Most
people see teenagers as people who "live the highlight" of their
lives. They portray them as drunks, smokers and drug addicts. Our
world today has the generalization that teenagers waste their lives wondering
of and experiencing "different" kinds of things. They see us as
"useless" beings-they look down on us. The truth is, we are not what
they say. A lot of teenagers today are actually touching lives and making a
difference. A 15 year old who raised $600 dollars to help fight abortion, a 19
year old who wrote, produced and directed his own film and won the $101,000
grand prize at the San Antonio Independent Christian Festival Film Festival and
more. These teenagers have one thing in common- they have faith, willingness
and courage. They are rebelling against the low expectations of our world.
Because, they believe they are here for more.
"'Don't say you are young,' the Lord answered. 'If I tell you to go and speak to someone, then go!... I promise to be with you and keep you safe, so don't be afraid'" -Jeremiah 1: 7-8. Teenagers who strive to make the world a better place have one thing in common- faith. They believe that God would guide them and He would never leave them alone. Of course, we have doubts just like Jeremiah. Jeremiah doubted his capability to preach, he lacked the confidence to speak to crowds because he thought he was too young. But, even though he had doubts he still chose faith. If you think of it, Jeremiah could just ignore God and "live the life" but, he believed that he was meant for more! He had the faith to step out of his fear and he had trust that God would never leave him nor forsake him. Just like Him, teenagers who make a difference have faith. Without faith they wouldn't even take the idea of being the change in this world.
Another factor is the willingness to do whatever it takes to reach your goal. Teenagers who rebel against low expectations are willing to get out of their comfort zones regardless of the bumps on the road ahead. Take for example, Zach Hunter. Zach was a shy guy who has a difficulty speaking in front of people. Who would have known that he would be and anti-slavery activist at the age of twelve? He launched "Loose Change to Loosen Chains", a student-led effort to raise awareness and funds to end slavery. What motivated him? His goal. His purpose. He knew that if he let his timidity control him, the people wouldn't be aware of the on going slavery in our world. He was willing to break the walls of his insecurity.
"No", he said firmly " I have to go. If I don't speak up, no one will"
- Zach Hunter, Christian Author. Anti-Slavery Activist.
Lastly, teenagers that fight against the low expectations have the courage. Yes, we all have fears- who doesn't but, the difference is that these teenagers do not let fear control their lives. They don't think negatively rather, they think of the possible outcome that might happen when they followed and obeyed their calling. They trust that God is bigger than their fears. No God, Know fear. Know God, NO FEAR.
"Courage is not the absence of fear rather it is refusing fear to control over your actions"
- Alex Harris, Author. Owner of "The Rebelution" blog.
This is the reason the blog's name is 1 Timothy 4 :12 which says "Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young but, set an example for the believers in speech, in faith, in love, in life and in purity." I want to share my thoughts about the world and I want to let people know that teenagers are not what think they are. That we too can make a difference. I am not perfect but, I am willing to fight and join the "rebelution". I want to be part of this group of teenagers that rebel against the low expectations of the world. I believe we are here for a purpose. WE ARE NOT TOO YOUNG TO CHANGE THE WORLD.
-Maxine Chua. A56A.
Examples and Stories taken from "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris.
