I grew up in a Christian family. I was taught the Bible and I always had a desire to love and serve the Lord. Even so, somehow that love was best demonstrated at church or on summer mission trips. My relationship with the Lord was compartmentalized for church moments and often at other times outside of church, I found myself wrestling on my own with things that would have surprised those who only knew me in the church setting.
The summer before I entered my Junior year of college, things began to click in a new and deeper way. I found myself falling in love with my Lord. I found myself surrendering everything in my heart to Him. When I look back at my journals and at the Bible that was my constant companion during that season of life, I see the cries of my heart were, "Lord, I will do anything for you. Send me to a hard place. If no one else is willing, I am willing." I have a quote cut from a magazine glued in the front of my Bible that says, "Never do anything that anyone else can do or will do if there are things to be done that others can't do or won't do." That became my mission. Find where the hard places are and go. At that time in my life this lead me to different places in Africa every summer during my college years, on 2 occasions to Mozambique during a civil war. I remember moments of fear and then moments of trust and courage that came when I took that step and placed my life in the Lord's hands. Even at that young age, the Lord allowed me to experience some amazing things and let me experience his presence in powerful ways that let me know with solid assurance that he was with me.
It is with these things in my mind my attention was drawn to a new book that has just been released by Multnomah Books. It is written by Alex and Brett Harris and is called DO HARD THINGS . The subtitle is A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations. When asked to review this book I was thrilled with the opportunity. This book was an easy read, one I could not put down as I read about teenagers who are serious about putting into action what God has called their hearts to do right now...not just assuming what they will do for God later when they "grow up"!! I was greatly encouraged to read stories about teenagers who are stepping out in faith to do things that are so far beyond what is expected of them in our culture. As they do this, they are finding God is faithful to equip them with everything they need along the way.
With over 10 million hits to their website TheRebelution.com, Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge in a growing movement of Christian young people who are rebelling against the low expectations of their culture by choosing to “do hard things” for the glory of God.
Written when they were 18 years old, DO HARD THINGS is the Harris twins’ revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential. Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear plan for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact.
Written by teens for teens, DO HARD THINGS is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of revolution already in progress challenges the next generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.
I would love to encourage you to recognize people in the comments who have stepped out in faith to DO HARD THINGS for the glory of God. Please note especially if they were teenagers when they stepped out in faith. When asked to review the book, I was given a copy to give away on this blog. Please take the time to nominate someone you think would be challenged and encouraged by receiving a copy of this great book!
5 comments:
Hey Kelly,
Sounds like an encouraging book. You know I like a challenge.
I nominate Jessica Bailey to receive the copy. She is fighting an uphill battle against the expectations of this culture. It is difficult to be different and discouraging when your even Christian friends put you down because you strive for purity and moral excellence.
Of Course Faith is not far behind Jessica in this struggle, but Jessica has traveled the road a couple of years longer.
Blessings to you and your family as you seek to do all things to the glory of God.
----Greg
I want to read this book. It sounds wonderful.
I would love to nominate my friend Nika Maples. Nika was diagnosed with lupus in our 7th grade year. She sturggled with this disease through out our jr.high and high school days, in college it nearly took her life when it attacked her brain. However, in the midst of all of that- she still sought above all else her first love...Jesus Christ. Through her love for Him and the support of her family she still went on mission trips, was active in youth group, and was faithful in her pursuit of a relationship with her Heavenly Father. She is a daily testimony to me of someone who has waited upon the Lord...I have seen Him renew her strength time and time again. It has brought me great joy to watch the Lord lift Nika up....Last year she was chosen as the Texas State Teacher of the Year. Because of that platform she has numerous speaking engagements each month where she shares, motivates and proclaims! IT is wonderful. But long before Nika won that honor she already had a platform...for those who have watched her live her life...they know she has stood solidly on the foundation that is Jesus Christ from day one. HE has been her platform. She has proclaimed His glory, His victory, His power in beautiful ways. She has been an example of someone who has triumphed over hard things and then gone on to do hard things herself!
Blessings to all, who like Jessica and Nika and Kelly (Who continues to press on!)...are in this world but not of it! The Lords goodness is shown yet again in lives like yours!
I know, love, and witness the Lord at work in Jessica and Nika. I love hearing testimonies of authentic faith being lived out...it gives courage and inspiration to others to trust our great GOD more...courage does not come from a special person or because someone comes from a certain family...courage and strength come from a personal relationship with Christ who supplies everything we need as we trust him...everyone has access to every blessing in Christ. All glory to HIM...
I love this post. I haven't heard of this book, but I will be getting a copy. Even though I don't regularly work with teens, I have spent some time with moms who are struggling with a major issue I struggled with when Christine was so ill. This world is not an easy place for anyone, and I don't think God intended it to be, but I especially pray for those in the preteen and teenage years. Hearts are so tender and this world can be so cruel. I would like to nominate Kelly Warnock to receive a copy of this book. Although she leads the elementary group at church, she is involved in the teen ministry because she has 2 children in that group. But, more than anything, she has a heart for kids who are trying to be different...and make a difference...in the name of the Lord.
Thanks, Kelly, for bringing such important issues to our minds!
Hugs!
This book is astounding and it will challenge you! Please, let me persuade you reading this book, even if it's the only book you read all year. It uncovers the unspoken standard that this culture is setting for us all, but mainly directed toward the younger generations. This book doesn't candy coat the important issues. It explains where my generation is going to go if we don't recognize this pretty package of lies that the enemy is speaking to us through the surrounding culture. Just read this book, let it challenge you, and do challenging things that will make you grow. Last of all, "Do Hard Things" by Brett and Alex Harris will show you how to not waste your life, before it's too late.
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