River City Six: Patty Nun
Patty Nun is the founder of Living in the Yellow (livingintheyellow.org), a local resource focused on teaching key principles of self-defense and personal safety.
Tell us a little about your business.
There is no substitute for being prepared and aware of our surroundings to ensure the safety of ourselves and our loved ones. That is the common theme of training we do at Living in the Yellow. We take our name from Cooper’s Four Color Codes (white, yellow, orange and red) for Self Defense Awareness. Yellow is the color representing those who are relaxed, but alert and aware of their surroundings. We currently offer classes for women who are interested in learning about the basics of operating, owning and safely using a pistol. At the end of the day, we go to the range where our team of professionally trained Range Safety Officers mentor and instruct each lady in firing a pistol. Many of the ladies come to class having never fired a pistol, and leave with a new skill and level of confidence.
How did you get started in this business?
When I learned of the Aurora, CO movie theater shooting in July of 2012, I was heartbroken. I wrestled with my emotions for a couple of weeks, and finally talked to my pastor, Brad Brestel, to help me sort through the anxiety I was feeling. He encouraged me to talk to the head of security at my church, Cody Blocker, who educated and mentored me on the privilege we have in the United States to be responsible gun owners.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
My training has been primarily through the NRA, whose major purpose is to “promote public safety, law and order, and train citizens in the safe handling of firearms.” Not everyone in our community appreciates the NRA or the privilege we have based on the Second Amendment.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
I am a licensed professional counselor and had an opportunity to spend a month in India this year training over 250 indigenous pastors.
Tell us a little about your family.
My husband, Dennis, and I have been married 43 years and have six children (ages 23 to 34). They live and work in Lincoln, Chicago, Phoenix, Huntsville and Honduras. We have four grandchildren, with more on the way!
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
On June 25, 1978 I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. Since that date, I have focused on investing in things that last for eternity.
What are the most unique or interesting things about you that most people probably don’t know?
I can twirl a fire baton, was Mrs. Nebraska International 1988, and have written two books: The Bathsheba Legacy and In Spite Of It All.
What are you the most proud of?
My children, their spouses and families.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The Serenity Prayer.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
I am a John Grisham legal thriller junkie. The Street Lawyer is my favorite book.
What is your favorite movie?
The Sound of Music. A few years ago we traveled to Vienna, Austria and saw sites where some of the scenes were filmed.
What local non-profit organizations are you passionate about?
Kingdom’s Harvest International, Rancho El Refugio Mexico Outreach, Campus Life, and Lincoln Christian School.
If any of our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 432-6470; Email: pattynun.whcc@gmail.com; Website: livingintheyellow.org.