Editor’s Note: as TheReb as an active site draws to a close, we wanted to give as many rebelutionaries as possible a chance to share how the movement has impacted them. Our hope is that as you read the following testimonials, you will be encouraged to live out the message of TheReb—rebelling against society’s low expectations and doing hard things for the glory of God—even after it closes. Stay tuned over the next four weeks (Tuesdays and Thursdays) to see more posts like this one as we celebrate 19 years of TheRebelution!
“I stumbled across theReb during my teen years, and through that time I would read the articles sometimes for hours. I didn’t know of many good Christian resources for teens, so I soaked up all I could, often checking theReb every couple of days for new articles. While I didn’t always agree with everyone’s perspective, what I did find very encouraging was that there were other young people who were living for Jesus. Now, as I am almost out of my teens, I look back with fondness at the place theReb had in my life, encouraging me to continue living for Jesus, and I pray that God will raise up more movements with the next generation of teenagers; to show the world how much He loves us. Thank you, theReb team, for your ministry!” – Hope
“Three years ago, I started with the Bronze Level of President’s Award, uncertain of myself, my abilities, and about my future. Our team leader at that time had us do a book study on Do Hard Things, and it impacted my life greatly. It changed the way that I look at the world, at my friends, and the way that I face challenges in my life. This year, I volunteered to be a team leader for new President’s Award participants, as I am working on my gold level. Me and one of the other team leaders decided to host another two Do Hard Things book studies this year, as it impacted our lives so significantly when we were in our first years of the award. We collaborated and reached out to other participating teenagers all over South Africa. We had insightful conversations about faith, determination, and standing up for what you believe in. I am proud to be a rebelutionary, and I hope to continue to do hard things in the future!” – Hanri
“I’m beyond grateful for the many years I had on DHTC and being involved with The Rebelution website, including posting an article! Praise God for all He has done. While this may be farewell to the Rebelution website, the Rebelution movement still runs strong, and the OG DHTCers are still very good friends!” – Erin
“I’m so grateful to all of you who have spread the message of Do Hard Things and pushed me and countless others to be more than a lukewarm Christian. I pray that, even though this blog will no longer be active, the Rebelution’s movement and message will continue to reach the ends of the earth.” – Anna
“I am going into freshman year, but as I was going into 8th grade this past year, our summer reading was Do Hard Things. Though I strongly disliked all the essays I had to write about the book, the message itself really hit close to home, and it encouraged me. I am involved in band, drumline, swim, track, Cougar Ambassadorship (for school), praise band, student council, tons of babysitting, mission trips to Belize each year, and two Bible studies. I’m also about to join cross-country. I’ve been involved in most of these things for over 2 years, and in that short time I see so many teens and peers giving up because it was “impossible” or “too hard.” The message of theReb is we can push ourselves to do things that are hard to defy expectations and change the world. That book pushed me to work harder at the things I was already involved in and join things I had been unsure about because I thought they would be too hard. But through these things I have learned to be more responsible and get better at time management. I have also grown so many friendships and connections. I can’t wait to see what God does with this generation and I am excited to be a part of the Rebelution! Thank you so much for your book. It will continue to positively affect people, just as it did me.” – Cora Castle
“When I see a bunch of teens with the similar goal of ‘doing hard things,’ challenging social norms for teenagers, and most importantly, living for God, it inspires me to continue pressing on in a world where kids my age are expected to not succeed. The Reb has been such an encouraging platform for me, whether I’m looking for something to share with a friend or if I’m going through a difficult season myself. Knowing that this kind of drive is there among teens–and knowing that this drive is not for one’s own self but for Jesus–is such an incredible thing to witness. I’m so grateful for every writer, editor, designer, Alex and Brett Harris, and all the other amazing young men and women who have started and carried on the ‘do hard things’ movement.” – Ava
“It’s been over ten years since I read Do Hard Things. It was one of the most life changing books I’ve read. I was a teenage girl with a very big passionate heart hidden underneath mountains of fear. I cared deeply about a lot of things, but my comfort zone was fully occupied by me. Through reading that book, as well as other supporting circumstances, I was inspired to become more courageous. The smallest things that previously would’ve paralyzed me with fear I now pushed myself towards. Becoming more courageous with the small things set me up for success as I got older and was faced with bigger harder decisions. It set me up for success for the line of work I am now in, and as I look ahead at my future, I know that the principles outlined in Do Hard Things will stick with me for a lifetime.”- Wynonah
Where can I find the modest survey results??? Thanks!