I recently finished the book by twin brothers Alex and Brett Harris, "Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations". I decided to read it for no other reason than the title was so intriguing to me, but soon after picking it up, I discovered this book would be influential to my life.
"Do Hard Things" exposes our cultures expectations of teenagers to be way low - and how we, as teens, fall into the trap and do the minimum amount of required work. But it's more of a call to a higher standard, a better way of living. As a matter of fact, these are the opening lines of the book:"Most people don't expect you to understand what we're going to tell you in this book. And even if you understand, they don't expect you to care. And even if you care, they don't expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don't expect it to last.
Well, we do."The Harris brothers explain that the teen years are a launch pad for the rest of our lives. I had one of those moments when everything in you seems to scream out "yes!" I know I was made for more than just enduring the teen years - I was made to live them. The crazy thing is, in order to really live, you have to do what the title sums up: DO HARD THINGS. We're not going to live the abundant life that Jesus promises by just "having fun" and "coasting" through these critical years, but by continually pushing back the limits of our comfort zones and doing things that are bigger than ourselves. And, guess what . . . that's going to be hard. But I really felt God telling me that even the short time I have left here in the states, I need to live into that. "Emily, it's time to start living a radical, faith-hope-and-love filled life . . . now," He seems to be telling me. It's not enough to dream it if I don't pursue it. I don't know what that's going to look like . . . but I know that it will please Him, and that it will be the best way of living there is. It's time for me to join the world changers and leaders of my generation. William Pitt from Amazing Grace says it right:
"We're too young to know that some things are impossible, so we will do them anyway."
-Emily
For more information about the "Do Hard Things" movement, go to www.TheRebelution.com.
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3 comments:
I am just finishing this book! It is inspiring, even for a golden oldie like me! Catey reads it next!
My dear Emily, I am so proud of you, that you don't just settle into a comfortable place and stay there. I love that you are always growing and changing and looking to Jesus for what is next. It is so much fun, watching you, as you discover what Jesus has for you in this life.
Love you,
Mom
How funny! I just finished that book this morning. I liked it a lot; it was a good read, and it was part of my little inspiration to step out of my comfort zone in doing smaller hard things more. :)
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