Tupperware Parties and Jesus
No, Jesus isn’t having a Tupperware™ party, but I’m here to say he’s been to a few of them. I know because I was there, too.
Back in the 60s, when it became the most popular social event for women, my mom and granny were right there in the thick of hosting and attending these gatherings. Just like your mom and grandma were. And most of the time I got to go, too…and enjoyed it! I loved getting dressed up, eating ‘fancy’ snacks, and staying up past my bedtime now and then. But that’s beside the point. The point is that even though I couldn’t have explained it to you back then, I know Jesus was at several of those parties. And here’s why….
Two parties in particular stand out in my mind. The first one was given by my mom. Shortly after the Tupperware™ lady arrived one evening and set up her display, three or four carloads of women arrived from Rolla. Oh, wait, I forgot to tell you that my mom and dad lived in Jefferson City. Yes, my granny, along with about a dozen other ladies came from Rolla for the party. But hey, what’s seventy miles or so when you’re talking about Tupperware™?!
Anyway, one of the ladies walked in, hugged my mom, and handed her a box of those little glass dessert plates and cups (as if those cups held enough punch to amount to anything) and said, “I know they match yours, so I thought you might need them since so many of us came tonight.”
And that, my friends, is when I knew Jesus was there.
How did I know? In one word: HOSPITALITY. The women gathered (crammed may be more accurate) into our living room knew one another…well. They didn’t just meet up at church, have a chance conversation in the grocery store, or chat politely at a PTA meeting. No, the women in that room shared their lives. How else would Mrs. O’Neil have known what my mom’s dessert plates looked like? She wouldn’t have! So, if not for sharing their homes and their hearts with one another regularly and sincerely, I wouldn’t have seen Jesus at the party and my mom wouldn’t have had enough dessert plates.
Now let’s move on to party number two, which was ‘booked’ at my mom’s party by Stella, an elderly lady who happened to be my grandpa’s cousin. I was at that party, too, because after party number one, I squeezed in between Granny and Mrs. O’Neil (the dessert plate lady) and went back to Rolla for a while. I loved going to Stella’s house. Stella was a widow who had pink toilet paper–complete with a roll ‘hidden’ by a crocheted poodle (undoubtedly the handiwork of Mrs. Bunch, because back then, who didn’t have one of those, right?) But again, I digress….
I saw Jesus at the party that night when two of the ladies decided to share what they ordered since neither needed the complete set, thus saving each of them a few dollars. I saw Jesus at the party that night when my mom and a couple of the other younger women there insisted on putting Stella’s house back in order and tidying up the kitchen for her. I saw Jesus at the party that night when I heard snippets of conversations between everyone asking how so-and-so was and saying they would continue to pray for them. I saw Jesus at the party, when they were deciding who would provide dinner each night the next week for the preacher doing the revival, and when I heard Granny letting the others know she’d be bringing garden goodies to church that Sunday for whoever wanted them.
I know a lot of people may think I’m being silly or that I’m making something out of nothing. I disagree. When I look around nowadays at people whose garage doors go down the second the car is inside, and when I see neighbors who won’t make eye contact for fear of having to smile or say ‘hello’, and because I cannot count the number of times people have said they are uncomfortable socializing in theirs or other people’s houses, I know it’s because we aren’t practicing hospitality, and because we aren’t, we are missing out (big time, I might add) on what it means to really and truly be part of God’s family. We are missing out on knowing and being known. On being a blessing and being blessed. On obeying God’s Word.
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ~1st Peter 4:9 ESV
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. ~Romans 12:13 ESV
A party for selling something may not be your thing. Fixing a sit-down meal with actual plates and cloth napkins may not be your thing. But being relational and connected, and having a sense of belonging is everyone’s thing because God created us to be that way. So, go ahead. Invite someone over and when you do, don’t be surprised when Jesus shows up, too.
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. 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.