The River

“Never insult an alligator until after you have crossed the river.” (Cordell Hull)

Fatalities from alligator attacks in the U.S. are rare. The average annual fatality rate for death by alligator in the U.S. is one person dies every three years. The truth is that you are more likely to be killed by a dog, a bee or wasp sting, spider bite, rattlesnake, mountain lion, or shark. Many people are unaware that there's a difference between alligators and crocodiles and use both terms interchangeably to describe any large water-dwelling lizard with big teeth.

Caution and common sense should be exercised at all times near and around both alligators and crocodiles. What people don't realize is that, despite some similarities, the two reptiles don't look or behave the same, or belong to the same biological families. Below are some ways to tell alligators and crocodiles apart.

One of the main differences between alligators and crocodiles is the snout. The alligator's is broader and shaped like a U, whereas the crocodile’s is longer and narrower and more V-shaped. It's very possible that the alligator's snout shape is different because of diet, especially breaking open turtle shells, whereas the crocodile’s snout is more suited to hunting general prey including fish, reptiles, and mammals.

 

When their mouths are closed, the snouts of alligators and crocodiles are easy to tell apart, as the alligator will have none of its bottom teeth visible, whereas the crocodile’s lower fourth tooth can always be seen. Crocodiles often have many visible teeth sticking out over their lips, giving them a very jagged "smile," but since an alligator's upper jaw is wider than its lower, it can hide all its teeth when its mouth is closed.

Alligators live only in the southeastern U.S. and eastern China, whereas crocodiles can be found across the world in Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, North America, South America, and Central America. If you are in the U.S., then you are far more likely to encounter an alligator than a crocodile.

Although there is an American crocodile species, they only live in the southernmost tip of Florida whereas alligators can be found across Florida and Louisiana as well as in parts of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Alligators also heavily outnumber crocodiles in the U.S. There are over 3 million alligators, but fewer than 2,000 crocodiles. Southern Florida is the only place in the world where you will find crocodiles and alligators living side by side.

Crocodiles have special glands in their tongues which excrete excess salt from their bodies. This means that they are capable of spending days, or even weeks at sea. Alligators also have these glands, but they don’t work as well so they usually stick to freshwater habitats, although they can sometimes be found in brackish water (a mixture of salt and freshwater). This difference explains why crocodiles have managed to spread across the islands of the Caribbean, and alligators haven't.

An adult crocodile can grow up to roughly 19 feet long, but alligator’s maximum length is around 14 feet. Crocodile hides tend to be more of a light tan or olive color while alligators are usually a dark blackish grey. (The exact shade of an alligator skin depends upon the quality of the water it swims in. Tannic acid from overhanging trees will make them darker, and algae will make them greener).

Both can move quickly on land, but only for short distances. They can "gallop" or "sprint" but only do it when threatened, and not for long. A crocodile might reach almost 9 miles per hour (14 kilometers per hour), while an alligator might reach a maximum speed of about 11 mph (18 kph). They're both much more agile and fast in water where they can use their long, muscular tails to propel their bodies forward. When crocodiles swim, they might reach speeds of about 9 mph (15 kph) while alligators might reach a maximum of 20 mph (32 kph).

Alligators, while definitely dangerous, are relatively timid compared to crocodiles. An alligator will generally try to escape if approached by humans, usually heading for the nearest water. The only time that wild alligators will attack humans is if they are unexpectedly disturbed, provoked, or defending their young. Alligators are instinctively afraid of humans but can lose some of that fear with regular contact. Except in controlled conditions, feeding them is almost always a bad idea as they will lose some of their fear and see humans as a source of food. They can also mistake small children and pet dogs for prey.

Crocodiles, on the other hand, are much more bad-tempered and far more likely to attack humans, even unprovoked. Australian saltwater crocodiles are generally considered the most dangerous in the world, followed by Nile crocodiles. American crocodiles, on the other hand, are one of the more timid types that you will find and rarely attack humans. In the U.S., you are more likely to be attacked by an alligator than a crocodile although attacks by either are very rare.

 “I’m also fascinated by the difference between terror and fear. Fear says, ‘Do not actually put your hand in the alligator,’ while terror says, ‘Avoid Florida entirely because alligators exist.’” (Mira Grant) [i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “What’s the Difference between Alligators and Crocodiles?” by Everglades Holiday Park 

·        “The 8 Main Differences between Alligators and Crocodiles” by Paul Goodman

 

Produces

"Sight is what your eyes produce. Vision is what your heart produces. Never let what you see affect your vision." (Eyesonbrickell)

Nystagmus is an eye condition characterized by rapid and uncontrollable eye movements (also known as “dancing eyes”). These eye movements may be in any direction including horizontally, vertically, or rotationally (in a circle). Nystagmus can cause difficulty focusing on or seeing objects. Individuals suffering from the condition may hold their head in unusual positions to compensate for the condition.

Nystagmus is thought to be related to a disorder in the part of the brain that controls eye movement. Although the exact cause of nystagmus is not known, fatigue or increased levels of stress appear to worsen the condition.  Patients with nystagmus may experience problems with depth perception, which can lead to coordination problems.

Different types of nystagmus can present themselves in the eyes. This includes infantile, spasmus nutans, and acquired nystagmus.  Infantile nystagmus usually develops by 2 to 3 months of age. The eyes tend to move horizontally (in a swinging motion), and is often associated with other congenital conditions such as cataracts, absence of the iris, underdeveloped optic nerves, or albinism.

Spasmus nutans usually occurs between the ages of 6 months to 3 years. It may improve on its own between the ages of 2 and 8, and usually doesn’t require treatment. Acquired nystagmus (or jerk nystagmus) can develop in late childhood to adulthood, and the cause is often unknown. It is estimated that this type of nystagmus is caused by the central nervous system, metabolic disorders, or drug toxicity. Jerk nystagmus causes the eyes to make a very quick movement in one direction followed by a slower movement in the opposite direction. Pendular nystagmus causes the eyes to move in quick movements in either direction.

Nystagmus can be diagnosed through a routine eye exam as long as it is comprehensive, and your optometrist diagnoses how your eyes move. When testing for nystagmus, it is important to take patient history into account to determine if there are any underlying health problems, medications, or environmental factors that may contribute to the symptoms.

 The most important part of an ocular test is to see how the eyes focus, move, and work together. Without the eyes working in union, clear vision that can focus on objects will be difficult. If nystagmus is detected, your optometrist will likely refer you to a specialist for further testing as nystagmus is often a symptom of an underlying cause.

Nystagmus can be treated with various medical and surgical procedures although it cannot be cured. Contact lenses and glasses can help clear the vision and subsequently slow eye movements. It does not help treat the condition fully, but it can help lessen the symptoms significantly. It is important to take care of the eyes when utilizing vision corrective devices. Surgery can be done in rare cases to reposition the eye muscles that control and move the eyes. This keeps them steady and allows the head to be in a more comfortable position to limit eye movement.

“People with brown or green eyes are hyper, and love to laugh. They tend to be quiet at first, but once you get to know them. They never shut up, and make amazing friends. “(pinimg.com)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “All You Need to Know About Nystagmus” by Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care

·        “Nystagmus” by Healthgrades Editorial Staff

 

 This topic was suggested by friend and blog member, Juli Critser.

Your Mood

“As a Highly Sensitive Person, I can sense your mood from a mile away. Don’t try to hide it. You’re not fooling me.” (Tracy M. Kusmierz)

Do you feel things more deeply than others seem to? Do you ever need to just withdraw and be alone? If so, you might be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). This is someone who experiences sharp physical, mental, or emotional responses to stimuli. This can include external stimuli like your surroundings and the people you’re with, or internal stimuli, like your own thoughts, emotions and realizations. It’s remarked on by others with comments like, “You noticed that?” “Why does that bother you?” “It doesn’t seem that bad.” or “You’re too sensitive.”     

Being a HSP is a normal trait. Approximately 15 to 20 percent of the population has the gene that makes them HSP. HSP is a real, research-based characteristic. In psychology, anyone who tests as having a very high degree of Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), a personality trait, is considered HSP. SPS is the trait of deeply processing experiences and stimuli, and a person with high SPS has differences at the neural level.

Being a HSP comes with both advantages and disadvantages. HSP tend to be empathetic, artistically creative, intuitive, and highly aware of the needs of others so much so that many thrive in careers as therapists, counselors, artists, musicians, and writers. HSP get exhausted, and sense the emotional cues of the people around them. Loud, crowded, or visually busy spaces can overwhelm HSP (any strong sensory input can). Because of their need to spend time alone, HSP are often confused with introverts. The truth is that anyone can be highly sensitive whether introverted, extroverted, or anywhere in between.

If you are a HSP, the world desperately needs more people like you:

·        HSP help those around them process their emotions (and get their needs met). Is it possible that HSP play a vital role serving as the “emotional processor” for the rest of the group? HSPs serve as sounding boards, they build up their friends with encouragement, they react sincerely and empathetically to struggles, and they help see connections you wouldn’t have seen on your own. Your sensitivity is your greatest trait.

 

·        HSPs offer cooperative and compassionate leadership. While many HSPs dislike the competitive nature of the business world, others are actively working to change it. Sensitive leaders tend to listen more to their team, clearly express the reasons for their decisions, and pay attention to the strengths and preferences of those they work with. They are big on encouraging words and building compromise. They allow employees to vent when needed without reprimand. HSP may be in the minority, but they might be the best leaders (and bosses) you’ll ever have.

 

·        HSPs see shades of emotion that no one else sees (and use them to enrich the world). Most people might not think they can relate to HSP, but chances are good that their favorite songs, paintings, and stories were created by HSP. HSPs are endowed with the power to reach into the world of feelings and dreams, and distill them as eye-opening moments for others.

Everyone has different things that irritate them to varying degrees. If you're a HSP, you might notice that many of the following items below have always aggravated you:

·        Bright lights-It might sound silly to be annoyed by lighting, and yet light can be huge triggers for HSP. You might find that you're extra affected by strong lights, which can seem way too bright. You're tuned into your surroundings, and as a result feel easily over-stimulated.

·        Criticism-HSP feels annoyed by criticism (not because they don't want to hear someone's opinion, or that they don't find advice valuable). Their feelings get hurt easily. This might be because HSP feel much deeper than others tend to. If this happens to be you, it'll be important to establish boundaries with others and "protect your energy." Practice hearing criticism without taking it personally.

·        Crowded places-While some people thrive in busy environments, a HSP will find them to be utterly annoying and overwhelming. Think along the lines of crowded parties, loud concerts, or busy streets. They are unable to handle this for long periods of time without options to retreat. This is may explain why HSP require more downtime, or consider themselves an introvert at heart.

·        Faint background noises-Like the sound of someone chewing, most people barely notice repetitive background noises such as the sound of a ticking clock. If you're a HSP, things like this can drive you crazy. This one is torture because it just doesn’t stop. Repetitive sounds are like nails on a chalkboard. It can be highly distracting.

·        Loud chewing-If you're easily annoyed by the sound of someone chewing, swallowing audibly, or slurping a drink, it might feel like you're overreacting. And yet this is something many HSP struggle with. The slow chomp-chomp-chomp of a coworker at lunch can be hard to tune out. HSP hear every slurp and lip smack. Since HSP is sensitive to subtleties in their environment, they may more easily notice things in a room that are out of place or people chewing loudly.

·        Negative news stories-HSP might find the news to be upsetting particularly when it’s negative because HSP have a hard time disengaging. Instead of watching and separating your feelings from what's happening on screen, HSP get sucked in, feel angry, sad, or annoyed as a result. HSP are often much happier when they turn it all off, and take a break from media. If you find that you're feeling annoyed, don't be afraid to tune out for a while and give yourself a chance to rejuvenate.

·        Rude social interactions-Throughout the day, we all witness people who fail to hold open doors, say hello, or stand politely in busy lines. It's annoying for everyone, but for HSP these social interactions can be dreadful. HSP have the gift of thoughtfulness. They consider how actions impact environment. It's annoying when people behave in a way that serves them, but is inconvenient or harmful to others.

·        Sensitivity to jokes-Nobody likes to be the punch line of a joke. HSP might read into even the most lighthearted joking. And this goes for witnessing it happen to other people, too. HSP's amazing empathy causes them to consider a words' impact on others. If someone tells a joke at someone else's expense, they'll be able to imagine how hurtful that is. HSPs are more likely to be annoyed by this than think it's funny. It's important to recognize this in yourself. While you don't have to hang around people who make you uncomfortable, it can help to recognize when someone is just trying to have fun.

·        Strong smells-If you find that you're completely overwhelmed by strong scents (whether it's someone's perfume, a powerful household cleaner, or a particularly pungent room spray) you might be a HSP. HSP senses are strong: smell, touch, audio, tactile, and even emotional sensitivities. It can help to avoid these scents, perhaps by asking those around you to not overdo it. HSP might avoid use of harsh cleaners or heavy perfumes.

·        Unexpected loud noises-If you're a HSP, you may find that unexpected loud noises (like cars honking) startle you to an extreme degree. If they're happening in the background repeatedly, you might find that you can't ignore them. The sensory system of the HSP is tightly wound up. There is no preparation for that sensory onslaught, and the reaction is anger. It causes anxiety in many people with these sensitivities.

·        Unrealistic expectations-If you're a HSP, unrealistic expectations (such as a full social calendar, or a tight deadline at work) can feel completely overwhelming, frustrating, and upsetting due to the way you think and react to stimuli. HSPs prefer to approach tasks methodically and reflect more deeply before responding. Their nervous system may also be more likely to feel physiological responses to stress when overstimulated.

“Many highly sensitive people need to excuse themselves from demanding environments, often having a ‘refuge’ where they can be alone and ‘ground’ their reactions.” (Highly Sensitive Refuge)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “19 Habits of Highly Sensitive People” by Lauren Valko

·        “If You're Easily Annoyed By These 11 Things, You Might Be A Highly Sensitive Person” By Carolyn Steber

·        “What Is a Highly Sensitive Person? (A Relatable Guide)” by Highly Sensitive Refuge

 

Let It Go

“Be simple. Don’t carry the baggage of the past. Open your hands, and let it go.” (Debasish Mridha)

 

Emotional baggage is any unresolved emotional turmoil caused by trauma, abusive relationships, or any childhood negative experience. Having emotional baggage from past relationships is extremely normal. It teaches you many things from helping manage expectations, discovering what you want in relationships, and teaches you how to cope with pain and rejection.

Emotional baggage could be holding you back. It is a destructive force (both internally and externally). Emotional baggage zaps energy, undermines self-esteem, and puts a wedge between you and the people that matter most. It can be healed, but it is a process that takes time, commitment, and much personal willpower.

The healing is possible within each and every one of you, but you must learn how to accept things as they are, live in the present moment, and forgive yourself for what you cannot change. By incorporating a few basic practices into your life, you can make major changes in healing the pain of your past.

Acceptance is everything-If you truly want to be happy, you have to start practicing radical self-acceptance daily. This starts with accepting yourself for whom and what you are, but it ends with accepting the people around you as they are, and your past for what it was. If you want to heal, acceptance is everything, but it’s often one of the hardest skills for you to accomplish. Stop complaining about the things that happened in your past, and start finding solutions for the future.

If you attracted serial cheaters and abusers, look inside and find what it is that’s attracted you to those qualities and heal it. When you complain, you waste your energy. If you’re going to direct your power anywhere, direct it toward things you can change (like the future instead of wasting it on the past). Learn how to let the beauty of life back in, and understand that you are imperfect. Allow for mistakes, and the time and space you need to accept the things that caused you distress. A little distance will help you let go, but only acceptance can set you free. Give yourself that by learning how to accept what was, what is, and what comes next.

Learn how to forgive yourself-Holding on to resentment (no matter who it’s directed at) will leave you stuck in a cycle of negativity. You have to forgive yourself in order to escape the shame-loop that keeps you gridlocked in your self-destructive patterns, but you have to do it thoroughly and from the ground level. It’s okay to feel guilty, and that you’ve messed up. What separates the good from the bad is recognizing those challenges and coming back from them in a way that allows others to forgive you, while giving you the understanding you need to forgive yourself.

There’s a difference between guilt and shame, but neither serve you long-term. Learn how to forgive yourself and your past. Practicing forgiveness allows you to connect with your loving nature, and help you accept the one thing that you struggle to accept, which is your humanity. This is the one thing that makes you the flawed, fragile, and beautiful person that you are. Whether knowing or unknowing, give yourself the forgiveness you need to bloom. No one else can give it to you so stop denying yourself.

Learn how to live in the present-Bring your thoughts to the present by focusing on this moment alone. You can’t change anything in the past, but you can change things right now so why don’t you? Find a quiet space and focus on who you are right now in this exact moment. Appreciate where you’ve come from, and focus in on the strengths that you’ve got right this moment.

Remember that you are not your past, and though someone may have held you over you then, you’re the only person that can do it now. Start making choices for yourself from this moment forward. No one else can direct your future unless you allow them to. If you’re too focused on the past, it makes it impossible to see the way ahead. Be mindful of who you are, how you’re feeling, and what you need. Communicate those needs and be honest with yourself in this current moment. After all, it’s the only one you have.

Resume control of your thoughts-When you’re not living in the present moment, it’s easy for your thoughts to become bogged down with negativity. In order to overcome the challenges and traumas of your past, you have to learn how to take control of your thinking again. Learning how to master your thoughts is how you learn how to master your emotions. Whenever you feel your mind slipping back into that negative, fearful place, stop it in its tracks and turn that thinking around. Remind your brain that your present is not your past, and your loved one is not the abusive monster lurking on the edge of your nightmares. Try to replace the negative thoughts with positive ones, and focus on the present moment and what you can do to generate happiness and joy in your life.

Recognize thought-loops when they start and ask yourself probing questions about why you feel the way you do. Release your judgments about your current situation, and practice a little gratitude for the distance you’ve come today. If you can’t replace your negative thoughts for positive ones, then at least replace them with something rational. Focusing on the bad will never bring you the good, so center in on actions you can take to correct whatever is going wrong and move forward confidently.

Spend ten minutes detaching each day-If you’re someone with a list of traumas under your belt, it can often feel like you’re drowning in all the cast-off negative emotions of those who used you. One way to combat this is to spend a little time each day detaching from the hurt and pain of past experiences. Tell yourself that you are not responsible for carrying the pain of others anymore, and give yourself the freedom to break free of the toxic emotional chains of those who took you for granted.

You are little more than a summation of your experiences. You are not your experiences. There’s a difference, and it takes space to see and understand that. You can use affirmations or journaling to get started. Takes notes about how you feel now, versus how you felt then, and try to look at each situation through the eyes of an impartial third party. If someone from the outside (someone with compassion and love for you) saw the situation, what would they think?

Write a letter-Sometimes, the experiences of your past require resolution, but you don’t always get that resolution from the people that hurt you. Writing a letter can be a great way to get the resolution you need, while avoiding the stress of conflict. While you can send the letter, you can also burn it, bury it, or just throw it away. Writing a letter to the pain of your past is a great way to get your thoughts out loud and clear, while also providing yourself with the clarity you need to move forward. Get everything out of your head. Putdown every single bit of hurt you need to say to your past.

Give your pain permission to come forward and yourself authorization to let it out. Don’t hold back. Say what you need to say and stop worrying about protecting anyone but the fragile, broken soul you’ve buried deep down inside. Writing (or journaling) can be an exceptional way to get in touch with your pain rationally. It can also reveal some epic truths to you. When you write, you allow yourself to open up in a way that isn’t always possible with other people. Say what you need to say and get the closure that you need so that you can find your happiness again. You don’t owe anything to your past, but you are indebted to your future.

 “You can’t possibly embrace that new relationship, that new companion, that new career, that new friendship, or that new life you want, while you’re still holding on to the baggage of the last one. Let go… and allow yourself to embrace what is waiting for you right at your feet.” (Steve Maraboli)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “Emotional baggage: 6 signs you have it and how to let it go” by  Genefe Navilon  

·         “Understand your emotional baggage to improve the quality of your life” by E.B. Johnson

 

His Hands

“He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.” (St. Francis of Assisi)

If somebody had told you twenty years ago that restaurants would be lining up to serve their food on tables made from century old barn wood, you probably would have thought they were crazy.  Everything old is new again. The trend toward modern rustic decors in the restaurant industry means that old reclaimed wood tables are more popular than ever.

It’s ironic that newer restaurants are turning to the past for their inspiration. Given the relative scarcity of high-priced reclaimed wood, many restaurant chains are turning to distressed new wood to meet their needs.  Below are the three main types of “old” wood (so that you can know them the next time you make a décor decision):

Reclaimed wood is old wood that has outlived its intended use (as something like a barn, boat, flooring, or wine barrel), and is repurposed for some other use.  Technically reclaimed wood doesn’t have to be old, but older wood is more highly sought after.  

Wood from “old growth” trees such as those that were abundant in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries has a number of advantages over modern lumber like its unique character, resilience, being environmentally friendly, and its history. It is denser than new wood and less prone to warping.

Distressed wood is new wood that has been artificially distressed and/or weathered to make it appear old.  Distressing techniques often include putting nail holes in the boards, creating circular saw marks to replicate vintage logging techniques, or adding a patina to the wood so that it looks like it has aged over decades of use.

Distressed wood is a more economical option. You can get distressed wood with various degrees of roughness and glaze depending on your style. When the wood is distressed by hand, you get a variance on each board giving your floors a more organic and natural look.

 If the wood is machine-scraped, each board is a carbon copy of the next and won’t give you that same aged wood charm as hand-scraped distressed wood. The advantages include consistency, price, and the variety of colors it can be stained to fit.

Salvaged wood is new wood that has been collecting dust in the back of warehouses and buildings. Often the wood is uncut, just waiting for a purpose. Salvaged wood has not been previously cut into lumber or used for construction. The wood is typically found in its natural state. It could be from trees that are dead, have fallen, or need to be removed for some reason.  Trees are often removed to build a highway or new housing. Salvaged wood will look newer than reclaimed wood because it has never been used before.

Salvaged wood is a great way to get new floors (without sourcing new materials) giving it the same environmental benefits as reclaimed wood. Salvaged wood has a lot of character. The color is often much deeper.  It may have intricate grain patterns, knots and worm tracks.  Centuries of aging causes a wide range of beautiful qualities that just cannot be found in younger tree growth. Centuries of aging causes a wide range of beautiful qualities that just cannot be found in younger tree growth.

 “Woodworking is one third planning, one third execution, and one third figuring out how to change your plan to cover up that mistake that you just made during the execution.”  (theartofwood.tumblr.com) [i]

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[i] Sources used:

·                “Reclaimed vs. Salvaged Wood” by Barbara Goldstein

·        “Spot the Difference: Salvaged, Reclaimed or Distressed Hardwood” By T&G Flooring

·        “What is the Difference between Reclaimed and Distressed Wood Tables?” by Administrator

 

Change

“Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person.” (Anonymous)

²⁵ Just then a religious scholar stood before Jesus in order to test his doctrines. He posed this question: “Teacher, what requirement must I fulfill if I want to live forever in heaven?”

²⁶ Jesus replied, “What does Moses teach us? What do you read in the Law?”
²⁷ The religious scholar answered, “It states, ‘You must love the Lord God with all your heart, all your passion, all your energy, and your every thought. And you must love your neighbor as well as you love yourself.’”
²⁸ Jesus said, “That is correct. Now go and do exactly that and you will live.”
²⁹ Wanting to justify himself, he questioned Jesus further, saying, “What do you mean by ‘my neighbor’?”
³⁰ Jesus replied, “Listen and I will tell you. There was once a Jewish man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when bandits robbed him along the way. They beat him severely, stripped him naked, and left him half dead.
³¹ “Soon, a Jewish priest walking down the same road came upon the wounded man. Seeing him from a distance, the priest crossed to the other side of the road and walked right past him, not turning to help him one bit.
³² “Later, a religious man, a Levite, came walking down the same road and likewise crossed to the other side to pass by the wounded man without stopping to help him.
³³ “Finally, another man, a Samaritan, came upon the bleeding man and was moved with tender compassion for him. ³⁴ He stooped down and gave him first aid, pouring olive oil on his wounds, disinfecting them with wine, and bandaging them to stop the bleeding. Lifting him up, he placed him on his own donkey and brought him to an inn. Then he took him from his donkey and carried him to a room for the night. ³⁵ The next morning he took his own money from his wallet and gave it to the innkeeper with these words: ‘Take care of him until I come back from my journey. If it costs more than this, I will repay you when I return.’ ³⁶ So, now, tell me, which one of the three men who saw the wounded man proved to be the true neighbor?”
³⁷ The religious scholar responded, “The one who demonstrated kindness and mercy.”

Jesus said, “You must go and do the same as he.” (Luke 10:25-37, TPT)

In the time of Jesus, the road from Jerusalem to Jericho was notorious for its danger and difficulty, and was known as the "Way of Blood" because "of the blood which is often shed there by robbers." Martin Luther King, Jr. in his "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech described the road as follows:

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.  (“Parable of the Good Samaritan” from Wikipedia)

 Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming soon. (Philippians 4:5, TLB)

Christians need to be a positive force of change in the world by not allowing their passion to overthrow their compassion.

The gentle action requires…

Compassion (See Luke 10:30-33 above)

He helps us every time we have trouble. Then we are able to be strong and help other people every time they have trouble. We can do this with the same comfort that God gives us. (2 Corinthians 1:3, WE)

This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: “Do what is right and true. Be kind and merciful to each other.” (Zechariah 7:9, NCV)

Sacrifice (See Luke 10:34-35 above)

 My children, we must not only talk about loving people; we must show we love people by what we do for them. We must really love them. (1 John 3:18, WE)

 But do not forget to do good things for people, and to give what you have to those who need it. These are sacrifices that please God. (Hebrews 13:16, WE)

Unconditional love (See Luke 10:36-37 above)

This is my command: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:12, NCV)

Think of the kindness you wish others would show you; do the same for them. Listen, what’s the big deal if you love people who already love you? Even scoundrels do that much.  If you want to be extraordinary—love your enemies. Do good without restraint. Lend with abandon. Don’t expect anything in return. Then you’ll receive the truly great reward—you will be children of the Most High—for God is kind to the ungrateful and those who are wicked. (Luke 6:31-32, 35, VOICE)

People to know Jesus (See Luke 10:37 above)

 Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord, and if anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way. (1 Peter 3:15, TLB)

 Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect. (Romans 12:2, ERV)

Doing good for others can change your outlook on life by making you feel good about yourself, and causing you not to feel isolated. Instead, it will provide you with a compassionate connection to another human being.

 “The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But... the Good Samaritan reversed the question: 'If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?' “(Martin Luther King, Jr) [i]

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[i] Inspired by the sermon “Gentle Actions: The Gentle Way,” (installment two) Sunday July 19, 2020, Pastor Josh Boyer. All CenterPoint churches are closed due to COVID-19, and are meeting online at 10am at the CenterPoint Church Main Page on Facebook.)