I cried out to Him with my mouth; His praise was on my tongue.  If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.  Praise God who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me. -- Psalm 66: 17-20

PROLOGUE
MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL gazed in awe at the astonishing beauty of the angel gliding toward him.  The dazzling light emanating from his spirit outshined most of the other angels.
          Elpis had been created as special emissary of hope, to minister to the Lamb's beloved.
          Moments later he contracted his powerful wings and lightly touched down.  The archangel extended both hands and Elpis reached out and grasped them tightly.  "It's been too long, my friend," beamed Michael.
          "Indeed," agreed the emissary.
          Michael's hands released and his demeanor became serious.  "God requires your assistance, comrade," he said resignedly as he began to pace the opalescent walkway.
          Elpis nodded with understanding.  "Where will you send me?" he asked.
          "Washington D.C."  He abruptly stopped pacing. "You've been there before haven't you?"
          "Yes, of course," Elpis replied.  "The Lord has sent me there many, many, times."
          "Are you familiar with Georgetown?"
          He smiled.  "You might say that I'm more than a little familiar with the terrain."
          "Good, good.  You'll be going to minister to Amanda Berntson."
          "Ahhhhh yes," Elpis said as the image of a rather capricious young women emerged in his mind.  "Amanda. . ."