#National Good Samaritans Day

[zoot580]

It Takes A Community, But In The End, It Was Just One Man (A Memory For National Good Samaritan Day)

Sharing one of my favorite memories from the beginning. An early Davis Family Adventure.

Wadley, Georgia 1991 It was nowhere near as cold as the late autumns that my wife Connie and I were used to, growing up in Frederick, Maryland and East Chicago, respectively. Still, the early winter chill was enough to make our car ride from Tallahassee, Florida to Augusta, Georgia quite uncomfortable. We hadn’t owned our used ’84 Buick Regal that long, so the fact that the heating system had…

[thelofian]

Diligent Daily Booster Table (TTCC DBT) for 2024-03-13, Wealthy Wednesday, 🤗 National Good Samaritan Day | 🚭 National No Smoking Day

[murderousink23]

03/13/2024 is National Elephant Day 🐘🇹🇭, National Coconut Torte Day 🇺🇸, National Earmuff Day 🇺🇸, National Good Samaritan Day 🇺🇸, National Jewel Day 🇺🇸, National K9 Veterans Day 🇺🇸, National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day 🇺🇸, National Smart & Sexy Day 🇺🇸, National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day 🇺🇸, No Smoking Day 🚭🇺🇸

[subby-sab]

Today is 13th of March.

Today is K9 Veterans Day, National Good Samaritan Day, National Coconut Torte Day, Ken Day, National Jewel Day, Smart and Sexy Day.

[ptseti]

"THERE IS NO GROUP THAT EVER CAME INTO AFRICA THAT MEANT ANYTHING GOOD FOR AFRICANS" -Dr John Henrik Clarke.

“The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.” - From 'THINGS FALL APART' 1958, written by Chinua Achebe and was translated into Italian, French, Hungarian, Portuguese, Russian, Swiss, Flemish and other languages.

According to historian, Dr John Henrik Clarke, "every group of people that came into Africa meant nothing good for the Africans… and the very first thing each and every one of these groups did was to declare war on African culture…" What followed was the bastardization of African spirituality and ways that held the societies together for millennia before there was a Greece or Rome or before "the first European learnt to wear a shoe or live in a house that had a window." Or as Dr. Yosef Ben Jochannan put it, "Before there was Rome, Greece, Jerusalem or Mecca… Before there was a Jehovah, Jesus or Mohommet" (Muhammad ibn Abdul'Mutallib).

It most be noted that the first Hebrew to ever come into existence was a Chaldean from Ur, known as Abram in 1675 BC. Before then, their was no concept of a Jehovah or Jesus, whatsoever, and no Hebrew as a tribe, the world over, from as far as history revealed. By this time, the 82 pyramids in Kemet, and the over 203 pyramids in Meroe, the smaller Nsude pyramids in Udi highlands were already built. The Africans had their own spirituality through which they connected to the non-material world, through which they learnt science like iron smelting, as well as which herbs could heal what sort of disease, agricultural practice, astrology, alchemy, mining for useful minerals from the earth and so on.

Most of Africa were connected to the worship of a deity, Ptah. This was over 5000 years before the first Hebrew came into existence, it was thousands of years before Greece or Rome came into existence and before any Abrahamic religions (which are Judaism, Samaritanism, Christianity and Islam etc) came into the knowledge of anyone at all. Abram, the father of it all had not even come into existence.

In kemet, there was a belief that if one died far away from the Nile, one would not resurrect in the afterlife. Hence Kemet became the place of high culture for all tribal nationalities along the Nile from its source through modern day Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia Sudan etc. Abydos was a city of pilgrimage where most Africans, who could, travelled up the Nile, through the Sahara (Which was not a desert until about 5000 years ago, as archeological discoveries indicated), to worship and commune with other Africans. Osiris later become the god in Abydos while Memphis became the home for Ptah, after several foreign invasion from across the Mediterranean and the sands of Arabia.

Most of the magicians in Kemet came from Gao, a city-state of the Soudan(west Africa then). African regions and cities had their own gods and it was necessary to pay homage to the god of a land when visiting or passing through as a sojourner, merchant or gypsy. By this time, Arabian peninsula was the colony of Africans (Study from 'From Babylon to Timbuktu', 'The African Origin of Major Religions, Herodoctus, and Strabo's geographica).

{[IMAGE: The 'inner circle' of the Mossi people. Not every king on the throne rose to the societal status, necessary to attend this gathering. The first shattering effect on this 'inner circle' began when the Arabs arrived west Africa in the 7th century CE, while extending the trans-saharan trade routes through the desert.]}

[zoropookie]

HOW HATERS ARE BORN (HHAB)

♡ chapter twenty-one — oh no, he���s hot! (💋)

You can’t believe you agreed to this.

Oh wait, actually you can. Your mind keeps deciding what’s good for you, but was your mind even in the right place anyway? It’s really hard to come to terms with this right now while you’re sitting in Scaramouche’s passenger seat.

Was the Inazuma party that great for him to offer on his own to pick you up? If it weren’t for your absolute mastermind of a plan, you’d definitely say no. Hopefully?

But the both of you nestling in the straw bed of silence wasn’t on your bucket list for said plan. “How much longer?” You asked, breaking the awkward silence that had settled between you two like a thick fog.

“Thirty minutes.” Scaramouche’s dull tone was a true testament to the silence that encompassed them moments ago. It was kind of sad.

“And…how long was it when you started..?” You hesitantly drawled.

“Thirty-two minutes.”

“Oh my god,” You muttered, sinking into your seat. You should have never agreed for him to give you a ride, it’s like his brooding broodiness was plaguing your lungs.

But for some reason! You kept trying. “So! Uh…what made you want to pick me up anyway? We’ve got…some interesting history for you to be making this kind of effort right now!”

“I don’t do small talk.”

“Look, you gotta give me something. I’m dying here.” You pleaded with your eyes, probably the only sort of manipulation tactic you could try and use on him.

He let out a long, drawn out sigh. His violet eyes briefly flickering to meet yours before returning to the road. “It was either that, or bartend.”

“Wait, seriously? That’s it?” You raised an eyebrow, cheeks puffed from your fight to keep a laugh in. “You didn’t just want to be a good Samaritan, or what?”

“Do I look like I’d do something out of the goodness of my heart?” Scaramouche’s expression turned sour.

“I don’t know! You’re alright, I guess.” You caught yourself staring for a lot longer than expected, “Uhh, in the way that a clown at kids birthday parties has an extensive knife paraphernalia…kind of…alright?”

You cringed. This is a horrible conversation, even more so now that Scaramouche was willing to ignore what you said.

But the quieter it got, the better it was to hear a small laugh come out of his mouth. Even if you could barely hear the humor he got out of it. You looked at him, catching a glimpse of his mouth turned upwards.

There it was. The butterflies roaming in your stomach, vicariously reminding you of your own carefree mind. A faint glimmer of his amusement was enough to make you nervous, even when he barely made an effort to keep the small smile.

The crack in his demeanor returned to normal, once again unreadable. "Is that all you got?"

You felt a pang of disappointment at his lack of response, shoulder slumping. The awkward feeling was pretty much gone, but at what cost to your dignity? "Yeah, I guess so."

“You’re alright too, (Y/N).”

“Huh? I am..?" Oh no, he’s hot!

“Yeah. It’s unfortunate.”

previous ♡ masterlist ♡ next

YOU ARE on your way to being one of the hottest streamer in your nation at the moment, racking a monthly average of 10 million viewers, but something specific bothers you about it. you know that a lot of people hate you, but there's this one account. one account that's been following you since the early days of your career. they leave a flood of rude comments in your stream, your moderators banned each account they made, but they keep making more. you are at the end of your tether. but you are yet to find out that this persistent cockroach is none other than your friend's friend (and the only other streamer that's bigger than you), scaramouche.

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@morgyyyyyyy @lovemari (bold users means i'm having trouble tagging you)

[mythologicalmormon]

In light of recent events and my brother having a talk in sacrament tomorrow, I was reminded of a talk that I gave last year that focused on diversity and I thought y’all might appreciate it.

There is a story Jesus told about a Jewish man who was severely injured and left on the side of a road. Various travelers saw him and ignored him, including a Jewish priest. Although the injured man was of the same creed as the priest, the priest continued on his way with no regard for his fellow man. Eventually, a Samaritan man walked by. Now, Samaritans and Jews detested one another. The Samaritan’s preexisting bias would dictate that he, upon seeing the man was a Jew, ignore him as the previous travelers had. However, the Samaritan saw the man suffering and decided to help him no matter their personal and cultural differences. The Samaritan did what the other travelers chose not to and demonstrated true caring for one’s neighbors without regard for bias. The parable of the good Samaritan provides a valuable example for us. Would you take time out of your day to help someone in need, even if they belonged to a group of people whom you dislike or disapprove of? Are you willing to sacrifice your prejudice in an effort to help people belong in the church?

Our Heavenly Father loves diversity. When he created the earth, He did not make everything uniform and identical. He made millions of distinctive and unique species, plants, and other incredible creations. From seahorses to raccoons to peregrine falcons, the creatures on this earth are each special. The same goes for people. The assorted characteristics that differentiate us also make us human. Some of us are short, some of us are gay, some like reading, and others can wiggle their ears. God doesn’t love us in spite of our diversity, but because of it. He loves diversity. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have made each one of us one-of-a-kind. He wants all of us to belong and to appreciate that which makes us special, just as He does.

Even within the church there is exceptional diversity. In the talk that I am referencing, The Doctrine of Belonging, Elder D. Todd Christofferson says quote “As the long prophesied latter-day gathering of the Lord’s covenant people gains momentum, the Church will truly be composed of members from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.” When the church was restored, the first members were all white and of European heritage. But diversity is the natural result of having a widespread group, and as the church became more vast, so did the diversity within it. There are millions of members in this church that are of varying colors, backgrounds, genders, and sexualities. There are members who speak languages from the obscure to the well-known. There are members who have medical and mental health problems and members who speak with a stutter or a lisp. Our differences don’t make us less of God’s children, but some among us will belittle and alienate members who are unlike them. God invites all of his children and all of their diversity to partake in his covenants and return to him. We should follow in His example by loving diversity and striving to make everyone know that they belong in our Savior’s church.

Helping people feel and know that they belong in the church requires everyone to let go of their preconceived notions, judgments, and biases. Each and every one of us has prejudices. We discriminate based on serious things such aswhether or not a person has gone to prison or who someone voted for in an election, and we discriminate based on simple things like what music someone listens to or what type of clothes someone wears. Prejudice is often nothing more than a sweeping generalization that misrepresents a group of people. Within church culture, prejudice is unfortunately common and it is counterproductive to helping people feel like they belong in the kingdom of God. The general handbook for the church states, “Prejudice is not consistent with the revealed word of God. Favor or disfavor with God depends on devotion to Him and His commandments, not on the color of a person’s skin or other attributes. The Church calls on all people to abandon attitudes and actions of prejudice toward any group or individual.” When we are prejudiced against a person, we have a mental block that prevents us from helping that child of God feel like they belong. Prejudice gives way to unjustified judgment, which in turn can lead to members of the church feeling out of place in the one setting where they should feel completely at ease.

Everyone in this room, including myself, judges people. We judge people for how they dress when they attend church, how many children they have, how short or long their hair is, or how eloquently they speak, among other things. We may keep our judgment to ourselves, speak it behind someone’s back, or even tell it to their face. Elder Christofferson remarked on this, saying, quote “We may unwittingly impose expectations on others – or even ourselves – that are not the Lord’s expectations. We may communicate in subtle ways that the worth of a soul is based on certain achievements or callings”. In what subtle – or not so subtle- ways do you convey your judgments? When someone who does something you disapprove of walks into a room do you turn your body away from them and avoid including them?

As often as we may cast judgment upon others, it is not our place to do so. Judging our brothers and sisters both within these walls and outside them only splits the kingdom of God. We all sin and we all sin differently. There is a saying: Don’t judge others because they choose to sin differently than you do. Who are we to judge the sins of others? Just because we have opinions on proper etiquette, behavior, and beliefs it doesn’t mean that it is our place to enforce them. They remain opinions only. We will not always know all the details about a situation. We don’t know the circumstances surrounding why a couple has no children. We don’t know if the brother who doesn’t make eye contact has autism or another disorder that makes eye contact difficult. We don’t know what may have happened behind closed doors before a divorce. We don’t know if the sister who uses her phone during class needs to use it to be able to focus. Judging our neighbors can, and frequently does, drive our beloved brothers and sisters away from the church, whereas loving our neighbors as Jesus loves us will help them to know that they belong here with us.

Elder Christofferson also stated, quote, “It is a sad irony when someone, feeling he or she doesn’t meet the ideal in all aspects of life, concludes that he or she doesn’t belong in the very organization designed by God to help us progress toward the ideal”. Perfection does not happen in this life, and yet in church culture we often make it seem as if perfection is a prerequisite for salvation.Such an unreasonable expectation creates an unnecessary divide in the church. We do not have to do certain things to belong in this church. Every single person on this earth belongs in Heavenly Father’s kingdom, no matter their past sins, current situations, and future mistakes.

There are things that people believe are “required” to be a worthy disciple. Regarding the passing of the sacrament, some hold the belief that every young man must be clean shaven, devoid of jewlery, have short hair, and wear a white shirt and tie. The Lord, however has made it a simple act of reverence and service, with the only requirement being that, “Those who administer the sacrament should be well groomed and clean. They should not wear clothing or jewelry that might detract from the worship and covenant making that are the purpose of the sacrament.” This is an example of a church culture misconception and is only one of many others which are geared towards being perfect in this life. Every worthy and able young man has been asked to prepare for and serve a mission. However, serving a mission is not a requirement to hold the priesthood and to serve the Lord throughout their lives. We have been given free agency, and it is not our place to judge when an individual chooses not to serve a mission or when a missionary returns home early. Some members cannot fathom saying no to a calling even if they know that their personal circumstances would clearly be incompatible with the calling at that time. How are our sisters and brothers within the church supposed to know that they belong when we make them feel like they have to be this picture-perfect human being?

If we want to gather Israel, we cannot only minister to those whom we feel comfortable with. Our baptismal covenants did not say to “Bear our friends’ burdens and only our friends' burdens; mourn with only those whom we feel comfortable with; comfort only those whom we like.” They said to, “bear other’s burdens, that they may be light, mourn with those that mourn; and comfort those in need of comfort.” The language in our baptismal covenants does not exclude any of God’s children, so why do we?

When you see someone who doesn’t seem to be included, make a point to talk to them. If a brother or sister stops attending church, reach out to them. Show those around you that they belong, even if it means that you have to step out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to be a voice for others when there’s an untoward joke or when someone is being talked about behind their back. Love those in need of love, even those nobody spares a glance for. Be like our Savior in all that you do, and you will show those around you how much they belong.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

[T]he Jericho road is a dangerous road. I remember when Mrs. King and I were first in Jerusalem. We rented a car and drove from Jerusalem down to Jericho. And as soon as we got on that road, I said to my wife, "I can see why Jesus used this as the setting for his parable." It's a winding, meandering road. It's really conducive for ambushing. You start out in Jerusalem, which is about 1200 miles—or rather 1200 feet above sea level. And by the time you get down to Jericho, fifteen or twenty minutes later, you're about 2200 feet below sea level. That's a dangerous road. In the days of Jesus it came to be known as the "Bloody Pass." And you know, it's possible that the priest and the Levite looked over that man on the ground and wondered if the robbers were still around. Or it's possible that they felt that the man on the ground was merely faking. And he was acting like he had been robbed and hurt, in order to seize them over there, lure them there for quick and easy seizure. And so the first question that the priest asked—the first question that the Levite asked was, "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But then the Good Samaritan came by. And he reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" That's the question before you tonight. Not, "If I stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to my job. Not, "If I stop to help the sanitation workers what will happen to all of the hours that I usually spend in my office every day and every week as a pastor?" The question is not, "If I stop to help this man in need, what will happen to me?" The question is, "If I do not stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to them?" That's the question. Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation. And I want to thank God, once more, for allowing me to be here with you.

—Martin Luther King Jr, "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech delivered at the Mason Temple (Church of God in Christ Headquarters), Memphis, Tennessee, Apr 3, 1968

[Robert Scott Horton]

[ingek73]

Meghan: I’m airing my struggle with suicidal thoughts to help others

Duke and Duchess of Sussex appear on US television to publicise project to tackle child safety online

Caroline Davies

Sun 4 Aug 2024 18.41 CEST

The Duchess of Sussex has spoken about her struggles with mental health and suicidal thoughts as she and her husband launched an initiative to tackle child safety online.

Meghan, who revealed in an interview with Oprah Winfrey three years ago that she thought of taking her own life while a working royal, said she hoped by speaking out she could help others.

“When you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey – certainly part of mine – is being able to be really open about it,” she said on Sunday in a joint interview with Prince Harry on the US network CBS.

“And you know, I haven’t really scraped the surface on my experience. But I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way. And I would never want someone else to be making those sort of plans. And I would never want someone else to not be believed.

“So, if me voicing what I have overcome will save someone, or encourage someone in their life to really genuinely check in on them and not assume that the appearance is good, so everything’s OK, then that’s worth it. I’ll take a hit for that.”

The duchess, 43, was speaking as the couple, parents to Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, launched the Parents’ Network, in association with their Archewell Foundation, to provide an online community and resources to help combat social media harm. The No Child Lost to Social Media campaign was set up after a two-year pilot programme with families whose children had felt the harmful effects of social media.

Prince Harry said the grief these families had suffered could happen to anyone. “We always talk about in the olden days if your kids were under your roof, you knew what they were up to. At least they were safe, right? And now, they could be in the next-door room on a tablet or on a phone and can be going down these rabbit holes. And before you know it, within 24 hours, they could be taking their life.”

In the couple’s 2021 interview with Winfrey, Meghan told the chatshow host: “Look, I was really ashamed to say it at the time, and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry especially, because I know how much loss he suffered. But I knew that if I didn’t say it, that I would do it … and I just didn’t want to be alive any more. That was a clear, real, frightening and constant thought.”

Speaking of the Parents’ Network, she told CBS on Sunday: “I think you have to start somewhere, to look at it through the lens of, ‘What if it was my daughter? What if it was my son? My son, or my daughter who comes home, who are joyful, who I love, and one day, right under my roof, our entire lives change because of something that was completely out of our control?’” She said that, for a parent, the only way to look at the problem was to try to find a solution.

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org

interview:

[cowgirl60]

Morning Mantra: “Some miracles are just good people with kind hearts.”

With all the devastation from the hurricanes and wild fires recently I am reminded that a person’s most useful asset is not a head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen, and a hand willing to help.

As tragic as the situation is, it is heart-warming to see accounts of those that are helping. From the helpers creating donation drives, to those delivering the goods, to those sorting them and distributing them. To mule trains and rescues- both human and animal, and to those tasked with recovery. To the businesses offering free meals, and places to stay. To people offering up their campers as housing, and to farmers from other states driving truckloads of hay and feed for the livestock.

Let's not forget the professional helpers such as linemen, the first responders, the nurses and doctors, therapists, and the government employees from the National Guard , the SBA and FEMA. As well as the organizations such as the Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, World Kitchen, BStrong, and so many more. They may be trained on how these disasters work, but no human soul is prepared for what they are encountering day in and day out.

Don't feel like you are not a helper if all you can offer right now is a prayer. Every positive thought creates more positive energy which lifts the collective vibration. So pray, meditate and lift them all up.

Be the reason someone believes in miracles. Be the reason someone keeps going. Be the kindness. Be the love.

#BeAGoodHuman #BeHappy #BeHippie #MorningMantra #WordsToInspire #InspirationalQuotes #SmallBusinessOwner #WomenOwned #HorseHippie #HorsehippieBoutique

[murderousink23]

03/13/2023 is Commonwealth Day 🌏, National Coconut Torte Day 🇺🇲, National Earmuff Day 🇺🇲, National Good Samaritan Day 🇺🇲, National Jewel Day 💎🇺🇲, National K9 Veterans Day 🐕🇺🇲, National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day ☂️🇺🇲, National Smart & Sexy Day 🇺🇲, National Napping Day 💤🇺🇲

[beardedmrbean]

New York City Mayor Eric Adams pleaded with state leaders in Albany for help involuntarily relocating the mentally ill homeless from the city's streets and into care, characterizing a Monday stabbing spree as the latest casualty of New York's inaction.

"Everybody said I was inhumane, that we just want to institutionalize people," Adams said during a press briefing Tuesday. "Well, this is the result. This is the result of not taking actions and ignoring people who need help."

Adams said city officials will analyze how shortcomings in the criminal justice and mental health systems failed accused killer Ramon Rivera, who had been arrested eight times previously before allegedly killing three people on Monday.

"We have three New Yorkers who were murdered in our city by a person who was betrayed by the health care system," he said. 

Rivera, 51, was caught when a good Samaritan cab driver alerted authorities, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny said. 

He fatally stabbed a 36-year-old man standing outside a construction site on the city's West Side, then killed a second man who was fishing by stabbing him multiple times through his body, police said. Rivera allegedly attacked a woman a block away from the United Nations before he was taken into custody. That woman later died.

Surveillance footage captured by a business on West 19th Street and obtained by the New York Post allegedly shows Rivera putting on gloves and preparing a knife before the string of attacks. Law enforcement sources told the New York Post that Rivera chose his victims because they were "alone" and "distracted."

Rivera spent most of this year behind bars and finished his most recent prison sentence for a spate of burglary and assault convictions on Oct. 17, the New York Post reported.

Rivera has a documented history of mental health concerns, and public records indicate he has had arrests or has been known to law enforcement in three other states, NBC News reported.

AOC'S 'RED LIGHT' DISTRICT OVERRUN WITH PROSTITUTES AS LOCALS CALL OUT MIA 'SQUAD' MEMBER

Adams outlined steps the city has taken to take the mentally ill off the streets and subway systems, including efforts to shift toward small mental health "clubhouses" – day centers that connect them with community, art therapy and sometimes jobs.

However, Adams said that he needs help from the state's capitol. The Supportive Interventions Act, his bill to expand the city's authority to force the unwell off the streets and into psychiatric care, has not made it into law. 

"We’ve been back and forth to Albany to say let’s codify in law and give real clarity around the authority we have of dealing with people with severe mental health illness," he said in his Tuesday briefing. 

Rivera was arraigned on three counts of first-degree serial murder in a Manhattan courtroom hours after Adams' briefing. 

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Good Samaritan

25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 26 He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" 27 And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." 28 And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live." 29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 30 Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, 34 and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" 37 He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." — Luke 10:25-37 | Revised Standard Version (RSV) Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. All rights reserved. Cross References: Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Deuteronomy 6:24; Leviticus 18:15; Leviticus 19:18; Isaiah 58:7; Matthew 10:5; Matthew 18:28; Matthew 19:16; Matthew 24:34; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:52; Luke 10:38; Luke 16:15; Luke 18:31; Luke 19:28

[srbachchan]

DAY 5412

Jalsa, Mumbai                Dec 9/10/11,  2022               Fri/Sat/Sun  8:27 AM

and the delays of posting the Blog continues .. but as the season of KBC comes to an end the work schedules and the timings go awry .. I am desperately trying to manage the work, the morning early calls , the right amount of rest and sleep, the FiFA World Cup timings and the football .. and it does get a little .. well disturbingly delayed ..

i am here just now after a very late sleep after the work that ended at midnight .. after a most encouraging and educational and informational 2 episodes at the counters of KBC and then the FIFA game of France v England .. which took me to 3 am .. and now am off to my morning schedule, even though it is a Sunday and a forced off day ..

I shall return soon with more text and pictures ..

till then 

Amitabh Bachchan

Sun 4:42 Pm ..

Back as promised .. 

Though it is a Sunday and a relative off day, the scheduled works have not stopped and so like a Good Samaritan , have complied with all the presence needed and have returned back to the Ef with love and sincere apologies for all the delays and the effects it causes among the Ef ..

Incidentally had to make a quick appearance at an event for a Brand I endorse and the limited audience was referred to as the Ef of the brand ..

yes  brand Ef catches on .. 

so the past few days have been involving and time consuming, but the meets with the audience at the end of the show on KBC , has been most rewarding .. to listen to them their life demands pleasures at being in the company of the show have all been so enlightening .. their simplicity, affection and humility has all been so warm .. 

the people of this nation are indeed a most talented  ,generation after generation and they keep proving it every now and then ..

may they prosper and bring greater glory to wherever they are ..

jogging on to the AP 1 .. and boom the opening of the show .. the audience in their most excited applause .. and such an honour for me ..

.. the camera department found a glare, a shine in the hoodie which was not applicable for the broadcast and so had to do a quick change ..

change is good .. if for the better .. 🤣🤣🤣

Love and more to the Ef

Amitabh Bachchan

[marysittingathisfeet]

Keeping Your Lamps Lit

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

“Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." Matthew 25: 1- 13

We know from scripture that - "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. So the word is the lamp and what is the oil"- Psalm 119:105

And how do we keep our oil lamps lit? First of all what does the oil represent? In the Bible oil has many uses.

1.It was used to heal- Story of the Good Samaritan- Luke 10: 33, 34- But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 

2. Used to anoint Kings and priests- Example is King David- "He was a handsome, healthy young man, and his eyes sparkled. The Lord said to Samuel, "This is the one - anoint him!" Samuel took the olive oil and anointed David in front of his brothers. Immediately the spirit of the Lord took control of David and was with him from that day on. 1 Samuel 16: 12, 13.

3. Used to anoint sacred object- "Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law, the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. You shall consecrate them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy." Exodus 30: 26-29

It is important to note that the anointing oil was not just any oil. It was a special combination of olive oil, spices, flowers, and herbs. - "Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus, 24 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil." Exodus 30: 22-25

This special anointing oil was meant for the priests alone. " “Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests. Say to the Israelites, ‘This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come. Do not pour it on anyone else’s body and do not make any other oil using the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred. Whoever makes perfume like it and puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from their people.’”- Exodus 30: 30- 33

As Christians you are anointed by the Holy Spirit as priests.- 1 John 2:20 "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth."

"But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession....Come to him…let yourselves be built…to be a holy priesthood.” 1 Peter 2:9 and 2:10. Hebrews 7:17 “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 8:3 “Now every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices.”

4. Burning of incense - Burning of the incense was an act of worship. "Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before the Lord for the generations to come. " - Exodus 30:7,8

Incense has traditionally been thought of as prayers before God.

"Let my prayer be accepted as sweet-smelling incense in your presence. Let the lifting up of my hands in prayer be accepted as an evening sacrifice".  Psalm 141:2

So how do we keep the anointing (our oil lamps filled) God has bestowed on us?

First we need the the healing the oil offered. Psalm 147:3 reminds us that "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 107:20- "He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction".

Secondly we need to burn incense. Don't neglect your prayer life.- our prayers are presented as incense before the Lord.  "May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice" Psalm 141:2

Thirdly we have to strive to keep the anointing. In the parable we know that Jesus is the groom and the virgins are the church. The five foolish virgins slept knowing that their oil lamps were not full. Perhaps they believed they had more time to get ready. They missed the warning signs that the bridegroom was near. 1 Thessalonians reminds us that God's day of judgement is coming. Unlike people who still are asleep in the dark, as God's children we are .."children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and be sober...putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." 1 Thessalonians 5: 6-8.

In the bible the word sober does not just mean not drunk. It has multiple meanings such as being alert to God's Spirit and direction. Being self- controlled. Not giving into our flesh such as bouts of anger. We should have sound judgement. In other words, our actions should reflect that we are God's children.

The wise virgins were diligent in keeping their oil lamps filled. They prayed, sought out God's word, and worked daily to please God. Although we are not saved by our good works the bible teaches that "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also". James 2:26. Our actions testify of our faith. So the 5 wise virgins daily were diligent in ensuring that their oil lamps were full even though they had no idea when the bridegroom would come. Perhaps the foolish virgins got weary of the wait . After all day after day the bridegroom did not appear, so the foolish virgins began to slack. After all if the bridegroom did not appear today, the week before, the month before, and the year before chances are he is not coming tonight. In their weariness, they gave up filling their lamps.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

It sounds overwhelming doesn't it. Trying to make sure we spend time in God's word, pray, hear from God, be obedient to God, and do His works. How can this be done. Well don't do it in the flesh. This is why God's Holy Spirit resides in us.

"The Holy Spirit helps believers in their weaknesses and intercedes for them. " Romans 8:26-27. It is the Holy Spirit who will help us keep our lamps full. The Christian life should be joyful and peaceful, not filled with weariness and works.

"When believers have the Holy Spirit, they feel joy, love, and peace." Galatians 5: 22-23. To keep our oil lamps full all we need to do is  But "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33. If we keep our focus on God we will naturally keep our lamps full. It's hard but easy at the same time.

[traumacatholic]

UK Support Services Numbers and Websites

NHS 24 Phone number: 111 (Open 24/7 every day of the year) Website for Scotland: https://www.nhs24.scot/ Website for England: https://www.england.nhs.uk/urgent-emergency-care/nhs-111/ Website for Wales: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/

The service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year and is intended for 'urgent but not life-threatening' health issues although 111 operators in England are able to dispatch ambulances when appropriate using the NHS Pathways triage system. If needed, NHS 111 can book patients in to be seen at their local A&E / emergency department or an urgent treatment centre, emergency dental services, pharmacy or another more appropriate local service.

SAMARITANS Phone number: 116 123 (Open 24/7, every day of the year) https://www.samaritans.org/

Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, often through its telephone helpline. Its name derives from the biblical Parable of the Good Samaritan although the organisation itself is not religious.

BREATHING SPACE [SCOTLAND ONLY] Phone number: 0800 83 85 87 (24 Hours at weekends - 6pm Friday to 6AM Monday - 6pm to 2am on Weekdays (Monday - Thursday) https://breathingspace.scot/

Breathing Space is a psychological counselling service in Scotland for people feeling depressed, or with other urgent psychological problems. It has a telephone helpline, a web interface, and a British Sign Language webcam interface, all staffed by trained advisers who offer guidance and referral. The service is funded by the Scottish Government Health Directorate and NHS 24, and is operationally managed by NHS 24. It is their belief and hope that by empowering people, they will have the resources to recover. Breathing Space complements the work of other phonelines and agencies which are endeavouring to reduce suicide rates in Scotland.

AGE UK Phone number: 0800 678 1602 (Open 8am to 7pm, every day of the year) Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/

The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations.

CRUSE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Phone number: 0808 808 1677 (Monday - Thursday 9:30AM to 3pm. Closed Friday to Sunday. On Christmas and Boxing Day 10AM to 2PM. Closed on New Years Day) Websites: cruse.org.uk // hopeagain.org.uk // crusescotland.org.uk // cruseisleofman.org

Cruse Bereavement Support is the UK's largest charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a sister organisation in Scotland. Cruse offers face-to-face, group, telephone, email and website support to people after someone close to them has died and works to enhance society's care of bereaved people. Cruse has a freephone national helpline (0808 808 1677) and local services throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Cruse also has a specialist website for young people, hopeagain.org.uk. Cruse services are provided by trained volunteers and are confidential. Cruse also provides training and consultancy for organisations and for those who may come into contact with bereaved people in the course of their work

SHELTER Phone number: 0808 800 4444 (Monday to Friday, 8AM to 8PM // Weekends and bank holidays: 9AM to 5PM) Phone number for Wales: 08000 495 495 (Monday to Friday, 9AM to 4PM) Phone number for Northern Ireland: 028 9024 5640 (Monday to Friday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Closed on public holidays) Website for Scotland: https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/ Website for England: https://england.shelter.org.uk/ Website for Wales: https://sheltercymru.org.uk/ Website for Northern Ireland: https://www.housingrights.org.uk/

Shelter is a registered charity that campaigns for tenant rights in Great Britain. It gives advice, information and advocacy to people and lobbies government and local authorities for new laws and policies. It works in partnership with Shelter Cymru in Wales and the Housing Rights Service in Northern Ireland. Shelter helps people in housing need by providing advice and practical assistance, and campaigns for better investment in housing and for laws and policies to improve the lives of homeless and badly housed people.

NATIONAL DEBT HELPLINE Phone number: 0808 808 4000 (Monday to Friday 9AM to 8PM, Saturday 9:30AM to 1PM and closed on Sunday) Website: https://nationaldebtline.org/

National Debtline is a debt advice charity run by the Money Advice Trust. We are a free and confidential debt advice service for people in England, Wales and Scotland. We have helped millions of people deal with their debts. Our team of expert debt advisers care about improving your situation and will help you to take control of your debts. You can call, webchat or use our Digital Advice Tool to get free advice. If you haven’t contacted us before and want to know what the best way to deal with your debts is, see our Getting ready for advice fact sheet first. Our debt advisers come from a variety of different backgrounds. All of them are dedicated to helping you tackle your debts.

DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE (This service is for women only, please see the below resource if you are a man seeking support) Phone number: 0808 2000 247 (Available 24/7) Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

We are a team of highly-trained, female advisers. We won’t judge you or tell you what to do; we are here to listen. We will empower you to understand your options and support you to make any decisions about the future. We can support you to increase your safety. We can help you find a refuge place, or other specialist services. We can talk in confidence, in many different languages, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, for as long as you need.

MEN'S DOMESTIC ABUSE ADVICELINE (This service is for men only, please see the above resource if you are a woman seeking support) Phone number: 0808 801 0327 (Monday to Friday 10AM to 5PM) Website: https://mensadviceline.org.uk/

Men’s Advice Line is a team of friendly Advisors who will listen and believe you. Our team are available to offer you non-judgmental support, practical advice and information. Men’s Advice Line is for men who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse, and for those supporting them: concerned friends or family members, Frontline Workers assisting male victims, are all welcome to call us for information and support. We are strongly committed to offering a high-quality service. The Men’s Advice Line was accredited for the fourth time by the Helplines Partnership in June 2022.

SHOUT CONFIDENTIAL TEXT SERVICE Phone number 85258 (Available 24/7) Website: https://giveusashout.org/get-help/

Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. You can text us from wherever you are in the UK. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, our trained Shout Volunteers are here for you, day or night. They can help with a range of issues such as anxiety and stress, depression or sadness, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, panic attacks, loneliness or isolation, abuse and bullying. Texting the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained Shout Volunteer, who will text you back and forth. You only need to share what you feel comfortable with and our volunteers will work with you to take your next steps towards feeling better. We will always try to respond to messages as quickly as possible, however our responses will be longer at times of high demand. We will always respond to high risk texters as a priority. Please take a look out our online resources while you wait.

MIND INFOLINE Phone number: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday 9AM to 6PM, closed on bank holidays as well as on the 25th and 26th of December as well as the 1st of January) Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/

Calls from UK landlines are charged at local rates. Charges from mobile telephones vary. The charge for your call will depend on your mobile phone provider and the contract that you have with them. Mind does not get any money from telephone calls. You can ask us about: Mental health problems Where to get help near you Treatment options Advocacy services Welfare benefits (ask to speak to a welfare adviser) Our Infoline is an information and signposting service. We don’t provide a listening service or a crisis service, but our crisis helplines page lists many services that do. We want to reassure you, you won’t ever be without a place for support. As well as our Infoline, our email or web chat service, there are lots of other ways to get support.

YOUNG MINDS TEXT SERVICE (This service is for 11 - 25 year olds. If you fall out of this age range, please look at the other resources available). Website: https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support/speak-to-our-team

Our trained team provides help for young people aged 11-25. This Mix isn't just about young people and mental health, we also provide support for relationship issues, working life, school life, housing, depression and any other issues all year round. Call our support helpline, email us or chat one-to-one online 4pm-11pm Monday to Friday, sign up for free counselling online or text our 24/7 crisis line. If you feel like you can’t cope or are worried about how you are feeling, you can contact our crisis messenger 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by texting THEMIX to 85258. Our text messaging support service is free and for any issue. We provide in-the-moment support and problem solving when you need it most. This service is delivered in partnership with Crisis Text Line and Shout. If you’re aged 11-25 and need help but don’t know where to turn, call us for FREE on 0808 808 4994. We’ll explore your situation with you and find organisations that may be able to help you further. We're open from 4pm to 11pm Monday to Friday. Please note that this service is closed on weekends. The helpline will be closing between the 25th December and 2nd January (our email service will still be running).