Are you tired of being tired?
I’m a little weary.
Not physically, but deep down tired of injustice. Headlines that scream of injustice around the world. Injustice that is at my front door.
This weekend I pulled to a stoplight. A car waited in the turn lane next to me. The windows were down. A man and a woman were in the front of the car and they were fighting. I could hear the words — angry, cutting, vicious. He jutted his finger at her. She waved her fists in his face.
Two children slumped in the back seat, about five and ten years old. The boy stared out the window. The little girl rested her chin on her hands.
I can’t describe the expressions on their face, but I knew what was on mine.
Sadness. Frustration.
God, this isn’t fair.
Somewhere at the same moment there are other children riding in a car, and there is laughter. They are cushioned in love, and dad is telling mom a joke. They are on their way to a park, or lunch. They aren’t stressed or worried, or wondering if this is somehow their fault.
The light changed and the car pulled away. I wanted to weep, because there’s little I could do to help those two kids. I realize that I don’t know their whole story, but I recognize the injustice of their situation.
We can get truly weary, right?
There are too many of us walking around who are physically tired. Emotionally fatigued. Spiritually empty. I think it’s important that we talk about that.
I believe the enemy wants to twist our weariness to his advantage. He wrongly believes that he can crush God’s daughters with physical, emotional, and spiritual fatigue. That if we get weary enough, we’ll throw up our hands and give up.
Except for this truth:
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NLT)
We are not powerless. Not by a long shot. All throughout scripture, God continually invites his people into rest.
In the above scripture, Jesus is talking to Pharisees who do and do and do, and who pile up obstacles and rules so high that it’s almost impossible to get over them.
We paint the Pharisees as “all bad” because of a few, but rarely are people all bad or all good. The Pharisees really wanted to be holy. They really wanted to do the right thing. They were missing it by a mile, however, and Jesus invited them into rest.
If they would rest, then they could do good rather than trying to do it on their own (and messing it up in the process).
One version of this scripture says, “I will give you rest for your soul.” That’s deep down rest that infiltrates every part of who we are.
[bctt tweet=”Jesus offers rest for your soul. Deep-down rest that cannot be stolen. #livingfreetogether #ComeWithMe” username=”suzanneeller”]
Like the Pharisees, sometimes we do and do and do, and eventually we rest.
Jesus was inviting them to:
Rest, and then you can do.
Whatever fatigue we may be battling, there is rest for our souls. Rest is not laziness. Rest is not sleeping on the job. It’s not cocooning us from the real tasks or issues in front of us.
There are many things that we can do that are good. However, it’s stronger when it originates from a place of rest.
I think we need to talk about this, don’t you?
We’ll linger on this topic for the entire month.
Some of you are physically tired, and we’ll discuss that because it’s key. Some of you are spiritually tired, and we’ll be honest about the fact that we aren’t supposed to run on empty. We’ll talk about emotional rest, and what that might look like as women who are loved by God.
For today, I hold up my hands in surrender and I’m asking God to help me rest.
Lord, I can’t fix the world, but you care deeply about everyone in it. I hold up my fatigue to you, and ask that you fill me up. One more time, Jesus. Then show me my part to play. Let me do so with joy, and from a place of strength in you. Amen.
Is that your prayer too?
Suzie
If you need prayer, we are here to pray for you. ♥
Related topics
If you want to take today’s topic deeper, here are some blog posts you might love a lot.
[inlinkz_linkup id=708027 mode=1]
I have been dealing with divorce proceedings for 4 years now! I’m a single mom to a 10 year old boy who has suffered along side of me.
He continues to be hurt because his Dad does not spend any time with him. I also have a son in college but we have a difficult relationship .
I’m so weary of thinking about the divorce and how 21 years of marriage could just be gone in an instant.
I want to put it all in the past and have peace. Right now it’s draining my energy and taking over my thoughts! I keep thinking of all the time I’ve lost with my younger son and I feel so guilty !
I would appreciate your prayers and would really love to have a copy of Tracie’s book!
Karen, that is a long time figuring out and I suppose fighting out. You must feel exhausted in every being of your heart, soul, and mind. I haven’t walked in your shoes, but I know many who have. Currently, my own daughter. I see certain “looks” in my granddaughters eyes and I pray, my heart aches for them. I am sorry.
Heavenly Father, we pray your peace, presence, and healing over your daughter, Karen, and her family. Fill the loneliness gap with your love and assurance that Karen is not walking this long journey on her own. Fill her with your Holy Spirit of strength as she continues in her new version of life with her precious son. Her boys, we lift them to you. You love them, you see them, and know their hearts. Brokenness is never easy, it down right stinks, but Father you are the mender of brokenness. We pray for mending hearts and relationships in your timing, in your will. We lift this to you this morning. We place the hurts, worries, and guilt in your hands. Amen.
What a beautiful prayer Michele! I stand with you in praying for Karen and her family in this time of need.
Karen, I’m praying for you now. The Lord redeems and restores. Father, pour out your Holy Spirit over Karen’s heart and mind. May your power rest on her and she rests in in you and embraces her own weakness. Lord, extend your grace to both of her sons. Touch them in their points of need.
Betsy that is a beautiful prayer, for all of us! Thank-you for praying for Karen and her sons.
Karen, as I pray for you I sense this word. Those 21 years have not gone away. They were not wasted. The sweet moments have not disappeared. He may have stepped away, but that cannot rob you of the good you’ve experienced in the past 21 years, and the good you brought to this relationship. Like Michelle, I pray that you find rest that holds you close, that strengthens your inner being. You are strong and you are honest, and I love that you feel safe to share here. We wrap around you in prayer and encouragement today. Lord, pour out joy and surprise her with peace that passes all understanding, In Jesus’ name.
Karen, you are the winner of today’s giveaway, which is bath salts. I’ll privately message you for your mailing address! Congratulations!
Suzie, I love this topic. And your words: “Rest, and then you can do.” I’ve realized that often rest is a battle for me spiritually. Too easily I let my mind and spirit get tired by burdens God doesn’t want me to carry. I linked up a post I wrote a few weeks ago because I feel it fits with the topic of rest. I rest best when I let Jesus be the center, ordering my activities and my thoughts. So hard to do! But so life-giving.
Betsy, I love your words, “when I let Jesus be the center.” So true in every aspect of life. Yes, hard to do!
I can’t wait to read your post. On my way there now!
True rest seems elusive these days as we walk through some tough stuff with one of our kiddos. I pray for God’s peace but honestly sometimes don’t feel it. I know He is there and He wants me to rest in Him. With everything going on right now, it’s difficult to do that. Lord, I pray you would help me to find those times to “getaway” and rest in you. Amen.
Mandi, I am sure you wish you could turn off the switch from worry to rest. I hear you. Praying for you, your family and your “kiddo.”
Father, thank you for Mandi. You promise rest. You invite us into rest. I pray that Mandi walks into that rest today and tomorrow and all the days thereafter. In Jesus’ name.
Suzie, Thank you so much for this today. I seek emotional rest and you have already begun to pray for me. My daughter’s husband left her and their three children 10 weeks ago. It’s been emotional draining but I’m so blessed to have a good relationship with my daughter so she feels comfortable sharing with me.
praying for you Janice as you seek emotional rest in the Lord. May the relationship your daughter has with you remind you both of the relationship you both can have with the Lord. Mathew 11:28 -Give God all your cares and burdens and let HIM give you, your daughter and the three beautiful children PEACE and REST. He never ever LEAVES US.
Diana
Father, hold us this sweet mama, grandma, and children. Be their anchor in this hard place. Cover each of them with peace that makes no sense in the natural. You are grace. You are our comfort. You are our Healer. Today, we lean into you for your strength and rest.
I had a hard time reading this one through. All these emotions started coming up and I don’t know what is what. It seems like there is so much stuff.
Stories like this can be a trigger, Alexis. It sounds like your heart grieved over these little ones, or you’ve been in that situation and it hurts. What I want you to know is that God didn’t show me these children just to ignore them, but to pray for them. To war for them (and the adults) spiritually. We are not helpless. We are also not responsible for fixing all the wrong in the world. We step up to play our part as he shows us what to do. Mine is going to be prayer.
Alexis, we’ll talk about lighter issues of rest. This was a heavy one today, but we are invited to step into His rest. I pray that we can do that together today!
This is so me tofay.. I feel emotionally drained… tired and wanting to lay in bed a few more minutes… feeling tired of being alone and fighting things.. rest sweet reedy I need…
Ruthie, I can so relate with you. I wanted to let you know that you are never alone and that your feelings are being heard. God wants us to take rest so that we can find strength in the Lord.
Diana
Father, thank you that you invite us to rest in your strength. Carry Ruthie today. Fill her up. Prepare her for doing, but only out of your strength. In Jesus’ name!
This is an area of particular challenge for me — all the pride and all the need for check marks on my list compete for first place. Thanks for mentioning the truth that rest is NOT laziness. I see that a rested heart and mind are so much more available to the Lord for His purposes.
I have been working on calling on Jesus when I am tired and weary instead of telling myself I am just too tired to deal with anything. I see a huge difference…instead of negative talk…talk to God and Jesus..I also notice a big difference in my energy levels when I take time to do a devotional or read my Bible in the morning. I have 4 teenagers so it is easy to feel overwhelmed and tired!
Shannon, that’s a powerful point! We just went through Living a Life of Thank You, as you know. What a powerful way to turn into intentional gratitude in this area of rest as well. I am committed to praying for those two little ones sitting in the back of the car, and thanking God for what he can do.
Praying for you to feel re-energized and overflowing!
Suzie, thank you for this blessed post today. It is so important that we find rest in the Lord to receive His strength to continue with the earthly tasks before us. Indeed, rest is not laziness.
Diana
I went through my son getting a divorce several years ago with his wife leaving him with two little ones. Now after 4 years his second wife wants to move out. I am on my knees again feeling helpless but handing it to God. I’m already drained and it’s just starting. Resting in God and keeping him at the center was what I needed. When people make choices it affects so many others. I know my grandchildren have been like those two children in the back seat. So much hurt in the world.
Lord, we are weary but we choose to rest in you. We are not helpless. We are not ill equipped. We have the power of prayer at our disposal.
Lord, we pray for this precious grandma who loves these babies and her son. Let her overflow in the spirit. Give her joy. Lead this son into your arms, and these children into your presence. Protect them, watch over them, instill confidence that comes from your love into them. In Jesus’ name!
Thank you for this beautiful prayer.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😘
I’m trying to rest in the Lord through a difficult marriage. I have been married to my husband 36 years. Sadly, I can’t say it has been a happy marriage. I continue to tell myself that the Lord didn’t call us to a happy life but a holy life. I must confess I am weary . I continue to hope in the Lord that things will improve but honestly it just seems he gets worse through the years. I do have days when I do feel like giving up. My prayer is to keep looking to Him and trusting He’ll help me be and respond in a way that pleases Him! Not always easy . So thankful for the encouraging words through your ministry Suzie.
Praying for you and your circumstances–that God would help you have a change of heart toward your husband and he would respond to that.
Father, I pray for Linda today. Lord, fill the gaps that another person can never fill, no matter how sweet the relationship. Be her need meeter in every way, Lord. I treasure you and how you can bring peace and joy in the hard places. It makes no sense, Lord, but you do. You take up residence in strength and joy, and as Linda turns to you that is exactly what she is demonstrating. She is strong, Father. She is courageous. She loves you so much, and you love her in return, overfilling and in abundance.
Between health issues, chasing after kids in activities, working full time, and managing a household, I feel like I am running on empty a lot. I know many women that are in the same circumstances. We can’t be all things to all people and not take care of ourselves–starting with our spiritual well being. If I start my day with quiet time with the Lord, he fills me up and the day goes more smoothly. If I end the day the same way, it helps provide an “eternal perspective” on things and I can rest easier.
I am seeking rest from constantly going, going, going. How do you say “no” to some things? Thanks for your words today, Suzie. I”m going to pass them on to my pastor for a potential sermon topic!!
Dori, what a great question and potentially the next blog post from me (next Thursday). My short answer is to look at the nonnegotiable, and then work from there. What is supposed to be on your plate? Is it time to let some of it go? If you are holding on to it, why? Invite God into the process, because he cares about the details of your life and invites you into rest.
Are you rested spiritually? Are you filling up? If not, what is in the way?
You are asking a great question, one we all have asked at one time or another. I can’t wait to take this deeper next Thursday. Thank you for giving me my next blog post.
Suzie
I think God I s trying to get a message to me. Just this morning this is the 3rd time I have been promoted that I need to rest. Thank you for your beautiful post. It leaves meyearning to rest in God.
I am very weary from physical pain-my right knee has been swollen for 10 days-no injury just swollen and very painful. I’m having difficulty resting it-keeping it elevated and iced. I appreciate the reminder that rest is not laziness. I have an Ultrasound tomorrow and orthopedist apt next Tues. Prayers appreciated-with chronic illness I deal with pain on a daily basis but this pain is really intense, disrupting everything during wake and sleep times. Thank you!! Noting and lifting all the other prayer needs this morning!
Lord, heal Nancy’s knee. Reduce the swelling and pain, and may she feel your healing touch over her entire body, over her heart, over the wounds of the past, over the hurt of the present. From head to toe, may she sense your presence near. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Seeking rest in all areas of my life.rest is my word of the year from the Lord so looking forward to these series
Thank you for this needed word in a world of chaos – REST – Be Still and know that He is God — Quiet our souls Lord so that we can appreciate You.
How timely is your post today – thank you! I am indeed weary, mentally/emotionally, spiritually, and most of the time physically too. Three years ago my beloved lost his job and while he found another, it has been a struggle in all three areas for him. He actually works two jobs now and his struggle is mine too. Two years ago my mother was diagnosed with cancer. She is doing well, however I am exhausted from the caretaking, the realizing we must make the most of our time now, the how do I fit it all in, etc. Two years ago I started a different job (in same company), which was a God thing because it allowed me to work from other locations when I needed to be w/my mother at an appointment or at her home. However, this job has not been w/o it’s own stressors. All three of these “events” are taking their toll on me in all the three areas you mention. Health-wise, emotionally, and spiritually. Some days I am groping desperately for a strong hold, other days I am calm and centered. It’s like I’m riding a merry-go-round.
God is faithful and I cannot do this w/o Him, which I tell Him often. He leads me to your website, He sends a word from a friend, and He prompts me to read His word. I know this is just a season I am in right now and it will soon pass, so I’ll not give up. Wow, how hard these seasons are though. Thank you for bringing the conversation to the table. I look forward to reading more during this month of April.
Thank you for coming to the table. Your insight and honesty is welcomed. : ) We need each other, don’t we?
I am weary from fighting to hang on to my hope in the midst of facing my husband’s battle with brain cancer. Being the mama means I’m the one to help our kiddos navigate this storm, and I can hardly manage it for myself. And then there’s all the behavior problems, stress related health issues, and relational tension as a result of it. And the “stuff of life” keeps coming at you even when it feels like it takes all you’ve got to handle the BIG things. 2 of our kids have had minor car accidents (with major costs). Things around the house keep falling apart, which reminds me constantly how much I depend on my sweet husband……WOW! That all came gushing out…guess I really need some REST!
Praying for you! Rest in Him! He’s got this and you!🙏❤
Holding you and your family in prayer, Rachel. I am so very sorry. He is right there and holds you near and dear. I spent 15 years caring for my elderly mother and know the weariness and anguish, asking God a lot of questions that went unanswered, yet He never left me.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Prayers for you & your family in this difficult time. I pray for rest & peace. I know it can be difficult in the middle of the storm.
Lord, hold Rachel tight during this battle. We come boldly and ask for her husband’s healing. Turn every negative report around. Fill this house with joy, laughter, and strength that comes from being your child. Lord, I ask for strength for Rachel today, and tomorrow, and every day thereafter and I thank you for it. In Jesus’ name, we pray.
I see this scene you describe with the family in the car so vividly.. As I have lived it. I was the little girl in the backseat on the way home from my birthday dinner. A happy occasion that turned ugly and scary. It is from this unsettled and tense environment that I grew to know anxiety and fear. I felt unsafe and invisible & lost my ability to trust. This is so timely for me… I have been in a very long season of “Un-Rest” I am now learning to process and “trust” God as these old memories, long suppressed bubble to the surface. At times I feel so overwhelmed & exhausted.. Emotionally, Spiritually, Physically. Thank you for these words and I pray they will penetrate my walls and help me to find rest & peace.
Suzie, this is such a fine post and so pertinent to so many, if not all of us. In some way(s), we need His rest. I just wrote about casting cares upon the Lord and just read another post on this. I do think we are screaming for rest. I am truly weary of … we don’t need to go there. It is the answer that is important. HIM!
I am physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted. I just keep reminding myself I have to do it for my kids. I’m drained. I want to give up. My husband left me almost a year ago (April 13th), and it’s been a battle. He hasn’t filed for divorce; He wont come home. He’s been mean, hateful, and things just keep getting worse. His actions and decisions are hurting everyone. It’s so hard to take care of the kids all by myself, work, and everything else. I feel forgotten by God and unheard. I know that is just Satan trying to make me give up. I have prayed and prayed, and feel utterly beaten up by life. I am loved. God loves me. God wants me. God is with me. God hears me. I just have to keep speaking God’s truth into my life. Head up!
I have been there, done that 10 years ago and I feel your pain and frustration and exhaustion. It gets better, I promise!! 🙂 Don’t succumb to the lies of the enemy. He comes to steal, kill and destroy! God is with you and for you so who and what can be against you!!
With love and admiration and grace,
Melisa
P.S, Pray for your Husband that he be happy joyous and free…I know it sounds crazy. Try it for the next 2 weeks, everyday.
Chanda, you are speaking truth over your life. You are so strong, stronger than you know. I’m cheering you on. I’m calling out your name before the Lord, to fill those wounds with his love. I have a beautiful friend, a blogger by the name of Laura Polk. She blogs at https://laurapolk.org and I believe that she’s walked in your shoes. Sometimes we need to hear from others who are walking in it, or who are on the other side of it. I feel very compelled to share her name and blog URL with you, to send you that direction (but come back here too) for additional support.
Hi: I have been dealing with fatigue. There are times I can hardly function. It’s like a wave coming over me. Recently the tiredness has gotten worse. I was praying this morning coming to work for the LORD to help me. My symptoms are physical. This is a different type of ‘tired’ you are referring to in today’s message, but the symptoms are similar. I understand ‘rest is a battle’. I, like you, see things around me that are heart wrenching. I recently came through an unwanted divorce, Karen I fell your pain; I am so sorry for you and your son’s. God’s word has helped me, the battle(s) are not mine. When I focus on HIS goodness and mercy it helps me not think on all the hurt. Stay in the WORD, stay as HIS feet my sisters. There is HOPE.
I am EXHAUSTED in the worry over my daughters having to do reunification therapy with their Father this coming weekend. This is the second time around and I am trying to really let go and let God oversee this process. It is hard to not want to manage and control it especially when I see my girls suffer from disappointment and heartache over what their Father has and has not done. There is also a large sum of money owed to me by him for attorney’s fees and back child support. This would be a significant help right now as I constantly worry about money as well and if it was paid it could be an end to this long over due chapter. I try to rest in the Lord and what his word says is true but it wears me out and is a heavy burden that I so desperately need to go away.
Please, please pray for resolution and a miracle as the hearts and eyes of the girls Father and Grandmother need to be opened wide in order for all of this to end once and for all. The girls deserve to move forward towards their healing.
Thank you and God Bless you and your ministry!!
P.S. Those bath salts look heavenly!! 🙂
Father, hear this mama’s heart and lead and guide her as she goes up this harder path. She’s clinging to you, and you offer her rest. Carry this burden but also bring others to carry it with her tangibly, holding up her arms, laughing with her, reminding her that she is not alone. In your powerful name I pray, amen.
Thank you Suzie, I needed this reminder today. All the gosip & bickering at work has me weary deep down. Its exhausting. Listening to worship music and reading devotions! It helps 😉 Have a great day!
The topic of rest is important as this world presses us to do more and be more each day. I feel the pressure from others and even my dear husband to be “productive” in every area of life. I have been accused of being laid back, but in my defense, it’s a way to take time to breath in God’s breath of life and to smell the roses in my daily living. One of my key ways to find rest is to reserve the Sabbath for God and to take time to linger in His Word and pray in spirit. Our “self” gets in the way of hearing God’s voice and obeying Him. In giving my time to worship the Lord in a living way on the Sabbath, it strengthens my spirit and gives rest to my soul. I know the difference when I take on projects without consulting the Lord and find stress and worry begins to dominate my inner being. I felt this message given was a balm to many and a word from the Lord to those who are overwhelmed.
The Lord has been calling me to a Sabbath rest. I’ll share that in a future post, but I love what you shared.
Thank you for your beautiful words today!! God is using you in a wonderful way to lead to us!
For this topic of rest….could this be the area where I’m always there for others all the time…but now God has placed certain people in my life to be there for me? I’ve noticed that I’m still there for others, but since joining a wonderful church, others have been there for me not only just because, but during my struggles as well.
It’s definitely mutual. We do step into loving each other through the hard places.
To rest in Him is moment by moment – but it takes some moments in the morning to get me to that place of sitting in Him while doing for Him.
Oh Suzie – I had no idea I would be LIVING THIS MESSAGE OUT in such a desperate way this morning. God has been putting so many things on my heart. But this morning, I needed His rest! And through such an outpouring of emotion and searching for God’s answers with a dear friend, the word that kept coming to me was REST. We often want to heal with words. But sometimes the most powerful words come through God’s silence – and the silent words He writes on our hearts. Yes! Those are the words I needed today! The words of the world are bombarding my peace lately. I needed to rest in the quiet of the Word. Thank you for this! The Spirit is reaching, and teaching!
Suzie, I written a Bible study on rest, speak and teach on rest, yet sometimes it eludes me. That nagging feeling I’m not doing enough. Surely, I could do more. That is the area that challenges my ability to rest the most. Love this topic—because I need to be reminded over and over again.
A rest from busyness. When things of this world consume my time and energy and I need to refill with God.
I simply need rest…. To be able to cast all my cares on Him….
I simply need rest…. To be able to cast all my cares on Him.
This post was so needed! Right now I’m headed into the busiest season of my entire life with my mom facing a stem cell transplant and my husband and I are in the process of an adoption. Rest will be so important in the coming months as I try to help those in my life. Thank you for this post!
Praying for you in this season. Praying for your mother through this transplant, that her body will remain healthy and become stronger. Pray for you and your Husband through the adoption process, that you will remain positive, hopefully, and the precious gift that is waiting for you now. You are headed into a scary time, but remember who you belong to! You are the Daughter of the King! Lord bless this beautiful daughter of yours.
This hit deep. I have been really struggling lately. Some times I forget to just rest. I’m going going going and Satan uses that to cause me to stumble. I start trying to go it all on mine own and that causes me to crash. We were never meant to do it alone. We can’t. Right now I really need prayer for reconciliation of my family and for us to find a home church were we all feel comfortable. We serve an awesome Heavenly Father and I am so proud to be the Daughter of the one true King!
Katie, thank you for sharing your heart. Your prayer are the same two issues I have had this year. God hears your prayers and the right and perfect home church will be delivered for you and your family. Only God can truly reconcile families and I pray for you that God is in the process of a mighty work.
Thank you for everything that you do. You male more impact than you will ever know. 💟
Make 😊
This topic is fabulous! I find myself “doing, doing, doing” and then resting. And then I wonder why I feel drained–Lol! I’m looking forward to how God moves in my heart about this
I hesitate posting a comment because so many have shared prayer request already. Thank you for this post. I am tired. I’m in my final course of the last semester in my Bachelor’s program at the age of 54. This an online American Sign Langauge course that requires hours of watching videos, posting videos and reading. My eyes are so tired. I work full time and serve as a Pastor’s wife which requires a lot of my time. I’m mentally and emotionally tired as well for numerous reasons. I find comfort in Jesus, who want to give me rest. Pray that I learn to rest my thoughts and sleep more productively and that I get all my course work done in time.
Lord, thank you for Calvonia. She’s running so hard right now, pursuing all that you have put in front of her. Supernaturally cover her with your power and presence. Show her what should be on her plate, and what shouldn’t. Give her the courage to ask for help, if that is needed. Thank you for this vibrant, amazing woman of faith.
I need rest from disease from MS, etc
I seek true rest. Restless nights due to chronic pain. My husband as well does not sleep well.
just found this today…wishing i’d found it the other day but so glad for today…cannot begin to describe the weariness — weary of torment robbing me of sleep and weary of just being emotionally and physically exhausted from life struggles…i know i’m not the only who’s been here and surely won’t be the last…still, i find myself wondering if God is really there because it feels as if this free-fall is never-ending…this is where hope dies…