Thousands and thousands of people like John and I, have traveled to Branson, Missouri to see the Sight and Sounds Theater’s production of “Queen Esther”. I know this because I’ve seen dozens of pictures and comments from you—my family and friends—on social media, and because I follow the theater's social media page. I also know that no one has had anything but good and great things to say about the experience. There’s a reason for that.
The reason, however, isn’t because of the high level of professionalism among the actors/actresses—although it could be. Nor is it the elaborate sets, lighting, and special effects that captivate you and make you feel as if you are part of the show, even though these things are true. No, the reason your ‘Esther experience’ touches you so deeply is because of one simple word. Truth. And truth has a way of digging in and taking root.
This isn’t some made up,
make-believe story. The events are true. Esther, aka, Hadassah, was indeed an
orphan raised by her loving, fatherly cousin, Mordechai. It is also true that
Esther was chosen from among countless young women to become the queen of the
Persian Empire. Furthermore, Mordechai most certainly did save the king’s life
by exposing an assassination plot against him. And last and by far, not least,
Esther’s position was not a coincidence or stroke of luck. It wasn’t even because
of her beauty and humility. Esther was chosen to save the Jews before even one
of her days came to be (Psalm 139). Her beauty, humility, and everything else woven
together in this series of events were tools God used to carry out HIS plan for
Israel.
Here’s the thing, though.
Esther isn’t the only one ever born for ‘such a time as this’. The Bible is
full of people who were born to be at just the right place at just the right
time for just the right reason. But that’s not even all there is to this story—God’s
story.
There is still much work
to be done. There must be, because the earth is still turning and we’re still
here. And because God, speaking to/through Isaiah said that he created mankind
to give Him glory and praise (Isaiah 43:6-7), and because Jesus’ last
instructions were to share the Gospel with the whole world (Matthew 28:18-20), we need to understand that this
is our time.
We are here…we have been
called to be the Esthers of our homes, our neighborhoods, our churches,
schools, workplaces, communities, social media pages, and wherever else we have
a measure of influence. This time is our time. Our time to speak out, stand up,
set an example, be a genuine and accurate reflection of Jesus, and to be graciously,
unapologetically, and lovingly bold.
I recently read this
simple, yet profound statement: “We were not saved to be silent”. Being
un-silent isn’t always a matter of speaking out loud. We can be un-silent in
word or deed. In attitude and actions. But we are here for such a time as this—troubled
and angsty as these times are—because God knows we are capable of handling it.
He knows because he created and equipped us for the job. The question is,
though, will we accept the position we have been called to?
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.