One tremendous benefit that I receive in reading the Scriptures and practicing Quiet Presence is hearing the truth and embracing it again for myself. I always have a false narrative in my head that says, “God has a problem with me. I am a failure. I am a big pile of mistakes. Shame. Shame. Shame.” Alone with my Abba (and in the faces of my friends), I am again reminded of the truth, and the ugly lie comes unraveled. It is in that place that I can again embrace the fact that I am the beloved son in whom my Father delights. From ear to ear, I grin because my sins are separated as far as the East is from the West. Back to hell with the Serpent’s deception. Onward to heaven, I stride as the apple of God’s eye. Condemnation is not for me. God has not set a trap but planned a course for my life. I am cherished and sung over with loud songs! I am not cursed. I am blessed. I am not a mistake. I am elect, chosen, called, knit, and held together by design. I am created for good works, and I will walk in them by grace and with the help of many others. Heaven rejoices in the truth, and so I will too! Fire for the Serpent and a feast for the King and his son. My cup runs over and over and over. Abba, I belong to you. Amen.