Good morning, Bible study people!

I’ve had a few people lately ask me why I share so much of my life on Twitter-X, and there are a few answers to that.

One, I live alone, therefore, I think of you all as either my extended family (or a pesky younger sibling lol) or as my remote roommates with whom I would have a conversation either first thing in the a.m. or when I get home from work. I share the big moments and the inconsequential ones, and everything in between, hoping to make connections with shared experiences. I guess this is part of the new social *human condition*, and I’ve embraced it.

Secondly, and more importantly, I’m looking to make a difference in people’s faith in God. It has taken me six decades to understand my role and purpose in this life as God has given it: share His love and forgiveness and salvation with others who need to hear some good news (especially in today’s world). Again, I’m reaching out to make connections, but this time, they are ones with lasting implications. I share my life in order to open the door to the good news of Jesus Christ. When you realize nearly everything else is inconsequential, the resolve to share the gospel is ENORMOUSLY critical.

Lastly, I think everyone needs a little Buster, Auggie, Lunchie (RIP), Himmer, Mimiaow, Laverne & Shirley, and all of the other creatures that cross my path in their lives. 😉

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HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
by Nicky Gumbel

In an interview in Time Magazine, the great Swiss theologian Karl Barth recounted that he advised young theologians to "take your Bible and take your newspaper and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible."

When we read, watch or listen to the news it could be easy to get depressed. It sometimes seems that evil is triumphing over good. The plans of "the wicked" seem to succeed, while others are subject to the ravages of terrorism, war, poverty and injustice. This is why we desperately need to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and listen to the word of God.

As we study the Scriptures, we see the triumph of good over evil. In each of the passages for today we see that evil will *not* ultimately triumph. At the end of the day, good wins. Furthermore, in this struggle between good and evil, you *can* make a difference.

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Good morning, Bible study-ers!

Today's Bible study starts out with a look at the writer's balance. “Balance” was one of my God-words for 2024. At the beginning of 2024, I took it to mean that I needed to work on balancing my work life and my spiritual life. I was working 7 days a week and not taking days off, let alone a *Sabbath* day for spiritual rejuvenation and restoration.

As the weeks went on, though, I realized God had *physical* balance in the mix, as well. I remember tripping down a customer’s front sidewalk steps in Jan or Feb, and DOWN I went. Twisted my ankle, scraped my knees and elbows, and hit my temple on something that ended up breaking my glasses. My first thought after I jumped back up? “I hope no one saw that.” I looked around and didn’t see any neighbors outside, nor did my customer have a doorbell camera. WHEW.

Later, as I sat nursing my ankle with an ice pack, I had time to reflect. I had been more worried about my clumsiness causing embarrassment than I was about being hurt. Seems my lack of balance had a bit of a pride issue, as well. This led me to think about my spiritual life and how often I try to hide my sin not only from the rest of the world, but from God. Again, pride is center stage.

I can see how that one simple trip-and-fall was instrumental in my life, an “a-ha!” moment, if you will. Not only did I start to do balance training and stretching in my kitchen every morning as I waited for coffee to brew, but I also took a hard look at my schedule and made an attempt to balance my work life and my faith life.

Also, over the past year I’ve noticed that when I flub up (physically or spiritually), I don’t get embarrassed anymore. I get up, dust myself off, thank God for protecting me, and I move on. There’s a great peace in not carrying around the weight of embarrassment or pride. Maybe that comes with getting older, I don’t know. Either way, I’m thankful. And my balance training has kept me upright for many months now. Yay!

/1 FIND YOUR BALANCE
by Nicky Gumbel

My body is so inflexible. I was told once by a professional fitness trainer, who happened to notice the way I was walking, that I was one of the worst cases of stiffness he had ever come across. I am now trying to do more stretching!

I had considered myself reasonably fit (for my age!), as a result of still playing squash and biking everywhere. But in other ways, I realized I am not. Physical fitness is a balance of strength, flexibility, aerobic and anaerobic fitness. Some people are exceptionally strong but cannot even run to catch a bus. Others are aerobically fit (they could run a marathon), but they are not very strong.

However, spiritual fitness is far more important than physical fitness. It also involves balancing a number of areas of your life.

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Good morning, my friends ☀️! Happy Friday!

First off, a brief reminder that the *Beth & Kids Christmas* fundraiser is still going on. We went from 25% funded to over 45% funded in one day! In an effort to be completely transparent, my original goal was $2,000, so if you’re moved to help get the fundraiser to the goal line, DM me for payment app details! If you have no idea what I’m talking about, please see my pinned tweet, then share as far and as wide as possible. I couldn’t do this without my community here (and with God’s help, of course). So thank you to all who have donated thus far, and to those contemplating helping Beth, a daughter of the King, less stressed this Christmas. ❤️🎄

And right in line with today's Advent devotional and the above intro, our Bible study is about finding God’s purpose in and for your life. I’ve said it recently, but I am never happier than when I am helping lift people up like my vet tech Beth and all of the recipients of the Thanksgiving baskets.

But it’s not about me; it’s about developing a community. The last few years have divided people so much, it’s disheartening, but when we all come together for a cause, it feels like nothing can stop us! And nothing can, when God is on our side, nudging us in the right direction to work for his kingdom and his glory.

Short little story here – I had something hurtful happen to me yesterday, and I was struggling with the best way to handle it. Usually I just blurt out the first things that come to mind, which, as you can imagine, are generally unkind words and puts people on the defensive immediately. I managed to get my point across at first, but I realized it wasn’t without a bit of remorse at my choice of phrasing. Later, I was able to smooth things over and explain myself more succinctly. It ended up with both of us on each others’ side again. Whew.

But as I was driving home, I heard the devil whispering nonsense in my ear, that I was selfish and self-centered toward this person and certainly not loving. I blurted out loud, “Not today, Satan. I know who is *providing for me here*. Get out.” (Actually, I blurted out a different phrase, but when I looked it up on the interwebz, it means something quite different and completely inappropriate! It was such a boomer moment lol)

Anyway, I’m always so thankful when the Holy Spirit intervenes in uncomfortable situations, and even more thankful when I heed the warnings and/or advice. But more than just that…I love when the Holy Spirit prompts me to be kind and generous to others. I believe that’s one of the first steps to loving your neighbor. And we are all each other’s neighbors. Let’s make this Christmas season one full of love and generosity and kindness (I’m preaching to myself here as I gear up to go shopping for parents who don’t want to dive into the toy departments themselves LOL).

/1 GOD'S PURPOSE FOR YOU
by Nicky Gumbel

Purpose in life is far more important than property or possessions. Having more to live with is no substitute for having more to live for. "The two greatest days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why."

God has *a specific purpose* for you. In addition, God’s *general will* for all of us is revealed in the Bible. In the passages for today we see what God wants for you and for everyone.

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Going along with this morning’s Advent Day 2 post, today’s Bible study reflects on the goodness, the hope, and yes, the existence of God. There seems to be millions of people who deny the existence of God in today’s society, doesn’t there? But someday, perhaps soon, that will change. There will be a mighty shake-up in the world, and as it says in Philippians 2, “… that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (vv.10-11). Wooo! Can’t wait.

/1 THERE IS A GOD AND HE IS GREAT
by Nicky Gumbel

I studied and practiced law for nearly ten years. In every legal case, evidence is vital. Evidence matters to me. I could not be a Christian if I did not believe that our faith is based on compelling evidence. There is good evidence for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Over the years, there have been a spate of books by the "new atheists" suggesting that there is no evidence for God; that God is a "delusion" ("*The God Delusion*") and that "*God is Not Great*" (the title of another of these books).

While of course, the Bible does not try to provide a scientific proof for the existence of God, it does point to the evidence of "*eye-witnesses*" (2 Peter 1:16) and proclaims that "*there is a God in heaven*" (Daniel 2:28) and that "*the Lord is great*" (Psalm 135:5).

There is good reason to put your trust in God. You will grow in faith as you study the truth of God’s word and boldly proclaim that "there is a God" and "he is great".

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Good morning! Hope you all had a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends! And to all you Black Friday revelers, may the odds be ever in your favor!

Seriously though, nothing epitomizes the commercialization of Jesus’ birth more than epic Pamplona-style running-with-the-bulls crowds trying to get the best deal on a big screen TV or gaming device. But now that they seem to start Black Friday sales in August, do they even do the early morning *big rush* through the store’s doors to buy big ticket items anymore?

All I know is that as a professional shopper, I’m not stepping foot inside a store today, just to be on the safe side (although I might do a couple of drive-up, pick-up-and-deliver jobs). Besides I’m more of a Cyber-Monday and Giving-Tuesday kind of person now: everything from the comfort of my own home, in my pajamas, even.

/1 HOW TO GROW UP SPIRITUALLY
by Nicky Gumbel

I remember that first night so well. Every time we heard the slightest sound, we leapt out of bed and picked him up. He was so tiny – not that much bigger than a hand. This was a new life. Our first child had been born. We were so proud. Three or four times a night, he would wake craving milk. Pippa would feed him regularly. Of course, he grew up.

Now as I look at him, almost twice the size of Pippa, it is hard to believe that he was once so small. *New birth* is an exciting moment. So is new spiritual birth. Jesus said, "No one can see the kingdom of God without being *born again*" (John 3:3).

In our passage for today, Peter writes about "*a new birth*" (1 Peter 1:3). "Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given *a brand-new life* and have everything to live for" (v.3, MSG). This spiritual birth is contrasted with natural birth, which led only to a "dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in" (v.18, MSG).

New birth means you can now call God your Father (v.17). In fact, the whole Trinity is involved: "*God the Father* has his eye on each of you, and has determined by the *work of the Spirit* to keep you obedient through the *sacrifice of Jesus*" (v.2, MSG).

Physical birth will one day end with physical death. But spiritual birth leads to eternal life – "a future in heaven – and the future starts now!" (v.3, MSG). Physical life is like grass that withers. But this brand new life is conceived by God himself and goes on and on forever (vv.23–25, MSG).

In today’s passages, we see the implications of this new birth, the various stages of spiritual growth as a son or daughter of God and how "you may grow up in your salvation" (2:2).

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Rise & shine & happy Monday, people! Short week for some of you, but a week to take stock of how good God is to us and be thankful.

This morning as I was doing my usual routine (brewing coffee, letting the dogs out to do their business, checking to see if there are kittehs on the patio that need feeding, gathering pet dishes, feeding the counted mouths), I was curious about one thing. Yesterday, I added another cat enclosure w/a warming pad to the patio since the overnights are dropping down to the low 40s/high 30s. I want The Twins™ to sleep comfortably & safely against predators AND the elements, but I wasn’t sure if they’d take to being confined in these little *huts*.

I got my answer this morning.

And I thought, I hope I can be as good to these kittehs as God is to me.

Mission accomplished. 😻

/1 FIVE "Ts" OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
by Nicky Gumbel

The Christian life is multi-faceted. At any given moment, I find there are a number of different things going on at the same time. In the passages for today we see five of these aspects, which all begin with the letter T.

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I had my sleep test evaluation yesterday, and while the news isn’t great, I was excited about the cpap device they’re giving me. The doc said he wished all of his patients were this agreeable about wearing the apparatus at night. I replied “most of your patients are married men, right?” and he laughed and said yes. Ah, there’s the difference. Many men go for an evaluation because their wives can’t sleep through the noise and pester them until they agree to go for the sleep study (the whole health issue is secondary, which is pretty sad when you think about it. Why isn’t that their first concern?) Anyway, I learned a lot in this evaluation, and it lit a fire under me to get my health under control (tossed all of my Halloween candy in the garbage bin this morning to prove it).

I find it disappointing that I needed bad news to get serious about my health. I’ve said before I was going to start doing things the right way, but it only lasts a week or two. Rather than pin that on my lack of willpower and commitment, it’s also symptomatic of not getting good rest. The lack of quality sleep leads to so many health issues I’d never even considered (poor diet choices due to low energy, low oxygen to the brain which contributes to life-threatening strokes – that was the one that gut-punched me.)

I also find a correlation between bad health news forcing people to make positive changes in their lives, and bad life situations forcing people to seek God through prayer when they hit a wall and can’t find a solution on their own. I once heard a preacher say that prayer should be our first line of defense, not our last resort. Truer words have never been spoken. When your go-to is prayer, even before you *need* something, your life changes. You are acknowledging that God is sovereign and in control. You are building a relationship with the one who sees, knows, and understands everything. Why WOULDN’T you want His guidance? Giving over control to the one who created us is an unburdening of self and life-long commitment to the best partnership ever.

/1 STICK TO IT
by Nicky Gumbel

Maryam and Marziyeh were arrested in Iran in 2009. Their crime: being Christians. They were blindfolded, interrogated and became ill during their time in prison. They were taken to court. Mr Haddad, the prosecuting lawyer, asked the two women if they were Christians. "We love Jesus," they replied. He repeated his question and they responded, "Yes, we are Christians." Mr Haddad asked whether they regretted becoming Christians, to which they replied, "We have no regrets." Then he stated emphatically, "You should renounce your faith verbally and in written form." They stood firm and replied, "We will not deny our faith." When Mr Haddad told the women to return to prison to think about their options and come back to him when they were ready (to comply), Maryam and Marziyeh responded, "We have already done our thinking."

The author of Hebrews writes to Christians who are the subject of persecution: "You stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering" (Hebrews 10:32) – as Maryam and Marziyeh did before their prosecutors. (Thank God they have been released – we interviewed them as part of the Alpha Film Series.)

The will to persevere is often the difference between success and failure. This is true of learning a new skill or sport or achieving success at school or work. It's been said, "Observe the postage stamp; its usefulness depends on the ability to stick to one thing til it gets there."

"Stickability" is also a key to the Christian life. If you want to learn to read the Bible, pray, resist evil or whatever else, learn to persevere. The writer of Hebrews encourages his readers not to be "quitters" but "to stick it out" (vv.34–39, MSG).

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Got numerous messages from people I often interact with who said they never saw my Thanksgiving baskets post. It makes me wonder why. I know I’m not shadow-banned, but I’m also not boosted much by reposts or responses. I guess there are algorithms that I don’t understand. Or maybe it’s a backhanded way for X to get more people to subscribe and become verified (thinks to herself “*it would* be nice to be able to edit my posts”). Guess I’ll have to mess around with my budget and see if there’s anything I can cut out. (*re-reads post, sounds whiny, posts anyway*)

(NOTE: as I posted the above initially, I got an offer for a discounted subscription. So clearly their marketing algorithms are on-point. And I took the bait. Threads will now be 4-7 posts long, initially...)

In other news, I’m dealing with someone who often lies for sympathy or attention. They are extremely educated (multiple higher-ed degrees) and incredibly pretentious. They made a comment to me recently about how ridiculous the signature protocols were for a medical delivery and that the driver was *stupid* for making them sign in 15 different places.

*blink blink*

I let them rant for a bit, and finally interrupted. “You’re being incredibly offensive right now.”

Them: *doubling down on rhetoric*

Then I reminded them what I do for a living.

*crickets*

*then backtrack* “Oh, I don’t mean YOU…”

Then I let them have it. Thankfully, I wasn’t emotional, but I wasn’t loving about it, either. I was calm yet firm. I pointed out that drivers have an obligation to cross all their Ts and dot all there “I”s because they are liable for the packages from pickup to drop-off. And when it’s a medical delivery, the demands are even more rigorous and binding.

I’m telling this story because I believe it’s a widespread condition that we’ve witnessed on news networks, social media, universities and in our government: the over-educated thinking they know what’s best for us under-educated folk (according to them). I believe the recent election results was the pushback from us *know-nothings*, *hicks and hillbillies* and the rest of us, and it was glorious.

I’ve had a problem with pretentious people since I was young, and now, as a woman of faith, I find it hard to turn the other cheek. I guess I’ve got something new to put down on my personal *fruits-of-the-spirit* to-do list.

/1 LOVING WARNINGS
by Nicky Gumbel

These days, practically everything you buy seems to carry some kind of *warning* on it. Some of these warnings can seem a little ridiculous. For example:
- Sainsbury’s *peanuts*: "Warning – Contains *nuts*"
- Nytol Nighttime *Sleep-Aid*: "Warning – May cause *drowsiness*"
- On a household *DIY drill*: "Not intended for use as *dentist drill*"
(Mush: more recently, Costco butter - contains milk 🙄)

Because so many warnings seem almost absurd, the danger is that we ignore them. But not all warnings are so ridiculous. A foggy day, on March 13, 1991, led to one of Britain’s worst road accidents. Ten people died and twenty-five people were injured in a disaster on the M4 motorway. In the midst of the accident one man was hailed as a hero. Alan Bateman climbed out of his damaged car and ran along the central reservation to try to *warn* oncoming vehicles of the wreckage ahead. Not all appreciated the warnings. Some drivers sounded their horns at him and drove on towards the crash. Alan’s warnings to the other drivers were not only heroic; they were an *act of love*.

Jesus himself often warned of dangers ahead (see for example Matthew 7:13,19,26–27). Jesus knew that in the long run it is more loving to warn people by telling them the truth. God loves you. He does not want you to get hurt. There are many warnings in the Bible and they all stem from God’s love for you.

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Okay, I just got back from blood tests and dropping off the sleep apnea testing device. I don’t know what kind of sorcery that little sleep device uses, but I had the best night’s sleep ever. I woke up without a headache, feeling rested and refreshed.

/1 Or maybe it was that I followed the clinic’s pre-bedtime instructions (no smartphone or computer devices or snacking before bed, and sadly, no Mimiaow snuggling next to me, making it hard to turn naturally 😿).

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I woke up after having an incredibly sound, restful sleep. I hate to admit it, but the election results have done a lot for my peace of mind. Part of me wishes I could go back to the days where politics wasn’t a 24/7/365 news cycle...

/1 ...but I wouldn’t trade my responsible attitude now for my youthful 30s & 40s ignorance again for anything. Growing my faith has had the biggest impact on the afore-mentioned responsible attitude, but it also takes much of the burden off my shoulders when it comes to...

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Election Day.

Finally, an end is in sight to the non-stop commercials and text messages and mailers filled with lies, misinformation and deceit.

How will it turn out? I have no idea. I have promised myself that I would not doom-scroll for exit poll information.

/1 Life has bigger concerns for me right now (my own health issues and health issues of my dogs). By the same token, I will no longer discuss politics or taxes or listen to complaints from my IRL friends who sat this election out.

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I was hoping to get a jump on Halloween decorating earlier this month so the kids would know this is a “trick-or-treat” friendly house…but alas, Halloween is here & I have yet to put up one decoration. So I've set aside this morning to put up at least one ghosty inflatable.

/1 Something I’ve noticed a lot more of these past few years is the dividing line w/regards to Halloween between believers who engage in the festivities & those who believe it's a night of devil revelry that we should NOT engage in nor invite the evil one to our doorsteps.

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I have been thinking a lot about suffering lately. It seems that the futility of a secular life and all of the trials and health issues we go through take on a different context when we look at them through God’s eyes.

/1 This hard-knock life is meant to be looked at through a spiritual lens, in order that we might grow and shed the non-essentials and become what God has determined us to become:

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This morning, I opened my Bible app to find a devotional message from my favorite NFL analyst @EmmanuelAcho with an important verse and devotional for us all. I was thinking I would just post this & leave my Bible study post until this evening...

/1 ...but I see they all kind of tie together (which is sooo like God to be timely in his messages – in fact, today’s first verse is “Timely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket” Proverbs 25:11 🤯). So buckle in, grab a fresh cup of coffee, and here we go!

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Second Bible study of the day (in an effort to catch up on the schedule):

HOW TO AVOID BACKSLIDING
by Nicky Gumbel

As a young man, Philip was kidnapped and held hostage in Greece. There he remained for several years. During this time he received a military education.

/1 Then he returned to his homeland, which had conceded many defeats and had lost much land. Within five years he had become king. Philip II of Macedon desperately needed his army to stand firm. He is remembered for two major innovations.

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Struggling w/a headache so today’s Bible study presented w/out commentary. Also, I'm 10 days behind schedule, so I'll be doubling up on study posts. Not sure why, but I feel it's important to be current during holiday season. Anyway, have a blessed Friday y’all. Stay safe.

/1 GOD'S GOOD PLANS FOR YOUR FUTURE
by Nicky Gumbel

Futurologists make predictions about the future. One prediction is that some babies born now are likely to live to the ripe old age of 150. *Wired* magazine not long ago predicted that meal replacement patches...

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Okay, thanks for reading about my friend Didi's #Helene experience. She admits she is far luckier than most (I told her it wasn't luck, but God's protection 😇).

So here is today's (yesterday's) Bible study:

/1 DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
by Nicky Gumbel

I once had the privilege of meeting & interviewing Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. Pastor Nadarkhani encountered Jesus Christ at the age of nineteen. He went on to become an ordained pastor and lead a church in Iran.

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Missed today's Bible study, but here is a timeless devotional from Dr Charles Stanley.

THE MIRACLE OF GRACE
At salvation, we become a member of God's family & receive eternal life, freedom, and love.

Romans 5:15-17
"But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin...

/1 "...and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ...

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(LOTS OF THOUGHTS TODAY. Get your coffee before you sit down to read 😉☕️)

Good morning! Happy Monday, y’all!

I have decided to officially make Mondays my day off, my *Sabbath day*, as it were: no deliveries, no working for my friend.

/1 But as I commit to this Monday Sabbath ideal, I realize I’m still not doing *Sabbath* right. I’m not resting. I’m not recharging. I’m not getting refreshed by the Holy Spirit. What I’m doing is catching up on housework, paying bills, doing yardwork…

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As I sit here drinking my coffee and readying myself for Bible study, I remember last night’s sleeplessness. I was nervous about Buster’s neck lump and what it might be. But I did what any woman of faith would do: I prayed for Buster & laid hands on him.

/1 I prayed to the Lord that loves all His creatures, great & small, that He'd heal my lil buddy fully.

It reminds me of an Einstein quote: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

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Watching celebrities discover Christianity / God / the Bible is exciting. Not because they’re celebrities (we’re all the same flesh-n-blood in God’s eyes) but because they’re using their platform to declare this newfound faith.

/1 Frankly, it’s the only lasting & worthwhile thing we can do on social media. Nothing else matters for the end game. (Rockers, you're welcome for the earworm 😉)

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