Folks stop me periodically and say: “Frank, I love Jesus, I am going to Heaven but I don’t feel obligated to go to church. What do you think?” Perhaps you have had heard a similar statement too. Some suggest salvation is enough. Well, before I answer let me remind you what God says on this subject. He is the Authority (not me or others in ministry).
The Bible is bold and crystal clear about church attendance: “not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.” Salvation is found by faith in Christ alone and we can add nothing to or subtract from to gain access to an eternal Paradise with God. However, church attendance should go hand in hand as kids of the King! If you are in a marriage and never eat a meal with your spouse except for the night of your wedding you are struggling to say the least.
Iron sharpens iron and it is imperative that we trust God together and be encouraged by one another. The local church exists from an outline I borrowed years ago from Dr Adrian Rogers: Exalt the Savior, Encourage the Saints, Evangelize the Sinner and remind all to Expect the Son because Jesus is coming back! We find many reasons why we should worship together (especially in these dark, difficult days). Here are just a couple:
1) God’s PRAISE: The Lord is worthy to be praised. If we can sit in the snow cheering with 82,000 fans at a football game we most certainly need to applaud for the Almighty, cheer for Christ, root for the Redeemer and give a standing ovation for our Savior! Give me a “J” - give me a “E” - give me a “S” - give me a “U” - give me a “S” what does that spell: JESUS! When we worship the Lord in our mess - I have found after the preacher’s message many times my problems dissapear and I see Christ more clearly. We need to be together to encourage one another, be a blessing to one another and weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. Truly, it is good to be in the House of the Lord.
2) God’s PROTECTION: The above video is powerful. No church membership (or lack of) will forfeit your access to Heaven but you are isolating yourself like an island when you choose to face life alone and not with the help of God and His People. We resemble the zebra in this video and Satan is a “roaring lion, waiting to devour and destroy” anyone and anything in his path. We are an open target when we fail to move with the Body of Christ. By God’s grace the zebra made it but most would not be so fortunate.
3) God’s PRAYER: It took me awhile but I have learned a couple things about prayer. First, it is a privilege to speak to Father God. The President may not know me but God does! Secondly, prayer is more me listening to God than me talking to God. Third, prayer gives me peace, purpose and power. You will never lose your footing when you have been on your knees. When we kneel before God - we can STAND before any man. We find courage with prayer. It has been said: “Seven days without prayer makes one WEAK.” Jesus noted His House was a place of prayer. Without question, I gain great peace with prayer but the beauty of hearing the petitions of other people’s prayers thrills my heart and I know touches the Heart of God. The irony is that God prays for us. Jesus told Peter: “Satan desires to sift you like wheat (translation: Kick your butt, embarrass you and put you six feet under) but Jesus goes on to say: “But I have prayed for you” to basically be a VICTOR not a victim. Sadly many in society worshipping lifeless gods chasing false religions pray to a god that can’t hear them and I have a God who not only hears my humble prayers but prays for this glorified goof-ball! As Ric Flair would say: “WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
4) God’s PEACE: Sure, God can speak to us as individuals but He often gives a relevation to others that will benefit the group. When one is down the others may be up (vice versa). Satan wants to make you think that you are the only one going through tough times. When you are isolated and alone you are tempted to buy that lie. When we are surrounded by the saints of God we find not only protection but peace in the process. Many folks have endured what you may be facing. We find great comfort to think we are not weird, wrong or weak while “waiting on the Lord” in a fallen world.
5) God’s PURPOSE: We exist to worship the Lord by our life and lips. A boat can get off course easily and when you worship alone you may miss the mark. Christians are to love each other (even when feeling un-lovely). We graciously rebuke when one is wrong and we politely point back to Christ our Compass when we wander off course. Water, waves and intense weather have a way to lead us away from God’s assignment. With numbers we find safety, solace and our schedule. We must report regularly for our orders to go where God says go and be all He desires us to be. The Lord is our Lighthouse and God is our guide but He uses the church to help steer us to the Promised Land.
5) God’s POWER: We tap into God’s power when we are with fellow believers. Sports teams have been known to be down three quarters of a game but when the momentum shifts they turn the tide and win! In these last days, we must assemble as often as possible. Church attendance doesn’t equal SALVATION but it does help with our SUCCESS. The church has taken some shots over the years. Her sail is torn, the paint has peeled and the bow at times looked broken. But the blessing (like that Ray Boltz classic) is the Anchor Holds (though the ship’s been battered). The Anchor holds though the sails are torn. I’ve fallen on my knees, I’ve faced the raging seas but the Anchors holds despite the storms!”
6) God’s PROVISION: God often uses OTHERS to bless you! There is power in numbers and folks with no finances can find a helping hand to those down and out. Folks with no food have been known to find help to feed hungry stomachs at home. Those with no shelter have found place to lay their head in the midnight hour. Those seeking employment may bump into a job recruiter teaching a Sunday School class. Those trying to sell a house may have a member in the church who works for Century 21. The fact is when we cease to assemble and worship at the church we often hinder our chances to see God work in our midst.
Lastly, we remember God’s PLACE: He is in our heart but Heaven is our Home. Sometimes, when alone we forget where we have been but also where we are going. We are pilgrims passing through. We are adopted to the Family of God and because of His great grace we are kids of the King. If you own a business or minister at a church -Remember, we are out to build His Kingdom not ours. I love the fact that KINGdom has “King” in it. Christianity, Christians and Church is always about Christ. Its ALL His and may we like Jesus at age 12, be about our Father’s Business.
By attending church we worship, fuel our faith, get a glimpse of God’s Glory and remember we are winners not wannabees because we are on the winning side. Christ is our compass and fellow Christians cheer us on to remember Heaven is around the corner. This week if you haven’t been to church in awhile visit a Bible believing, soul saving service this Sunday and you will encounter God’s Praise, Protection, Prayers, Provision, Purpose, Power and may we see your FACE in His Place (church & Heaven).
The Houston Athletic Dormitory has a sign that reads: “I used to complain that I had no shoes until I met the man who had no feet.” Proper perspective is powerful (especially as we enter Thanksgiving).
My friend, Joni Lamb (co-founder of DAYSTAR TV) told me that her interview with Nick Vujicic was her favorite interview of all time. After watching his life story in the video above I can see why. What an inspiration! Not just because he has no limbs but lives a life with NO limits. Even better is the fact that this guy is GRATEFUL!
Make no mistake, I am not the sharpest tool in the shed but I am convinced if “desperation” is the worse cologne than I would guess that wearing “GRATEFUL” is the sweetest fragrance known to man. When we have the ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE we are both appreciative and attractive! Society loves to be around winners but not whiners (complainers).
MARK THIS DOWN - someone always has it worse than you. The grass is NOT greener on the other side and until we can have be THANKful for what we have we will continue to exist but never really live. You cannot cherish Thanksgiving if you 1) don’t give thanks and 2) fail to give to others. THANKSgiving reminds me why we celebrate. To give THANKS to God for what He has done in our lives. Not just material things (certainly thank Him for that) but relationships, health, hope and the list is endless.
TAKE OUT A NOTEPAD and jot a list of the blessings in your life. Satan, the slick serpent in the Garden of Eden told Adam & Eve to stare at the one thing they felt like they didn’t have. They had a million and one blessings free of charge, provided by the Hand of God but Satan had them stare at what they didn’t have that they neglected all they had. They went from having it all to losing it all! It wasn’t the “apple” in the tree that messed everything up but the PAIR on the ground. They were un-grateful, they became greedy and forgot God in the process.
ATTN: Singles - If you are single and “waiting on the Lord” for that someone special don’t let that one area distract you or destroy you from being appreciative for all God has done in your midst. Remember, you don’t need someone else to complete you. When your identity and security is found in Jesus you are COMPLETE in Christ. Plus, we need to learn to become Mr or Ms. Right so when the “right” person comes you will be ready for them! Thanks Chip Ingram 
PAUSE AND PRAY and thank God for the provisions in your life. Be thankful for family who love you, friends who support you and a faith that forgives in Christ. We have freedom when we walk and talk with God. No longer should you look down but gaze UP and remember all the things God has done for you and be THANKful.
In closing, I heard a story years ago about a homeless boy who knocked on a door. It was cold outside, ice on the window and snow began to fall. A woman answered the door and saw this eight year old boy shivering in the cold. She invited him and made him homemade soup and hot cocoa.
As he raced down the warm food to his frozen stomach he finally spoke: “Lady, are you rich?” She humbly replied with a laugh: “Heaven’s no! Why would you say that?” The boy replied: “Ma’am, I noticed the saucer matched the coffee cup. Your curtains matched the colors of your kitchen and your two kids are playing with your husband.”
Tears began to stream down her face. She grabbed her purse and handed him $20 as the boy was heading to leave. He didn’t say: “thanks” but he didn’t have to because he reminded me in a most special way of just how “rich” I really am. May we take an inventory of what we have and not dwell on what Satan, society and self tells us we don’t.
Thank you Jesus and Happy THANKSgiving!
Frank & Ruth Shelton
Well, its Sunday and I am flying back home tomorrow from Birmingham, Alabama to Maryland after preaching today at Victory Church of God in Anderson, AL. As my friends down south say: ROLL TIDE!” Over the years, God has opened some AMAZING doors for me to walk through. Honestly, I take no credit for what He has done.
God has introduced me to folks that as a child were my heroes in film and in faith. He taught me early on that the sky was the limit and with God “ALL things are possible.” Why doubt when I could dream! He has allowed me to travel and visit ancient ruins, climb pyramids in Cairo, Egypt (almost got killed doing so), baptized in the Jordan where John & Jesus were, swam in the Dead Sea and rolled down the Nile River. Preached in the Bahamas and watched a movie being made in Las Vegas (ROCKY BALBOA) and even met a few “stars” in Los Angeles.
God has allowed me to do some pretty neat things in life. Regardless, if boarding “Air Force One” or flying on “Air Force Two” and interacting with heads of state, peeking in the Oval Office or driving a Congressman or Governor in my car; my life has resembled Forrest Gump more than once. Another highlight was playing 20 minutes of touch football on the legendary field of the Dallas Cowboys in 2007, and shooting hoops (at age 13) on a NBA court with the Harlem Globetrotters. My friend, Sam Glenn and I drove a $100k Mercedes loaned to us for a weekend while ministering in FL and the list could go on but again it is God’s doing not mine. Another special moment was meeting the late, great Dr E.V. Hill at the Billy Graham School of Evangelism in Monterey, CA in 1998, and he took the time to sign my Bible (I still preach weekly from that same Bible).
However, I will stop here because all of these events have happened not by fate but faith and God being the “Author and Finisher” of my life. It was not my credentials but Christ’s choosing and any success is not in my merits but His mercy. The bottom line is that God (as always) has been way too good to me. Like that classic song: “Sometimes He saves the best for last.”
The greatest thing in my life is not “things.” It is my salvation found “by faith” in Jesus Christ and my wife, Ruth and children, Hannah Grace & Andrew Lincoln. My faith, family and friends are the foundation of my life. The Bible notes: “he that finds a wife is most certainly blessed.” God has blessed me beyond measure and its true “the only good in me is Jesus.”
Monday, November 16, is my wife, Ruth’s birthday. When I first saw her it seemed time stood still. For this Type A evangelist that is in a constant state of perpetual motion when I gazed at her she stopped me dead in my tracks and almost stopped my heart in the process! She had a beauty that I had not seen before and it wasn’t just outside but she radiated for the Redeemer on the inside. She glowed for God and her love for the Lord was both evident and encouraging.
She is pure, precious and a princess. In my eyes, she is perfect and if she has any faults I am not aware of them. Hands down, she is one of the most respected people in radio and she runs three Christian-Spanish radio stations (PA, DC and VA). She is humble, honorable and almost always happy. Plus, she is one of the most hardest working person I know. She encourages me to live for God like few I have known and she is my best friend, cheerleader and wife. She is grounded in grace and never forgot where she has come from. Her daddy is a pastor of 50 years and they grew up in El Salvador. When evangelists come to Washington, DC the joke (but reality) is they don’t solicit or contact clergy of mega churches to announce their meetings but they only call one person - my wife, Ruth. They know if they can get to Ruth she will share with her audience on the radio and crowds come from everywhere. It has been said if she moved back to El Salvador she could run for elected office (no joke) and WIN.
She has been invited to State Dinners at The White House and yet politely “by passed” them to stay at home with our family. Almost daily, I wake up and pause and thank God that out of all the people in the world - I have the high honor to wake up with Ruth every morning. She is the glue in our family and the love of my heart. What I admire about her is not only can she hold her own but regardless of those in her presence she genuinely loves on them like our Lord and makes them feel special. Her mere presence challenges me to do my best and convicts me when I am off track.
The past two posts I discussed rejection and I rejoice more than ever not only by God’s great grace but the gift he has entrusted me with my bride and best friend. Today, may be her birthday but every day serves as an anniversary for me of when and where we met and why God would allow me to walk through life with someone as lovely as her. It is true: “Behind every good man is a great woman.” The fact is I am not “good” because all of us are like filthy rags compared to the righteousness of Christ but without question Ruth is most certainly a great woman. She has more “class” than a college. She has more compassion than a nurse and her value to me is worth all the gold in Fort Knox. She is spectacular and yet satisfied being a servant (the greats are servants). She is a mother to Andrew & Hannah and she is much more than a cook and cute but a confidant, cheerleader and counsellor to this “glorified goof ball” and work in progress.
Ruth also knows the call of God on my life to share the Word with the world. In my heart, I am convinced her reward will be greater than mine because like Billy Graham’s wife, Ruth and so many others in ministry have un-selfishly loaned their man to bring the Message to the masses. Society saw the “saints” speaking on stage but often forgot about the spouse behind (yet beside) their man while ministering. The Bible is clear: “Many who are first will be last and many last will be first.” Ruth and I, both are trying to point people to Jesus on a daily basis by our life and lips but for the record she is not only worth far more than rubies, Rolex, Range Rover and real estate but the greatest gift of my life.
Happy Birthday Baby and I am glad my heart didn’t stop when we met but when it does down the road I have been one rich man because God in His grace allowed me walk and talk with you. My wife, Ruth reminds me of God’s grace - I was smart enough to know I couldn’t earn it but I’m not dumb enough to reject it. Thank you Jesus and thank you Ruth for what you mean to me and so many. I LOVE YOU
This is the second installment of my initial post on rejection. If you go back and glance at the last blog title notice that in the first post REJECTION was in caps. This post it is in small font - Make no mistake it is intentional. When we are first rejected we are distraught, discouraged, depressed and feel like dying. Immediately, following rejection if not careful we become filled with resentment. This post will serve as a remedy to remember that RECOVERING is more important than rolling down the raging river of rejection.
How we handle a situation is just as important as what happens to us. I love that quote: “Adversity causes some to break and causes others to BREAK RECORDS.” I’ve come to the conclusion that adversity, stress, trials, nervousness and rejection are more friends than foes. Jeff Bostic, retired Washington Redskin said after winning three Super Bowl rings with Hall of Fame Coach Joe Gibbs that the one Super Bowl loss to Marcus Allen and the Raiders in 1983, taught him more than the three world championships they won!
Rejection should never be the end. Initially, rejection resembles and appears “larger than life” but remember God has the final say since He is the “Author and Finisher” of our faith. Nothing crosses His desk and catches Him by surpise. Regardless, if you are on the mountain or in the valley God sees your proximity but in His wonderful wisdom He also knows your destiny! Rejection is more a comma than a period but when it happens we assume automatically it is an exclamation mark! Your test today becomes your TESTimony tomorrow. Your mess now is your MESSage later and I love the fact that God never wastes a trial. A tragedy turns to triumph when we worship Him in the storm.
The movie “RUDY” is one of my all-time favorite flicks. Anything with patriotism or perseverance is worth the watch in my book and I love the scene depicted above for this post. If we are not careful we are tempted to dig our heels in the ground and prove the world wrong for the way we were mistreated. It is imperative to remember that TWO wrongs don’t make a right. Without queston, all of us can relate to Rudy in the scene above. Not so much for practicing with one of the best sports teams in the world but trying so hard and still coming up so short regardless of your vocation or venue. What the wise man was sharing in this scene with Rudy is that sometimes the only thing that you need to prove something to is not others but self.
My friend in school had a 1985 Mustang LX with the 5.0 litre engine. Ironically, the word on the street is that the economic LX equipped with the V8 engine is faster than the more expensive GT because it weighed less. The LX equipped with the same upgraded engine (standard in GT) was quicker and the only way to differentiate between the two was if the 5.0 emblem was on the side of the car. The LX with no emblem was a six cylinder but the 5.0 told the world that it was the V8. My buddy had the 5.0 engine in his LX but intentionally removed the insignia. Most of us in life are desiring to step up but he was one brother willing to step back. When asked why he did it he said two powerful points: 1) It makes me a sleeper on the street and by going “under the radar” I blow them off the line in a race because they underestimate my car. 2) I know what’s under my hood and that is all that matters.
I have failed in this category a million and one times and maybe you have too. Some in ministry circles today and “self help” gurus implore us to never say anything negative. The fact is we must not only learn to respect but expect rejection at times. Jesus said the storms of life will come but when the Almighty is your Anchor and Christ your Captain you will win regardless of the waves, wind or weather! One lesson we must learn is never share your present success with past critics. They couldn’t comprehend it then and mostly likely they won’t get it now. It is a FACT that you will never get ahead by trying to get back at those that caused pain. Too often, the one you focus on is no longer focused on you. That is why it is imperative that we focus on God because He cares for YOU!
Over the years I have had some Major League helpers and minor league haters. What I mean by that is God strategically put people in my path to help me when some could care less. The key is we need to recover from rejection and become THANKful not resentful. When we are ACCEPTED by God we no longer need the approval of man.
Christ is the classic example. As He was suspended between Heaven and Earth with His dying words He said: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” We live in a fallen world with less than perfect people. Jesus was mocked, ridiculed, beaten and rejected more than any man in the history of humanity. But despite their wicked ways - He never retaliated but returned their rejection into His acceptance. His grief became our grace and despite Him being torn nearly into two we could be made whole. Wow - that will preach!
In closing, Nelson Mandela was shackled in prison for some 28 years. The guards posted at his prison ridiculed and rejected him day and night for nearly three decades. When he was finally free and he walked out no longer incarcerated he had a dilemma. He had two options: Did he resent those that rejected him (knowing they were dead wrong) or did he recover and move forward. Mandela said: “I chose the second.” He went on to say: “If I harbored any hatred to those that wronged me I would walk IMPRISONED mentally although I am now a free man physically.” He went on to note: “Forgiveness is for me as much as it is for those that hurt me.”
It is a fact that those that wronged you may never ask for forgiveness. Therefore, by forgiving others we exemplify Christ’s character and compassion and we grant freedom to self in the process. Ironically, Mandella was named President of his country and at his inauguration it is customary to invite heads of state from various nations to witness the transfer of power. Surprisingly, Nelson Mandela invited the prison guards to sit in the front few rows of his inauguration. His message was twofold: The past is the past and I forgive you. Secondly, I cannot help but think despite forgiving his new “friends” that they were hit head on with the truth that there was no doubt who was in control now.
Ultimately, God is the One in control but He has a Way of flipping the table, turning the tide and granting us double for our trouble! Christ certainly makes the crooked - straight and the cloudy - clear. Like that old song: “I can see clearly now the rain (rejection) is gone.” But the mark of maturity is will you sing God’s praises in the storm even when you cannot see where the Lord leads and God guides?
We must let go and let God have His way in our lives. Freedom cannot come if we are still in bondage from replaying the reel of rejection repeatedly in the mental movie of our lives. But when we RECOVER from rejection we know the real relationship of our Redeemer because despite our sins and shortcomings He found a WAY to forgive us - may we do the same with others. RECOVER from rejection and you will become BETTER and not bitter and then you will really have something to REJOICE over.
Just flew back tonight from preaching twice yesterday at a REVIVAL in South Carolina at Sandbridge Baptist Church and it never gets old bringing the Word to the world. In the past two weeks, I have been blessed to visit Punta Cana, Dominican Republic / Miami, FL / Charleston, SC / Charlotte, NC and I preach this Sunday, November 8 in Baltimore, MD at 11 AM and then catch a 2 PM flight to Chattanooga, TN to preach that evening and then fly to Birmingham, AL on November 14-15 to preach at two pentecostal churches. While on the road some random thoughts come to mind and I would like to share this two part series on how to Respect and Recover from Rejection. I pray it will bless you and remember your situation is temporal but Salvation is ETERNAL!
It’s ironic how the words: Rejection and Dejection both have the word EJECT in them. Ejection as you know resembles the seat in a fighter plane that is “tossed or thrown out” before the plane crashes below. One flip side about being “ejected” in a plane is that at least you graduated off the ground before being dismissed. Sadly, so many shackled on the sidelines will never know the view from above. In basketball terms if you were “dejected” or REJECTED that means that your ball was not only blocked but usually followed up with some good old trash talk as to say: “Get that outta here and stay out!”
All of us can relate to rejection. For some it was being picked last for a game in recess back in elementary school. No one wants to be picked last but at one time or another all of us can relate to being by-passed for someone or something else. Some have endured a rejection in a relationship, some know the trauma of enduring a divorce or in job circles hearing the all too familiar words: “You are not qualified for this position.” Sometimes, I wonder what is worse - being not qualified or “over-qualified” for the job. Either way you still walk out without work and perhaps that is a polite way of saying “no thanks” or rejection.
The people that I admire most in life are not those that became a success but endured setbacks. Perseverance probably is my middle name and I would like to think that encouragement and evangelism are a close second, respectively. The above video highlights some classic cases of folks who failed forward. The blessings about falling is that if you can fall forward you are still progressing in a positive direction. We can learn much from a cat - notice that they almost always land on their feet. They know the art of how to BOUNCE BACK.
Boxers know firsthand what it means to dangle on the ropes and/or fall backwards. The key to being knocked down is to regroup and get UP. The METRO train by my house is a powerful force. It has the potential to carry hundreds of people from point A to B and back. However, after observing them closely for a couple years while working in Washington, DC I noticed something peculiar. The massive train always goes backwards briefly before moving foward.
QUESTION: How many times have you entered a fitness gym and after a week quit because your muscles were screaming, your body was burning and your spirit was barely breathing? Tempted to throw in the towel (your mind starts talking to you). This is too hard. It must not meant to be - I am going backwards not forward.
We must realize that sometimes in life we have to temporarily lose in order to win. Often we find ourselves going backwards before progressing forward. Consider the sling shot - The greater the resistance equates to the greatest DISTANCE! The adversity you face today just might be God preparing you for His VARSITY tomorrow! I have always said that those that have come the furthest go the farthest. Adversity is a hidden helper. Sometimes man’s rejection is God’s PROTECTION!
Plus, rejection never has to be permanent. Unless, you allow it. Some corporate leaders want to deny you initially just to see what you are made of. Major League Baseball coaches remind players NEVER to swing at the first pitch. My Uncle Bobby Shelton played three seasons with the Detroit Tigers organization in late 1960’s and was playing AAA with them in 1968-1969, the year they won the World Series. My cousin, Missy’s husband, Mike Butler was drafted by the California Angels in the early 1990’s after being the pitcher for NC State with a 96 mph fastball. Ironically, my Uncle Joe hit a 500 foot home run at old Griffith Stadium (home of Washington Senators) and the late, great Ted Williams at the game said that was one of the hardest hit balls he had ever seen. It’s AWESOME when the “big boys” brag on you.
Some rejection is good. Women with class will tell you that in dating, they are known to “reject” a man initially just to see how he handles criticism and will he have the courage and confidence to come back and try again. Because if he is too weak to handle a “no” now he will most likely buckle later in a long term relationship.
In closing, take heart and glean hope from the following initial failures who became lifelong leaders. Evangelist Billy Graham was thrown out of Bible college. Michael Jordan cut from varsity in high school before gaining a gold medal in Olympics and winning SIX championships in the NBA. “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books were rejected 134 times from publishers before selling $1.3 Billion and Hollywood actor Harrison Ford was initially fired from Columbia Pictures and was told: “You will never make it here.” Well, after playing Han Solo, Indiana Jones and portraying the President on “Air Force One” he did alright.
If you have been rejected - you may be on right track! The blessing about rejection is that it keeps us humble in the long run. Secondly, it makes us more determined. Third, it gives us a laser like focus that only “failing” can bring. Perhaps most important, when you succeed it is not to gloat and scream “look at me” but praise God - look what He did because we know now that had God not stepped in we still would have been left out (rejected). But the beauty is that with rejection comes RESPECT for those that endure, run your race, stay in the game and win or lose live with class, act like a champion and realize that “if God be for me - who can be against me?”