The Cinderella Man

 

The Cinderella Man

In the movie, The Cinderella Man, Russell Crowe portrays James Braddock; a boxer who became famous during the darkest days of the depression-and who was an inspiration to those suffering through the worst of times in our great nation. 

Prior to the onset of the Great Depression, Braddock got a small glimpse of fame and fortune in the boxing ring, but quickly lost it when he broke his hand and could no longer fight. After that, it wasn’t long before he and his young wife and family were soon living in severe poverty like so many others in their day. 

But when their plight threatens to make it necessary to send their children to live with family members elsewhere, Braddock realizes the only way to fix the situation is to accept the help available from a ‘higher power’. Desperate to keep his family together, Jim Braddock swallows his pride and stands in line to receive funds that were part of FDR’s New Deal Plan, aka welfare. 

Through a series of events that take place over the next few weeks and months, he reconnects with his former manager and begins to train for the fight of his life. On June 13th, , 1935 in Madison Square Gardens, he defeated Max Baer in one of the most famous boxing matches in the world. His monetary worries are over. 

 What a great story, right!? But that’s not all there is. There’s more to the story….

Jim Braddock didn’t just walk into the ring that June night on a whim to win that fight. No, he literally had to fight his way to the title of world heavyweight champion—one fight at a time. And after each of those fights, he did something no one saw; he put a portion of the money he won aside. For what? Glad you asked. Jim Braddock set aside a portion of the money in order to pay back every single dime he had received in assistance from the New Deal Plan! 

The day he walked in to pay it all back (which, by the way, was before he won the ‘big one’) the clerk was nothing less than dazed and amazed. She wasted no time in telling others what he’d done, and it wasn’t long before reporters were questioning him regarding his actions. His answer to why he’d paid the money back: he said he had never looked at the money as anything but a loan and that he felt he owed it to the great nation we live in to take the repayment of that loan seriously. Braddock was deeply thankful for the money that had allowed him to keep his family and home intact when there was simply no other way. He was deeply grateful to live in a country that cared so much about its people. He merely wanted to express his gratitude for what had been done for him by repaying it out of his good fortune. 

WOW! What an analogy!  Each and every one of us is in a much greater state of poverty than Jim Braddock (or anyone else) was during the Great Depression. Or for that matter, every day since…the poverty of sin. But we have something even better than Roosevelt’s ‘New Deal’. We have the ‘Real Deal’. His name is Jesus. 

Jesus died and was resurrected for you, for me, and for every other human being he breathed into existence. He cares enough about us-his people-to love us unconditionally and to bless us according to our stewardship of that love. But most of all, he gives us life in him, and the hope of Heaven. 

The question we need to ask ourselves, however, is this….

Are we as grateful as Jim Braddock? Will we give back to him everything we possibly can out of gratitude, love, and thanksgiving for what he’s done for us?

Colossians 4:6,

Darla, aka, Momma D

Who am I?

 

I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.

I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.

​

What do I write? 

 

Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.

​

Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.

​

Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.

 

What do I say and who do I say it to?

 

*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.

​

*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!

​

*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.

​

*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!

​

*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.

​

*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.

​

*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more. Or if you want to make every day extra-special, check out my newest book, "Every Day is Today...." -a book full of special days and ideas on how to celebrate them. 

Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).

​

Where can you find me?

 

My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore. 

Have You Met Mrs. Lot?

Mrs. Lot is a woman remembered for one thing and one thing only. And no, it isn’t for being a pillar of the community. She is remembered for being the object of God’s harsh and highly unusual punishment for what many would consider a somewhat minor infraction. 

Admit it. You have wondered why it was such a big deal for her to take one last look at the place she’d called home for so long? Why shouldn’t she take a quick look at the chaos, noise, and fire–if for no other reason than to make sure she wasn’t imagining things? Was it as bad as it sounded? And what about her friends? Would anyone else survive this catastrophic event? So, yah, was looking back really all that bad? 

Answer: Yes, according to God, it was. And God has the final say in everything. 

But wait! Looking back was clearly a case of human nature kicking in, right? The very same human nature God created within us! Yes, it was. BUT.

But the punishment God imposed upon Mrs. Lot wasn’t just about looking back. It was about her disobedience. God said ‘don't’ and she did it anyway. Like her husband, she wasn’t completely ready, willing, or able to let go of her old (and sin infested) life for a new and better one. Was she grateful to escape? Yes. But….

You may not want to hear this, but we are more like Mrs. Lot than we want to admit. We are grateful for God’s gift of salvation. We are grateful to Jesus for taking the punishment for our sins. We are okay with keeping most of God’s commandments and being a kind and decent person. We are usually even willing to do ‘our part’ in attending worship services, serving others, and giving to those in need. But when it comes to ____________ (you fill in the blank), we keep looking back (figuratively speaking). We don’t want to let go of ____________. We don’t want to stop doing ____________. We don’t trust God to meet our needs, so we give from what is left (if any at all) instead of giving to God first. We want God’s blessings and protection, yet we continue to put ourselves in harm’s way of sin and Satan’s schemes. How? By watching television shows or movies all the while believing that the seeds of apathy and tolerance won’t be planted. Or maybe we hang out with or have social media relationships with people who can become more important to us than they should be. And I think we all have to admit that there are times when we don’t speak out or stand up for what we know is right because we don’t want to rock the boat, be made fun of, or whatever else Satan convinces us might happen. 

Sans the social media, Mrs. Lot’s life wasn’t really all that different from ours, was it. She was surrounded by sin. Hate, racism, sexual perversion…you name it, Sodom and Gomorrah had it. See? We do have more in common with this lady than you thought, don’t we? And that’s why we need to learn all you can from her. 

We need to learn that God requires our all…or else in his eyes, it’s the same as nothing at all. Like the song says, “...if he’s not LORD of everything, then he’s not LORD at all.” Nothing less will do. And it shouldn’t. The world and everything (and everyone) in it belong to him. He created it. He keeps it living or held in place. So, yes, let Mrs. Lot be your reminder that complete obedience and being completely untethered to anything this world has to offer is what God wants and expects. But equally true and important is that living life on God’s terms gives us the courage, strength, and blessing of being the salt OF the earth, not just salt.

Be salt and light,

Darla, aka, Momma D

Who am I? 

I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself. I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.

​

What do I write? 

 

Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.

​

Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.

​

Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.

 

What do I say and who do I say it to?

 

*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.

​

*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!

​

*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.

​

*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!

​

*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.

​

*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.

​

*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more.

Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).

​

Where can you find me?

 

My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore or order on my Square Store

 

Knowing the Difference Doesn't Make it Hurt Any Less

Have you ever taken a bite of pizza right out of the oven? You know it’s too hot and that the cheese just might burn the ‘roof’ of your mouth, but you do it anyway. Or maybe you’ve spent the day riding rides at the amusement park with your grandkids. You know you’re going to pay for it the next day in aches and pains in places you didn’t even know you had. But you do it anyway because you aren’t about to pass up the opportunity to make all those memories! 

I guess you could say that those are examples of what it means when we say, “No pain…no gain.”. But what about those times…those circumstances which are beyond our control, or those when we experience pain but there is no gain? 

I’ve been around a while. I am fully aware of the difference between responses and reactions. I am equally aware that it’s up to each individual to choose between the two. No one can make that choice for us, nor can we justifiably blame someone for which one we choose to embrace. Nor can anyone force us to choose one over the other. But regardless of which way we go, when someone we love breaks our heart, it hurts. 

That’s right. It hurts when someone you’ve invested so much of yourself in severs the relationship. It hurts when you know you’ve done everything you can to make things right, but they are still turned every which way but right. It hurts when you do what you know in your heart needs to be done when you are handling situations the way God would have you to–but it drives the wedge deeper. So what do you do when that happens? What do you do when you respond because it’s the right thing to do, but everything inside you wants to react? 

Let me begin my answer by telling you what NOT to do. Don’t rely on your emotions to develop a gameplan. Don’t forget the road runs both directions, because you are no more to blame for someone else’s choices than they are for yours. And last but not least, don’t feel guilty or weak for hurting. 

Let me repeat that last one. Even if everything you do is a response, don’t feel guilty for hurting, because knowing (and doing) the right thing doesn’t make it hurt any less. 

So, back to that original question of what to do? Grab hold of the truth and don’t let go, that’s what!

Don’t let go of the truth that it hurts. Don’t let go of the truth that people–oftentimes the people you love the most–are going to hurt you (and you, them). Don’t let go of the truth that heartaches and hurts don’t go away overnight or just because you want them to. Don’t let go of the truth that your hurts can heal if you pretend they aren’t there. Don’t let go of the truth that you are not to blame for someone else’s actions, choices, and words (just like they aren’t responsible for yours). Don’t let go of the truth that it’s more than okay to let someone know they’ve hurt you. Just be sure to do it in a way you would want someone to let you know that you’ve hurt them. Don’t let go of the truth that response is always better and wiser than reacting–no exceptions. Don’t let go of the truth that there will be times when healing requires moving forward without the other person/people. 

And most importantly, don’t let go of the truth that you cannot do any of these things on your own. Not completely, anyway. The human heart and psyche isn’t capable of that. That’s why total and complete healing happens only when you…when I…when we give our hurts and everything attached to them to God. 

God created us. Every tiny piece of us. So it’s only natural and reasonable that he knows best. That he knows how we ‘work’ and how to put us back together again. And that he cares about us bigger, deeper, and stronger than we care about ourselves. 

Knowing something is gonna hurt doesn’t make it hurt any less. Knowing God doesn’t even make it hurt any less. BUT knowing God does make it possible for the hurt to be healed and for us to learn, grow, and become more like Jesus–the one suffered the ultimate pain so we wouldn’t have to. 

I know these things are true. I know because I’ve lived it. I’m living it now. But don’t just take my word for it. Believe it because of what the Bible, which is God’s Word, says. 

• The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.~Psalm 34:18 

• He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. ~Psalm 147:3

• Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~Isaiah 41:`10

• Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” ~Matthew 11:28-30

• And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. ~Romans 8:28

• My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. ~Psalm 73:26

• And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:7 

Colossians 4:6, 

Darla, aka, Momma D 

Who am I?

 

I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.

I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.

​

What do I write? 

 

Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.

​

Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.

​

Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.

 

What do I say and who do I say it to?

 

*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.

​

*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!

​

*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.

​

*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!

​

*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.

​

*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.

​

*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more. Or if you want to make every day extra-special, check out my newest book, "Every Day is Today...." -a book full of special days and ideas on how to celebrate them. 

Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).

​

Where can you find me?

 

My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.