rebelling against low expectations

AuthorAlex and Brett Harris

are the co-founders of TheRebelution.com and co-authors of Do Hard Things and Start Here. They have a passion for God and for their generation. Their personal interests include politics, filmmaking, music, and basketball. They are both graduates of Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia.

The Abortion Debate is Changing

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Though overshadowed by the recent murder of abortionist, Dr. George Tiller, the abortion debate does show signs of shifting in a pro-life direction. For the first time since Gallup began tracking the issue, a majority of Americans consider themselves “pro-life” — a reversal of 2006 numbers. Other studies indicate that our generation is the most pro-life generation since Roe vs. Wade —...

Don’t Let Them Despise You

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We posted about this message over a year ago when it was delivered and still highly recommend it to every rebelutionary. Seriously. If you haven’t listened to it yet you are missing out. To our knowledge, there is no better message on 1 Timothy 4:12. Anyway, I stumble across this video excerpt the other day and felt it was worth sharing as a stand-alone piece — especially if accompanied by...

Study Links Teen Depression to Bedtimes

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We have never wanted to post anything on our blog that teens would be tempted to hide from their parents. Unfortunately, we are breaking that rule today. A new study featured by USA Today links teen depression to bedtimes — yet another reason why your parents are right when they tell you to get off Facebook and go to bed. Study links teen depression to bedtimes USATODAY.com – Gregg Toppo...

When Bigger Isn’t Better

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Amy Carmichael began her mission work at seventeen among the poor neighborhood girls. Christina DeMari moved to the Philippines at nineteen, where she worked for several years to spread the gospel to the most remote parts of the land. These women, and countless others like them, are so inspiring. Yet when I read about them, I become discontent with my own life. I’m a senior in high school...

ESPN The Mag: Do Hard Things

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ESPN The Magazine’s latest cover story is about 17-year-old Zac Sunderland — a Christian and a rebelutionary. The title of the article? Do Hard Things. The title was inspired by a shirt Zac wears as he makes his way around the world — and the phrase that has come to serve as a motto for his great adventure. ESPN journalist, Chris Jones, explains the inspiration in this excerpt: Zac has a...

What Impresses You?

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There is a part of me that is dazzled by talent. At times certain artists, certain writers, certain athletes, or certain craftsmen can just take my breath away. This little girl had that affect on me, though I must admit to being heavily influenced by the cuteness factor. Still, it is impossible to deny that Emily Bear is impressive. What impresses you? That was one of the questions my brother...

Rebelutionaries Can Waste Their Lives

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I read Do Hard Things for the first time one year ago. I thought, This is great! This is what was missing in my life! This will give me the passion and purpose I want! Life is going to be different from now on. But what I thought was wrong. It did not give me the kind of life that I longed for. It did not give me an all-consuming passion. I was focused on the wrong things. Even though Alex and...

The Nearer I Get the Bigger He Becomes

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In his book, The Glory of Christ, Peter Lewis shares a story told by a pastor he heard preach in Wales. When the pastor was about twelve he idolized a local rugby player. He literally papered the walls of his bedroom with newspaper clippings and photos, and loved to talk about the athlete’s exploits on the field. The pastor shared: Then, when I was about 14-years-old, I got to know my hero...

Don’t Waste Your Summer

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Our friends over at Boundless have a published a great article by Lindsay Talsness encouraging students to be purposeful about their three months of freedom. Whether you’re in college or not, you’ll appreciate Lindsay’s advice on making this summer a time of spiritual growth, accountability, goal-setting, personal outreach, and growing closer to family and friends. Don’t...

Malcolm Gladwell: How David Beats Goliath

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Malcolm Gladwell is one of our favorite modern authors. Reading his book “The Tipping Point” was part of what inspired us to start The Rebelution back in 2005. It remains on our short list of favorites — along with his more recent book, “Outliers”. So imagine our excitement when we read this article in The New Yorker. In it Gladwell uses our favorite sport — basketball —...

rebelling against low expectations

The Rebelution is a teenage rebellion against low expectations—a worldwide campaign to reject apathy, embrace responsibility, and do hard things. Learn More →