Zero to Sixty in No Time at All
They were getting ready to see which contestant(s) on Jeopardy answered the final question correctly when the news broke about the attempted assassination of (former) President Trump. Like so many others, I watched and listened intently. I was sad, relieved to see our former and possibly future president upright and coherent, and I was anxious to know more details. But one thing I wasn’t, was surprised.
Why would I be? Why would anyone be? The level of hatred and animosity among people these days is sky-high. It has penetrated itself into everything we say and do and is front-and-center everywhere we go. So, when people started making comments like, “How did this happen?” and “Is there nowhere safe anymore?”, I am tempted to respond with a question of my own: “Where have you been for the past several years?”
And if what happened wasn’t bad enough, the time it took for people on all sides of the political fence to go from, “We are glad the former president is safe,” and “This is not what this country is about,” to making accusations and finger-pointing, blaming what happened on either the ‘opposition’ or the Constitutuion’s second amendment, and insinuating that this horrendous event will be used to sway people’s opinions—a sort of guilt trip or pity party, was ZERO TO SIXTY (in 5.2).
Seriously? Are we (generally speaking) really so morally bankrupt that our concern and care for a fellow human being and leader in our nation is over in a matter of mere minutes? Come on, people! America is meant to be better than this.
I’m not saying America was perfect and without faults prior to the hubbub of the last few years. I’m not saying America was without its share of hatred, political, religious, and cultural biases and prejudices. We’ve had plenty of them. In fact, after a brief discussion with my husband, curiosity got the best of me, leading me to do a bit of research. And in doing so, I discovered that Teddy Roosevelt was shot during his campaign. Franklin Roosevelt was shot at, but the gunman missed and killed the mayor of Chicago. Two men tried to kill President Truman but were thwarted. Gerald Ford endured two assassination attempts. Ronald Regan was also shot after giving a speech.
Bobby Kennedy and George Wallace, while never elected to the office of President, were both shot while campaigning. Kennedy was assassinated and Wallace was paralyzed from the waist down for the remainder of his life.
And of course, we know that four US Presidents have been assassinated while in office: Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and Kennedy.
So, no, what happened isn’t anything ‘new’. But what it is, is more probable. Probable, as in likely and more possible because discontent, hatred, greed, pride (the bad kind), and unwillingness to agree to disagree is no longer an exception or minority in society. It is the rule and the majority. Let me say that again—these things are the rule, not the exception. And this, my friends, is not what America was meant to be about.
Our Patriots and Founding Fathers established and secured the birth and life of America based on principles. Principles of faith, moral fiber, integrity, honor, and respect for God, for themselves, and for others. These principles and truths have been tested and stretched to near-breaking a number of times over the last two hundred and forty-eight years, but it’s different this time. Why? Because of what I said a few paragraphs earlier—the condition of the hearts and minds of the people. The poor condition.
Granted, the condition of people’s hearts and minds are being influenced by a number of things, i.e., the media, economy, politics, moral decay, and on and on. But it all comes down to personal responsibility. So, the question is this: are we willing to be more responsible Americans? To be responsibly better Americans? To be kinder, more respectful, better people?
Be salt and light,
Darla
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.
