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Quote by Naomi Shihab Nye

“Any of them could have a disaster before the school year is over. You could have a disaster an hour from now. Bending over. Something could hit you. People carry guns in glove compartments and lunch boxes. Cars spin out of control in minor drizzle. The more you know, really, the more you have to worry and fret about. It's a miracle anyone can sleep at all.”

Quote by Naomi Shihab Nye

Book:There Is No Long Distance Now
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There Is No Long Distance Now

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Author

Naomi Shihab Nye
Naomi Shihab Nye

Naomi Shihab Nye is an American poet born on March 12, 1952. Her work blends personal experiences with a wide range of cultural backgrounds, known for its concise and profound language style. more

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“... you're important to me, Poppy. Not because you're the Maiden, but because you're... you.' A knot of emotion formed in my chest and fought its way up my throat. I didn't give him a chance to realise what I was doing. I launched myself at him, wrapping my arms around his waist and hugging him tightly. 'Thank you,' I murmured against his chest. Vikter was as stiff as a guard on the Rise for their very first time, but then he put his hands on my back. And patted me. I grinned. 'You know I'll never replace your father, nor would I ever try to, but you're like a daughter to me.' I hugged him tighter. He patted me again. 'I worry about you. Partly because it's my job, but mostly because it's you.' 'You're important to me, too.' My words were muffled against his chest. 'Even though you think my punches are weak.' His chuckle was rough as he dropped his chin to the top of my head. 'Your punches are weak when you're not doing them correctly. He pulled back, clasping my cheeks. 'But, girl, your aim is deadly. Don't ever forget that.”

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Book:From Blood and Ash
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“Do you believe in God, Aunt Elner?” “Sure I do, honey, why?” “How old were you when you started believing, do you remember?” Aunt Elner paused for a moment. “I never thought about not believing. Never did question it. I guess believing is just like math: some people get it right out of the chute, and some have to struggle for it. (...) Oh, I know a lot of people struggle, wondering is there really a God. They sit and think and worry over it all their life. The good Lord had to make smart people but I don’t think he did them any favors because it seems the smart ones start questioning things from the get go. But I never did. I’m one of the lucky ones. I thank God every night, my brain is just perfect for me, not too dumb, not too bright. You know, your daddy was always asking questions.” “He was?” “I remember one day he said, ‘Aunt Elner, how do you know there is a God, how can you be sure?’ ” “What did you tell him?” “I said, ‘Well, Gene, the answer is right on the end of your fingertips.’ He said, ‘What do you mean?’ I said, ‘Well, think about it. Every single human being that was ever born from the beginning of time has a completely different set of fingerprints. Not two alike. Not a single one out of all the billions is ever repeated.’ I said, ‘Who else but God could think up all those different patterns and keep coming up with new ones year after year, not to mention all the color combinations of all the fish and birds.’ ” Dena smiled. “What did he say?” “He said, ‘Yes, but, Aunt Elner, how do you know that God’s not repeating old fingerprints from way back and reusing them on us?’ ” She laughed. “See what I mean? Yes, God is great, all right. He only made one mistake but it was a big one.” “What was that?” “Free will. That was his one big blunder. He gave us a choice whether or not to be good or bad. He made us too independent … and you can’t tell people what to do; they won’t listen. You can tell them to be good until you’re blue in the face but people don’t want to be preached at except at church, where they know what they are getting and are prepared for it.” “What’s life all about, Aunt Elner? Don’t you ever wonder what the point of the whole thing is?” “No, not really; it seems to me we only have one big decision in this life, whether to be good or bad. That’s what I came up with a long time ago. Of course, I may be wrong, but I’m not going to spend any time worrying over it, I’m just going to have a good time while I’m here. Live and let live.”

GodFaithDoubtMeaning Of LifeFree WillGood And BadStrugglesWorryingFingerprintsGod Is Great
Book:Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!
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