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Frank Ramirez

Frank Ramirez is a native of Southern California and is the senior pastor of the Union Center Church of the Brethren near Nappanee, Indiana. Frank has served congregations in Los Angeles, California; Elkhart, Indiana; and Everett, Pennsylvania. He and his wife Jennie share three adult children, all married, and three grandchildren. He enjoys writing, reading, exercise, and theater.
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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

An Advocate to guide us -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2015
Sooner or later most of us have the experience of getting behind the wheel for the first time.
Victory in spite of -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Each one of this week's scriptures can be viewed as victory as God's will is done, yet these stories
Don't judge people by their covers -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2015
Shorthand might be an efficient way to take quick notes, but it’s a lousy way to typecast people.
God's rewards are for the living -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - B -- 2015
Books that describe visits to heaven are very popular these days.
An upside-down Christmas -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2015
The Christmas holiday is so beautiful, so central to our faith, with lights shining in the darkness

Drama

Illustration

StoryShare

Gave As Good As She Got -- John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Just then his disciples came.
Impostor Syndrome? -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2023
Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.
Sign Here -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2023
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax-collection station….
Footwear and Foot Care -- John 13:1-7, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
(Jesus) poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet… (v. 5)
Peace and Security -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as la
A Series of Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
In 2004 Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan published the book Chronicles: Volume One.
One Hit Wonder -- Zechariah 9:9-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2023
Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!    Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Seeing And Not Seeing -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight.
A Great Light -- But Who Saw It First? -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep dar
Into Thin Air -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
According to Acts 1:9, as the disciples watched, Jesus “…was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of
What We Need -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, “Go and tell my serva
A Little Peace and Quiet -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2023
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself.
Because God is There -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2023
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. (v. 15)
What's In A Name? -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I a
Sour Grapes -- Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2023
What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, “The parents have eate

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Sermon Illustrations For Lent 1 (2023) -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2023) -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2023
Exodus 33:12-23
Sermon Illustrations For Trinity Sunday (2023) -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2023
Genesis 1:1--2:4
Sign Here -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2023
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax-collection station….
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 5 | OT 10 (2023) -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2023
Genesis 12:1-9
Sermon Illustrations For Easter Sunday (2023) -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Easter Day - A -- 2023
Jeremiah 31:1-6
Sermon Illustrations For Good Friday (2023) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Good Friday - A -- 2023
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 1 (2023) -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Isaiah 64: 1-9
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 2 (2023) -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Isaiah 40:1-11
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 (2023) -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2023
Genesis 28:10-19a

Prayer

Sermon

Stories

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Raised Up -- John 3:14-21, Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Contents “Raised Up” by Peter Andrew Smith
Fast Food -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2018
Contents “Fast Food” by C. David McKirachan
Witnesses -- Luke 24:36b-48, Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Psalm 4 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Contents “Witnesses” by Peter Andrew Smith
Whose Water Is It? -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Contents “Whose Water Is It?” by C. David McKirachan
Keeping the Sabbath Holy -- Mark 2:23--3:6, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Contents “Keeping the Sabbath Holy” by Peter Andrew Smith
The Real Man Of La Mancha -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Job 38:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
Contents “The Real Man Of La Mancha” by Frank Ramirez
Why We Need Shepherds -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Psalm 23, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2018
Contents “Why We Need Shepherds” by Frank Rairez
With Malice Towards None and Kindness Towards Your Enemy -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, Psalm 130, 1 Kings 19:4-8, Psalm 34:1-8, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2018
Contents
Putting On The Purpole -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2018
Contents “Putting On The Purpole” by Frank Ramirez
Hoisted On Their Own Petard -- James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Contents “Hoisted On Their Own Petard” by C. David McKirachan
Hearing the News -- Mark 10:46-52, Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2018
Contents “Hearing the News” by Peter Andrew Smith
Everyman Stands For Every Man -- Matthew 21:33-46, Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Psalm 19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2017
For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his pl
The Greatest Law -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2017
Contents "The Greatest Law" by Frank Ramirez
A Certain Lack of Strategy -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
Contents "A Certain Lack of Strategy" by Keith Hewitt
Make a Way Through the Desert -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
Contents "Make a Way Through the Desert" by Frank Ramirez
No Longer a Slave -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2017
Contents"No Longer a Slave" by Frank Ramirez
If Thy Eye Offend Thee... -- Matthew 5:21-37, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
Contents "If Thy Eye Offend Thee..." by Keith Hewitt
Life From Death -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
Contents "Life from Death" by Frank Ramirez
Tidal Surge -- Matthew 21:1-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2017
Contents "Tidal Surge" by C. David McKirachan
The Witness -- John 20:1-18, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 28:1-10 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - A -- 2017
Contents "The Witness" by Keith Hewitt "Reliable Women" by Frank Ramirez
Lousy Way To Run A Business -- John 10:1-10, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Psalm 23 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
Contents "Lousy Way to Run a Business" by C. David McKirachan
Building A Better Beehive -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
Contents "Building a Better Beehive" by Frank Ramirez

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These People Marvel at the Star / It's a Sure Thing -- Luke 21:25-36, Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Contents “These People Marvel at the Star” by Frank Ramirez
Why We Need Shepherds / Away for Awhile -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Psalm 23, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2018
Contents “Why We Need Shepherds” by Frank Rairez
Hoisted On Their Own Petard -- James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Contents “Hoisted On Their Own Petard” by C. David McKirachan

Worship

SermonStudio

Second Sunday In Lent -- Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 3:17--4:1Theme: Your Belly Or Your Life
Proper 25/Ordinary Time 30 -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 18:9-14Theme: Last First, First Last, Always
First Sunday Of Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 33:14-16Theme: Empires Come And Go -- God Lasts
Proper 15/Ordinary Time 20 -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 5:1-7Theme: Shopping In The Grape Aisle
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)Theme: Looks Big To Me
Proper 9/Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 2 Kings 5:1-14Theme: Too Simple For You?
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 11:1-18Theme: We Should Love One Another
Second Sunday In Lent -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:31-35Theme: Oh, Jerusalem
Proper 26/Ordinary Time 31 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4Theme: In Letters Big Enough To Read
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Proper 15/Ordinary Time 20 -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 11:29--12:2Theme: Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus
Christmas Eve -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7Theme: The Prequel
Proper 9/Ordinary Time 14 -- Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16Theme: Carry This, Will Ya?
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 21:1-6Theme: It's About Time
Third Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 55:1-9Theme: For God Will Abundantly Pardon
Third Sunday In Lent -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13Theme: There's Always A Way Out
Proper 26/Ordinary Time 31 -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12Theme: Real Churches Get Heat
Proper 15/Ordinary Time 20 -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 12:49-56Theme: The Real Weather Channel
Christmas Eve -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Titus 2:11-14Theme: It Will Happen Again
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- John 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 13:31-35Theme: Just So You're Sure
Third Sunday In Lent -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:1-9Theme: Towers Fall, God Endures
Proper 26/Ordinary Time 31 -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 19:1-10Theme: What's It Worth To Ya?
Proper 16/Ordinary Time 21 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 1:4-10Theme: Too Many Excuses
Christmas Eve -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)Theme: Once More, With Feeling
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 16:9-15Theme: A Dream For Salvation
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For September 29, 2024:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A pack of Post-It Notes® and a big piece of cardboard or board to stick them on. Draw a line or put a piece of tape vertically on the board to create two columns where you will stick the notes.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
In the book of Esther, the tables are turned on Haman’s genocidal plot and the people emerge triumphant. James is aware the worst sometimes happens but reminds us the prayers of the faithful are part of the equation that averts disaster. And Jesus scolds the disciples for wanting him to discourage those who work for the gospel. There’s a great task we share, and we can avert the disaster toward which the world seems to be heading by working with all people of good will who are furthering the work of the kingdom.

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22
The phrase “hoisted on his own petard” is one that is not used as often today and that’s a shame. It is a good statement. It comes from William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. Let’s examine this old phrase. The word “petard” is a word that, in medieval times referred to a bomb that would breach walls or blow in doors. The word “hoist” meant to be taken out or removed. Thus, someone who was hoisted by their own petard was taken out by the bomb that they set.

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Lou leaned on his shovel. “I’m honestly not sure.”

“We could ask them though, couldn’t we?” Mary gestured at the church across the street from their church. “I mean they are out doing work around their church.”

“I don’t know.” Lou looked over at the people painting and cleaning. “I hear they do their service in Greek or some other language and I’m not sure what I would say.”

“I’m just glad that someone took over that building after the last congregation disbanded.” Mary sighed. “It was looking pretty run down.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said that whoever is not against us, is for us. Let us welcome all those who are not against us and thank God for their support.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, when we judge others too harshly,
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, when we wrongly feel that all are against us,
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, when we enjoy our own cliques and keep others out,
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Cynthia E. Cowen
They entered the house drained from the night. They had prayed Erik's science project would be done on time for the Science Fair so it was a surprise when the fourth grader won a second place ribbon. The next step was district competition, and now the announcement of awards was taking its toll. The project had not been selected for honor. Handling the disappointment was tough.
James Evans
(See Proper 16/Pentecost 14/Ordinary Time 21, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

Psalm 124 takes us deep into the thorny issue of claiming to have God on our side. The matter has come up repeatedly, in recent years, during the war in Iraq. Prayers have been offered, from both sides of the conflict, petitioning God's help in defeating "our" enemy and protecting "our" troops.

Thomas Peterson
No mistake. This is a hard text. Jesus was often given to double-edged sayings, paradoxes and extreme comparisons. He spoke ironically and often with biting humor. Here he uses the images of cutting off a hand, a foot, or plucking out an eye.
Stephen M. Crotts
Do you remember the fairy tale "Snow White"? Recall how the wicked witch peered into her magic looking glass and said, "Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?"

The mirror's answer was quite disappointing. "It's certainly not you, Ugly!"

Does your mirror ever do that to you? Sad to say, but thousands of people's mirrors disappoint them each day.

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