acclimate. Having survived 4 years in Jefferson City didn't matter at my lowest point. I was prepared to die if the opportunity to permanently move away from a state of Missouri didn't reveal itself posthaste.

My life was challenging because loneliness triggered destructive thoughts of hopelessness. My heart was so troubled that I actually believed suicide was a sensible solution to my anguish.

Unbeknownst to me, life was good in the midst of my turmoil. When loneliness engulfed me, I read God's Promises For Your Every Need, and sought comfort in the scriptures focused on What To Do When You Feel Lonely and What To Do When You Feel Depressed:

• Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10, KJV).
• I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (John 14:18, KJV).
• The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17, KJV).

While I was hell-bent on taking my life, God (through the Holy Word) was unrelenting about saving my life.

Life is abundant because I'm alive today to share my testimony. My first and only suicide attempt occurred on a Saturday afternoon. Sobbing intermittedly, I sat down on my staircase and proofread the letter to my family. Before I could figure out the method of my demise, my thoughts were befuddled.

Where should I...?

How should I...?

What will this do to my family?

Today, I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit intervened within a matter of seconds on that Saturday afternoon. Though my faith had diminished to the size of a mustard seed, God changed my thought pattern instantly. I couldn't proceed with the act of suicide because I loved myself too much and I didn't want my family to hurt. I was totally displeased with my personal life circumstances, but I discovered some semblance of (self) worth.

As much as I like to keep a record of my writing, I cannot share the exact words of my letter. I held on to it for several years, but I decided to shred it because keeping a tangible reminder of the Malkia of Spring 2003 was unhealthy and unnecessary. Memories of the time I spent living in Jefferson City, Missouri are desolate. Yet, I praise God because I actually have memories. I am A-L-I-V-E to admit that: Life is Challenging. Life is good. Life is abundant. I know God is ever-present from my hell to my win!

Dear God:

I make intercession for people struggling with suicidal thoughts. A variety of issues--abuse, addiction, adversity, anger, anxiety, bitterness, bullying, depression, discrimination, disease, financial burdens, guilt, heartache, loneliness, racism, sexism, shame--give way to self-destructive thoughts. Somebody has wrestled with suicidal thoughts for years, months, weeks, days. For the person positioned in isolation, I pray against the mental strongholds trying to overpower their knowledge of You and Jesus' sufficient grace. (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV; 2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV). Send them a divine message via twitter, television/online programming, telephone, song, letter, greeting card, facebook and/or e-mail. For the person wearing the scars of attempts 1 through 5, I pray they seek professional help and take advantage of preventative measures. Create a supportive network comprised of compassionate, empathetic and prayerful people to surround them as they take steps to heal. Convince them that self-inflicted wounds are not a viable solution, and help them learn that they have already been healed by Jesus' wounds. (1 Peter 2:24). I pray for people who have forgotten their value--move them from a state of misery to a place of hope. I intercede for the person who has no faith, bargaining for deliverance from their affliction--in the name of Jesus, I pray for an instant intervention and I ask that You implant a good seed of belief in their spirit.

O Lord, for the survivors coping with the loss of a loved one, I ask that You massage their hearts with comforting hands. Their grief is debilitating and they are trying to comprehend the reasons for such a departure. Someone is wailing:

WHY?!

I could have prevented this from happening!

WHY?!

How come they didn't talk to me?

WHY?!

I could've fixed the problem!

WHY?!

Why did they abandon me?

WHY?!

Their eyes are dim because of sorrow and affliction. Lord, they call upon You daily; they spread forth their hands to You, asking WHY?! (Psalm 88:9, AMP). In the name of Jesus, I ask that You keep their faculties intact because it's likely that WHY?! will rattle their brains for days, weeks, months and years. Relieve any pressure they've put on themselves, owning the blame for the departure of their loved one. When they are restless, cradle them in Your tender-loving arms and rock them to sleep. When they are in need of a sounding board, dispatch their genuine friends to their locale. When they are ready to seek professional help, lead them to an agency that will offer empathetic, insightful, and loving support. When their faith begins to dwindle, give them the energy and strength to reach up to You in prayer.

Lord, as difficult as it's been to write this testimony, I pray that my authentic and transparent expression of this particular trial gives hope to someone in desperate need of a win. Let this message serve as a record "for the generation yet unborn, that a people yet to be created shall praise" You. For You look down from the height of Your sanctuary, from heaven You behold the earth, and hear the sighing and groaning of people in need of Your help. (Psalm 102:18-20, AMP).

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: "LORD, save me!" (Psalm 116:3-4, NIV).

HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION & SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, www.afsp.org
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention
• Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.com

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Then I heard a voice from heaven shout, "Our God has shown his saving power, and his kingdom has come! God's own Chosen One has shown his authority. Satan accused our people in the presence of God day and night. Now he has been thrown out! Our people defeated Satan because of the blood of the Lamb and the message of God. They were willing to give up their lives. The heavens should rejoice, together with everyone who lives there. But pity the earth and the sea, because the devil was thrown down to the earth. He knows his time is short, and he is very angry." (Revelation 12:10-12, CEV).

Monday, May 2, 2011, 3:16am

As tired as I was, I picked up my phone to see why it was illuminated.  The most prevalent news story of the day announced the death of “the world’s most wanted terrorist.”  (Staff and wire reports. "U.S. KILLS BIN LADEN." The Atlanta-Journal Constitution. May, 2, 2011, p. A1.).  Right then, I knew it was no coincidence for me to be awake and alert at the 3am hour—this was the normal time for me to talk with God.  I asked:

What does this mean, this death announcement to the world?

This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. (Jeremiah 22:3, NIV).

What does this mean, this death announcement to the world?

“Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:23-24, NIV).

What does this mean, this death announcement to the world?

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.  In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior. (Jeremiah 23:5-6, NIV).

What does this mean, this death announcement to the world?

God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him. (1 Peter 5:7, CEV).

What does this mean, this death announcement to the world?

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:18-20, NIV).

What does this mean, this death announcement to the world?

Life is challenging because Satan terrorizes the Earth.  No nation is exempt from Satan’s sole purpose to steal, kill and destroy.  (John 10:10, NIV).  All around the world, Satan aims to rob people of their dignity, joy, freedom, love and peace.  All around the world, Satan commits acts of violence that result in the shedding of innocent blood.  (Jeremiah 22:3, NIV).

Life is good because we have a worldwide God who cares for the inhabitants of the Earth.  (1 Peter 5:7, CEV).  God is near to my homeland in North America; God is far away in Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe and South America.  (Jeremiah 23:23-24, NIV).

Life is abundant because centuries ago, our God raised a King who reigns wisely and does what is just and right in all the land; his name is The LORD Our Righteous Savior.  (Jeremiah 23:5-6, NIV).  Before the creation of the world, Jesus Christ was chosen to sacrifice his life; the world population was redeemed with the precious blood of The Lamb of God.  (1 Peter 1:17-20, NIV).

Dear God:

I don’t know if I’ll ever know what this recent death announcement means to the world?!

I do know that I believe in You.  Through Jesus Christ, my faith and hope are in You. (1 Peter 1:21, NIV).  I truly believe You always win!

I know that weeping has endured many nights.  People are still mourning the loss of loved ones.  Hearts are still aching and wounds are still healing.  People are still living in fear.

Lord, I intercede for all of humanity.  Let me, like David, seek You and understand that You will answer and deliver us from all fears:

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.  (Psalm 34:4, 17-22, NIV).

As your servant, I cannot rejoice in this death announcement because I know Vengeance is Yours.  (Romans 12:19, KJV).  O Lord, forgive us for the times we believe vengeance will give our souls a winning peace.  Forgive us for the times we believe a hateful and bitter attitude will grant us winning results.  Forgive us when we think committing a violent act will give us winning satisfaction.  Help us make choices that exhibit Your love and bring You glory.

The world needs a reminder of how we're supposed to live, right now!  

Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord's followers are suffering just as you are. (1 Peter 5:8-9, CEV).

The world needs a reminder of how we're supposed to rejoice, right now!

Rejoice in the LORD always. (Philippians 4:4, NIV).

I don’t know if I’ll ever know what this recent death announcement means to the world?! 

But, I do know I'm grateful for this announcement:

"He is not here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, 'The Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day'?" (Luke 24:6-7, HCSB).

I do know You are “the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” so the timeline of world events is no surprise to You. (Revelation 21:6, NIV).  I do know Jesus Christ is at Your right hand, making intercession for us. (Romans 8:34, NIV).  I do know Your word endures forever. (1 Peter 1:25, NIV). 

In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray…AMEN.

The grace of the Master Jesus be with all of you. Oh, Yes! (Revelation 22:21, MSG).

DELIGHT IN THE WAIT

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. (Jude 1:20-21).

The only thing I could do was call on the name of Jesus.  “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!”  During our telephone conversation I shouted His name because our 15-month relationship was coming to an end.

One month prior to the termination of my relationship, my daily routine included reading and studying the Bible, writing in my prayer journal, listening to gospel music, conversing with God individually and with prayer partners.  I also eliminated all things that served as distractions in my life because I had a strong desire to remove all junk from my system.


The Lord would wake me up between the hours of 3am and 4am and we would talk about my relationship.  I requested:

1. clarity regarding the status of the relationship;
2. assistance with putting my faith into action; and
3. a clean heart.

Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that whatever happened in my relationship, I placed all of my trust in the Lord.

On the evening of Friday, July 21st, I called on Jesus and the answer to my prayers came in the form of a break-up.  As our telephone conversation came to a close I was able to sincerely say to my ex-boyfriend, “God bless you and good night.”  Amazingly, the weekend culminated with a joyous experience.  Sunday evening I stood in a prayer circle and the presence of the Lord entered the atmosphere and extended an audible invitation to me, “The wait is over.  Take my hand, the door is open, walk through.”

Dear God: O what a joy it is to hear Your voice!  Thank you for preparation, clarification and Your invitation.  Anoint us with Your joy as we wait for Your promises.  Amen.