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U.S. NEWS

Border Order

President Biden has made a move on the border.

Yesterday, #46 issued a long-rumored executive order restricting migrants' ability to claim asylum when the average number of daily border encounters hits 2,500. The order went into effect overnight (at midnight), as that threshold is currently being exceeded. The restrictions are automatically lifted two weeks after encounters drop below 1,500/day (last achieved in 2020).

The order—similar to one struck down by the courts during the Trump administration—drew criticism from Republicans who called it a “desperate political stunt,” and some Democrats who accused Biden of betraying migrants. Biden said Republicans' decision to block bipartisan immigration reform in Congress left him “with no choice.” 

The ACLU has promised to challenge the order, saying a “ban on asylum is (still) illegal.”

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
You probably have no control over U.S. border policy, but you are an important part of Christ’s mission to demonstrate his love for the world. Reflect his inexhaustible compassion by loving your neighbor humbly and unconditionally. 

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  
John 13:34–35 (CSB) (read full passage)

U.S. NEWS

In the Hot Seat

Dr. Fauci testified before the House subcommittee investigating Uncle Sam’s response to COVID on Monday—his first public testimony since retiring.

Questions got… fiery. The GOP chair probed decision-making behind “arbitrary” pandemic regulations, citing Fauci’s behind-closed-doors testimony that the 6ft distancing rule “just sort of appeared” and that there isn’t clear science to support masking children. Marjorie Taylor-Greene (R-GA) refused to refer to Fauci as “Dr.,” and legislators asserted Fauci tried to avoid public scrutiny by using his personal Gmail.

Fauci defended not conducting studies before every decision saying they “had to respond to an epidemic that was killing 4,000-5,000 Americans a day,” denied using his personal email for public business, and choked up discussing death threats against his family.

Democrats praised Fauci for steadfast public service and accused Republicans of vilifying him.
 
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CHOOSE HUMILITY
It’s easy to see the shortcomings of our opponents and cast ourselves in the right when debating culturally hot topics, like the pandemic. When you find yourself grumbling about others, don’t forget to check your own heart. 

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Matthew 7:3-5 (CSB) (read full passage)

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U.S. NEWS

Another Trial

In more unprecedented first family legal news, Hunter Biden’s federal gun case kicked off this week. It’s the first time a president’s child has faced criminal charges.

Jury selection was on Monday, followed by opening statements yesterday. Hunter Biden faces three felony charges for lying about drug use while applying to purchase a gun in 2018 and illegally possessing the purchased revolver while using drugs. 

Prosecutors played lengthy excerpts from Hunter’s memoir—in which he says he was addicted to crack—and read aloud messages obtained from his laptop detailing his efforts to buy drugs. Hunter’s defense argued he didn’t believe he had a drug problem at the time of the purchase. 

The trial is expected to last two weeks, with charges carrying a maximum prison sentence of 25 years (likely less for a first-time offender). 

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RADIATE HOPE
In this divisive political climate, followers of Christ have an opportunity to show that we won’t be shaken by news that shakes the world. The word of God is a solid foundation, and we root for justice while showing love for all parties—whether world-famous celebrities or random people. 

“The Rock—his work is perfect; all his ways are just. A faithful God, without bias, he is righteous and true.”
Deuteronomy 32:4 (CSB) (read full passage)

GameStop stock jumped more than 70% early Monday after Keith Gill, aka Roaring Kitty, posted a screenshot showing a $116 million position in the stock. E*Trade is reportedly considering banning Gill, who led the meme stock frenzy of 2021, over concerns of market manipulation since every time he meows… the stock soars

 
Male birth control? A clear hormonal gel applied daily to both shoulders worked “faster than expected” at reducing sperm production in a phase 2 trial. The gel, which contains testosterone and a synthetic hormone called Nestorone, began suppressing male fertility within 8 weeks—on par with hormonal contraceptives for women. Potential FDA approval remains years (and lots of teste-ing) away.

 
Israel announced that four more hostages kidnapped on October 7th are dead, saying they were likely killed months ago. Hamas is believed to have around 80 living hostages and the remains of 43 more. The announcement comes after Israel's leadership has distanced itself from the most recent ceasefire proposal, which President Biden presented as coming from Israel.

 
Yesterday, a panel of FDA advisors rejected treating PTSD with the use of MDMA (known to some as “Ecstacy” or “Molly” and to scientists as “Methylenedioxymethamphetamine”... good luck to our podcast team on that one). While results had looked promising, the panel was concerned over flaws in how the trials were conducted. There has not been a new treatment for PTSD in over 20 years.
 
 
Simone Biles leaped, flipped, vaulted, and swung to a record ninth all-around title at the U.S. Gymnastics Championship, automatically qualifying for the U.S. Olympic trials ahead of this summer’s Paris Games. Later this month, she’ll compete against 15 other hopefuls for a spot on Team USA, three years after withdrawing from the Tokyo Games with “the twisties.”

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

This will brighten your day…

What We’re Using
The Dwell App*

Last weekend I managed to soak in 11 chapters of Scripture… almost unintentionally!

I was heading out to walk the dog and decided to open the Dwell app. I chose the book of Mark, narrated by Austin, at 1.25x speed, and let the calming sounds of piano and cello fill the air. Before I knew it, I was back home making coffee and breakfast, and I'd gone through 11 chapters!

There's something irreplaceable about sitting down with a physical Bible, but Dwell has been a game-changer for me when I can't sit down and read. I can still spend quality time in the Word by listening.

Jason Woodruff | Founder

Where We’re Shopping
Sparrow & Co.*

Sure, you could get a cute vase and some throw pillows at Target… or you could spruce up your living room while empowering women to overcome difficult circumstances.
 
IOW, you could shop at Sparrow & Co. It’s a Texas-based retail shop and ministry that seeks to champion the talents of voiceless artisans, provide employment and holistic care, and showcase products that allow customers to shop with purpose. And their products just happen to be beautiful.  
 
Check out Sparrow & Co. for textiles, stationery, home fragrances, and decor that will help your home tell a greater story.