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Black America Web
a day ago
- General
- Black America Web
Is Abstinence Really ‘Not for Everyone?' Rethinking The Narrative For Believers
Source: FatCamera / Getty Let's just be real: there's this running message in and outside the church that says abstinence is only for a particular 'type' of Christian. You know, the super spiritual ones. The ones who don't struggle. The ones who aren't dating. Or the ones who are 'called to singleness forever.' Somehow, we've watered down abstinence to a suggestion, instead of seeing it as what it is, a call to holiness. And I get it. When your desire for God is real, but your desire for connection, intimacy, and touch is also real, abstinence can feel impossible. Not because you don't love God, but because you're human. Add loneliness, disappointment, and pressure to the mix, and suddenly what God asks of you feels unfair, even outdated. But here's what I've learned: it's not that abstinence is unrealistic, it's that obedience is costly. And for many of us, that cost feels too high. RELATED: 3 Ways Singles Can Grow Closer to God 5 Green Flags In Friendships Knowing that you should live for God and choosing to live for Him are two very different things. Christians understand that we're called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices. That's considered a reasonable request from the Lord (Romans 12:1). But let's be honest, our flesh, which is part of our God-given nature, doesn't always cooperate. Paul, one of the most influential authors of the Bible, speaks to this tension in Romans 7:15: 'I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do.' That verse has always comforted me. It reminds me that even the most devout can wrestle with doing what's right. Abstinence is one of those topics that always seems to stir up debate, especially in Christian spaces. When I decided to become abstinent 13 years ago, the conversation around purity was everywhere. But honestly, my decision wasn't shaped by media or church culture. It was deeply personal. God came to me in a dream and told me I needed to live for Him, and for me, that included abstinence. That encounter gave me a conviction stronger than anything a sermon or social trend could offer. Dating as a single woman in New York City or any major city is already a challenge. The culture here doesn't exactly push people toward marriage or family. It's all about career, hobbies, and self-fulfillment. Add being a Christian and abstinent to the mix, and it gets even more nuanced. Early on in my dating journey, disillusionment became a familiar feeling. I can't count how often I heard people say, 'Abstinence isn't for everyone.' And if I'm being fully transparent, I wondered if that statement had some truth. But I've come to this conclusion: Abstinence isn't just for the super-spiritual. It's a call for every believer. Over and over in scripture, God calls His people to be set apart. What's encouraging is that God never pretends we're not surrounded by temptation. He sees the world for what it is, messy, loud, flesh-driven. And still, He calls us to live differently. One verse that drives this home is 2 Timothy 2:20-21: 'In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work.' We have a choice. We can live surrendered lives and be used in powerful ways by God, or we can remain 'common', not because we're not loved, but because we're unwilling to surrender. God is holy. He's also forgiving, yes, but He's clear: believers are not to engage in premarital sex (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5): 'It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.' And his reasons aren't about control, they're about love. He disciplines because He loves. And obedience brings rewards, both natural and spiritual. I think we forget this sometimes, but Jesus was entirely God and fully man. He understands what it means to struggle. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us: 'For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.' Before He went to the cross, Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, begging God to take the cup from Him (Matthew 26:39): 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.' He didn't want the pain, but He submitted anyway. He knows what it feels like to deny the flesh. And because of that, He empowers us to do the same. Source: FatCamera / Getty Dating while abstinent felt impossible at times, especially in conversations with men. I would hear things like: 'You're never going to find anyone.' 'Men can't abstain.' 'It's impossible.' And after hearing it repeatedly, part of me started to believe it. I questioned if abstinence was just something for me or a select few. I wondered if I had some 'special gift' that others didn't. But that's not the truth. Abstinence is not a spiritual superpower. It's also essential to understand the difference between abstinence and celibacy. Abstinence is the choice not to engage in sex with the intent to marry eventually. Celibacy is the choice never to marry and remain sexually inactive. Celibacy and abstinence are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. After years of wrestling with the question, I've landed here: Abstinence is for every believer. Not because some of us are wired for it and others aren't, but because God calls all of us to sexual purity. When we refuse to abstain, it's not because we're incapable; we don't want to. That may sound hard, but love without truth isn't love. The truth sets us free (John 8:32): 'Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' In my book Ready, Set, Wait , I talk about the reality of navigating sex, singleness, and abstinence as a Christian woman. I share how childhood sexual trauma awakened a hypersexual desire in me. So when God called me to abstain, He wasn't calling someone untouched by pain. He knew I couldn't do it without Him, and I couldn't. That's what we have to understand: real abstinence requires God. Abstinence is possible, but not without a strategy. You need tools. Here are three things I recommend: 1. Flee Immediately (James 4:7) 'Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.' Stop entertaining temptation. Those texts, DMs, 'just checking in' calls? Let them go. 2. Take the Escape Route (1 Corinthians 10:13) 'No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.' God always provides a way out, even when you don't want to take it. Invite Him into those moments. 3. Guard Your Gates Convictions aren't legalism; they're protection. That meant letting go of '90s R&B because of what it stirred up. Be honest about what triggers you and set boundaries accordingly. That moment of satisfaction isn't worth the long-term disobedience. Sometimes, it's not that you even want the person—you're just tired of waiting. Saying 'no' isn't punishment; it's protection. Abstinence isn't about perfection. It's about pursuit. God isn't asking for a flawless record; He's asking for a surrendered heart. If you've messed up, you can start again. If you're in the middle of temptation, you can choose differently. It's never too late to come back to Him. Holiness isn't out of reach. It's the fruit of obedience. And obedience, even when it's hard, is always worth it. DON'T MISS… Breaking the Silence: A Deep Dive into Sexless Marriages With An Intimacy Expert How to Date Well: Cultivating Healthy Relationships and Behaviors 5 Books You Need To Read If You Struggle With Setting Boundaries SEE ALSO Is Abstinence Really 'Not for Everyone?' Rethinking The Narrative For Believers was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Gulf Insider
6 days ago
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Trump Sent A 'Free Speech Squad' To The UK To Investigate Erosion Of Rights
President Trump has dispatched a cadre of State Department officials to the UK to monitor and investigate the growing attacks on freedom of speech by the British government. The Telegraph reports that 'A five-person team from the US State Department spent days in the country,' and among a host of other issues they looked into a crack down on pro-life activists voicing, or in many cases silently expressing opposition to abortion clinics. The report notes that Trump's free speech squad, specifically from the US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), 'met with five activists who had been arrested for silently protesting outside abortion clinics across Britain.' 🇺🇸🔥 TRUMP INTERVENES — WHEN NO ONE ELSE WOULD. 🔥🇬🇧Finally, a President and true world leader unafraid to speak the TRUTH — and to defend God-given rights not just for Americans, but for every man and woman across the free British politicians talk endlessly about… — Francois Leclerc (@f_leclerc20037) May 26, 2025 The visit demonstrates that Trump is acutely aware of the threat to freedom that is growing in the UK and is willing to intervene in British affairs as required. The activists, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, Rose Docherty, Adam Smith-Connor, Livia Tossici-Bolt and Father Sean Gough, a Catholic priest, were all arrested for standing outside abortion clinics on public roads and silently praying. The UK government introduced a new law creating so called 'buffer zones' outside hospitals and clinics providing abortions in Scotland in an effort to stop the activists being present. Mrs Docherty told reporters 'All I did was stand peacefully offering consensual conversation to anyone who wanted to take up my offer to talk. I didn't break the law, I didn't influence, I didn't harass, I didn't intimidate.' 'And yet, I was arrested just for standing there, peacefully, within 200 metres of a hospital,' she added. 'This can't be just. It's heartening that others around the world, including the US Government, have realised this injustice and voiced their support,' the 74 year-old grandmother further urged. Trump's State Department officials are also said to have met with officials from the Foreign Office and challenged telecom officiator Ofcom with regards to the much maligned Online Safety Act, which critics charge is being used to enforce censorship and punish those expressing opinions deemed to be 'hateful' by the authorities. Trump's officials are also reportedly 'monitoring' the case of Lucy Connolly, the mother who have been imprisoned and denied early release over an X post wherein she called for action to be taken against illegal migrants following the horrific Southport attacks last year when three children were stabbed to death by the son of Rwanden migrants living in the UK. 'The United States supports freedom of expression at home and abroad, and remains concerned about infringements on freedom of expression,' a State Department spokesperson commented. Back in February, during a State visit to the White House, British Prime Minister Kier Starmer encountered a fired up Vice President JD Vance who directly called out Starmer's crackdown on free speech in the UK.
Sky News AU
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'America's grandpa': Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson dead at 79 following Alzheimer's Battle
Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson has died at the age of 79. Robertson's daughter-in-law Korie Robertson confirmed the reality star's death on Sunday via Facebook. 'We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,' Korie wrote. 'He reminded us often of the words of Paul, 'you do not grieve like those who have no hope.' "'For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.'" It is understood that Robertson was suffering Alzheimer's disease at the time of his death but no cause of death has been revealed. Born in Louisiana in 1946, Robertson invented a groundbreaking 'duck call', a product which helps lure in ducks for hunting. The product spawned the successful family business, Duck Commander company, and later a reality series centred on the Robertson family. Fans of the cult-favourite reality series, which aired on A&E from 2012 until 2017, flooded the comment section to pay tribute to 'America's grandpa'. 'Phil was like America's grandpa who passed along his God-given wisdom for life to pass on to the next generation,' one fan wrote. 'He put smiles on the faces of us all,' another fan added. 'I grew up watching Duck Dynasty as a child, and it was amazing seeing such a God-fearing man leading by example on how to live life while fearing God and hunting ducks.' The Robertson family patriarch shot to international fame after Duck Dynasty hit the airwaves in 2012. However, the fan favourite was briefly suspended from the program in 2013 after making controversial comments about homosexuality. In an interview for GQ Magazine, Robertson was asked "what, in your mind, is sinful?" Robertson replied: "Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. 'Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men." The reality star later attributed his attitudes to his biblical beliefs and insisted he 'would never treat anyone with disrespect' and was reinstated to the show by A&E. As a result of his Alzheimer's disease, Robertson will not be featured in the upcoming Duck Dynasty revival series, which was produced before the star's death. Phil is survived by his wife Kay Robertson, their four sons: Alan, Jase, Willie, and Jep, as well as 16 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Newsweek
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
American Bishops' War With Trump Admin Is Heating Up
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) seems to be battling with President Donald Trump's administration over some of its policies. Last week, the USCCB, the official assembly of the Catholic Church in the United States, slammed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for rescinding a policy that gave guidance on the care, custody and documentation of pregnant women they encounter. "It is deeply troubling and inexcusable that measures intended to ensure the basic safety of pregnant mothers and their young children while in government custody could be rescinded with such indifference toward the vulnerability of those involved," said Bishop Mark J. Seitz, of El Paso, Texas, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration. CPB Acting Commissioner Pete Flores issued the memo, which was circulated internally but not publicly announced, on May 5, revealing that four policies were determined "either obsolete or misaligned with current Agency guidance and immigration enforcement priorities." Bishop Kevin J. Farrell places the Book of Gospels on the head of Monsignor Mark J. Seitz (right) as Father J. Douglas Deshotel kneels with a book on his head during the Episcopal Ordination on... Bishop Kevin J. Farrell places the Book of Gospels on the head of Monsignor Mark J. Seitz (right) as Father J. Douglas Deshotel kneels with a book on his head during the Episcopal Ordination on April 27, 2010, at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe in downtown Dallas. More AP One of them was the 2022 memo "Processing of Pregnant, and Postpartum Noncitizens and Infants," which lays out guidelines for CPB, which include offering a medical assessment to all pregnant women and making sure breast-feeding mothers have access to privacy and rest facilities. "This decision is all the more concerning as the Administration simultaneously ramps up family detention in place of safer, more cost-effective alternatives to detention," Seitz said. "Let us be clear: protecting pregnant mothers and their children can never be considered 'obsolete.' This principle irrefutably extends to noncitizens in immigration detention, each of whom possesses an inviolable, God-given dignity that must be respected. "We urge the Administration to reissue guidance that adequately reflects and affirms the increased standard of care due to this vulnerable population while in government custody." Newsweek has contacted CBP via email for comment. Photo-illustration by Newsweek/AP/Getty The memo does stress that CBP agents should continue to uphold the care guidelines laid out in all remaining policies. "The safety of all who we encounter during operations remains a top priority," it says. "All CBP personnel are expected to treat those in Agency custody in a professional and respectful manner." It comes amid an ongoing civil case in which the USCCB is suing the Trump administration over its suspension of refugee programs. In a lawsuit filed in February, the USCCB said it has worked with the government for "nearly half a century" to help "refugees who are fleeing persecution, instability, and oppression and have come to the United States as a place of refuge and hope." The USCCB said that the spending freeze means the organization "faces irreparable damage to its longstanding refugee resettlement programs and its reputation and relationship with its subrecipients and the refugee populations it serves." Trump argued in January that his mission to "realign the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program" is because "the United States lacks the ability to absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees, into its communities in a manner that does not compromise the availability of resources for Americans." The Bigger Picture: Trump And The Catholic Church Trump's relationship with the Catholic Church has made headlines recently, following the election of the first American pope, Leo XIV, this month. While Leo is in the "middle of the road" in politics," he is "not happy with what's going on with immigration," his brother John Prevost tole The New York Times. Trump told Fox News' Sean Hannity that he is open to talking to Leo about immigration and has also said he wants Leo's other brother, Louis Prevost, "a major MAGA fan" to visit the White House. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, traveled to Rome for a private audience with Leo, after attending his inaugural Mass in St. Peter's Square last weekend. There was already tension between the church, to which 53 million U.S. adults belong, according to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2024, and the Trump administration, after Leo's predecessor, Pope Franics, rebuked Vance for invoking a "Christian concept" of extending love to your family and then fellow citizens before the rest of the world. But Francis wrote in a letter to Vance: "Christian love is not a concentric expansion of interests that little by little extend to other persons and groups. The true ordo amoris that must be promoted is that which we discover by meditating constantly on the parable of the 'good Samaritan' (cf. Lk 10:25-37), that is, by meditating on the love that builds a fraternity open to all, without exception." America's relationship with the Catholic Church has long been important. Newsweek broke down the behind-the-scenes role it has played in American diplomacy and culture here. "Much of the future approach of the USCCB to the White House will depend also on the signs they will receive from Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican in the next few weeks and months," theology and religious studies professor Massimo Faggioli told Newsweek. "It's something the White House will pay more attention to. All this in the context of a Catholic VP, JD Vance, who is really trying hard to justify anything that Trump and members of his Cabinet do," the Villanova University academic said. "Vance's pitch is designed for a Catholic audience and the bishops know it."
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
GLOBAL Raises $450,000 at their AcceptAbility Gala as Celebrities & Congress Step Out for People with Down Syndrome
Global Down Syndrome Foundation Honored Reps. Aderholt and DeGette at Event that Featured Multiplatinum Artist & Actor Phillip Phillips and Inclusive Dance Team Global Down Syndrome Foundation - AcceptAbility Gala Global Down Syndrome Foundation - AcceptAbility Gala Denver, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Wednesday, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) held its seventh annual AcceptAbility Gala, Washington DC's largest fundraiser for people with Down syndrome, raising $450,000 to support important research and medical care benefiting people with Down syndrome. Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) received GLOBAL's highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award, and pledged their continued strong advocacy in Congress to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome. 'At GLOBAL, we work hard every day to elongate life and improve health outcomes for our loved ones with Down syndrome,' says GLOBAL Co-Founder, President, and CEO, Michelle Sie Whitten. 'Last night we brought together a room full of bipartisan support from Congress, NIH leadership, self-advocates, families and corporate leaders, all celebrating the impact of GLOBAL's work and a brighter future for people with Down syndrome. The joy and excitement at our event, and the tangible outcome of our work together, is truly rewarding!' 'People with Down syndrome are a beautiful reminder that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made in God's image,' says Congressman Robert Aderholt. 'I am honored to receive the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award from GLOBAL and to support their important mission to extend life and improve health outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome. Last night's AcceptAbility Gala was truly inspiring. It was a joy to be surrounded by so many incredible self-advocates, their families, dedicated professionals, and fellow Members of Congress. The evening underscored how vital continued investment in Down syndrome research is—not just for improving health—but for affirming the dignity and God-given worth of every life. It sends a powerful message to the world that individuals who are differently-abled have unique value and purpose.' 'It is an honor to be recognized by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award,' says Congresswoman Diane DeGette. 'Last night's AcceptAbility Gala was truly a celebration of people with Down syndrome and what biomedical research at the NIH is doing to improve their lives. I am proud to have reintroduced the bipartisan DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act earlier this week which will ensure NIH continues to pursue innovative and groundbreaking research that includes people with Down syndrome. It is amazing what GLOBAL and my dear friends John Sie and Michelle Sie Whitten have built at the Crnic Institute and the Sie Center for Down Syndrome in Colorado. Together, we are creating a brighter future for children and adults with Down syndrome.' Celebrities passionate about the cause included Multiplatinum Artist & Actor, Phillip Phillips; actor, author and public speaker Frank Stephens; author and public speaker David Egan; six-time Emmy® Award-winner Chuck Todd, and three-time Emmy® Award-winner Autria Godfrey who emceed the gala. The evening was dedicated to long-time GLOBAL supporter and Frank Stephens' mother, Cornelia 'Corny' Stephens. Corny passed away after a long and courageous fight with Alzheimer's disease. A video tribute also honored music icon Quincy Jones who passed away last November. Held at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC, the event was attended by GLOBAL awardee alums,Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) who presented the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award to Representative Robert Aderholt, Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) who presented the award to Representative Diana DeGette, Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) who presented her scholarship award, and Pete Stauber (R-MN). Representatives DeGette and Hudson, and Senator Hickenlooper, thrilled the audience when they announced the House and Senate reintroduction of the game-changing bill, the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act. The bill will ensure that the trans-NIH Down syndrome funding program called the INCLUDE Project will continue to exist and grow. The bill is a legacy for the memory of GLOBAL Ambassador DeOndra Dixon who is Academy and Grammy Award-winning Jamie Foxx's younger sister. Jamie Foxx is one of GLOBAL's international spokespeople. It is also a testament to the dedication of the now-retired Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). To recognize the transformative leadership of two key Congressional Champions, the Rosa DeLauro GLOBAL Advancement Award with a post-secondary scholarship was provided to Leo Weeks from Herndon, Virginia and the Tom Cole GLOBAL Advancement Award was provided to Gabby Parillon from Lewes, Delaware. Representative Rosa DeLauro was on-hand to personally present the Advancement Award, leaving the audience inspired to do even more for people with Down syndrome and their families. With the help of GLOBAL Ambassador Tucker Emry and his family, Erin Book Mullen, co-chairs Natalie Farr Harrison and her husband Guy Harrison, and our amazing Sponsors, the inspirational gala attracted 400 attendees and raised $450,000 for GLOBAL's life-saving research and medical care. GLOBAL supports over 200 researchers on the Anschutz Medical Campus at the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome and at the Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, as well as 2,500 patients from 33 states and 10 countries at the Sie Center for Down Syndrome. For nearly two decades, Down syndrome was one of the least federally funded genetic conditions in the United States. At the end of the evening, Phillip Phillips wowed the audience not only with his beautiful voice but by connecting with fans and bringing self-advocates with Down syndrome on stage while performing an intimate, heartfelt performance of some of his biggest hits including Gone, Gone, Gone and Home, and solo dancer Robert Wallop and inclusive dance team RhythmXpress delighted attendees with dance performances set to Papa's Got a Brand New Bag and a Hairspray medley. Additional notables in attendance included GLOBAL Chairman John J. Sie, GLOBAL Ambassadors Sophia Whitten, Charlotte (Charley) Fonfara-LaRose, and Abby Ashbrook; Directors from the NIH Drs. Jay Bhattacharya, Richard Hodes, Gary Gibbons, Alison Cernich, Walter Koroshetz, Michael Chiang, Monica Webb Hooper, Anna Mazzucco and Annica Wayman; Jim Hudson and Heather Sachs from the National Down Syndrome Congress, and executives from Black Down Syndrome Association, Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas, Virginia Down Syndrome Association, 321 Foundation, Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, and Down Syndrome Association of Delaware. To learn more about GLOBAL, visit ### About the Global Down Syndrome FoundationThe Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is the largest non-profit in the U.S. working to save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL established the first Down syndrome research institute and supports over 400 scientists and over 2,700 patients with Down syndrome from 33 states and 10 countries. Working closely with Congress and the National Institutes of Health, GLOBAL is the lead advocacy organization in the U.S. for Down syndrome research and care. GLOBAL has a membership of over 110 Down syndrome organizations worldwide, and is part of a network of Affiliates – the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, the University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center – all on the Anschutz Medical Campus, and the GLOBAL Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at Denver Health. GLOBAL's widely circulated medical publications include Global Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome, Prenatal & Newborn Down Syndrome Information, and the award-winning magazine Down Syndrome World TM. GLOBAL also organizes the annual AcceptAbility Gala in Washington DC, andthe annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, the largest Down syndrome fundraiser in the world. Visit and follow us on social media Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Attachments Global Down Syndrome Foundation - AcceptAbility Gala Global Down Syndrome Foundation - AcceptAbility Gala CONTACT: Anca Call Global Down Syndrome Foundation (720) 320-3832 pr@ Shawn Flaherty Creative Strategies PR (703) 554-3609 Shawn_Flaherty@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
