“We shouldn’t be afraid of hard things just because they’re hard.”

It was an amazing event. Organized and put on primarily by young people, it was definitely unlike any conference I’ve attended before. How do you put into words a giant room filled with 2,000 teenagers and parents (and the rest of us in neither category), all gathered together to hear the challenging and inspiring – and yes, life changing – message of rebelling against the low expectations of our culture and instead living your best life for God?

Being there made everything I’d ever read on the Rebelution blog come alive. Hearing Alex & Brett articulate and expound upon “Do Hard Things” in their own voices, listening to their stories, laughing along with their jokes, and sensing their deep passion and Godly spirits, it seemed like I was hearing everything for the first time all over again. The entire day served as an encouragement and time of new resolve in my own heart.

“We will become the men and women we strive to be. Is what we are doing right now preparing us for what we want to be doing in the future?” – Alex Harris, speaking on The Myth Of Adolescence

“If you fail at something it’s not because you aren’t able, or even that you didn’t try your best – you haven’t built up the strength to succeed.” – Brett Harris, speaking on Do Hard Things

There was also the momentarily weird, but neat happenstance of being recognized by three different fellow rebelutionaries who I knew only from blogging/writing – Kristin Braun of Beauty from the Heart (along with proofreader Bethany) Sarah Greek of Regenerate Our Culture, and David Boskovic of Oneway Purpose. Meeting them definitely brought the blogsphere to life!

I met Brett & Alex during the first morning break, and they are just wonderful. It was exciting to actually have it “be real” after feeling like I already knew them. There is a humble graciousness about them, and while they’ll be the first to give God credit (which He is due), I know their commitment and hard work planted the seed that has grown so big. We were able catch a little more time to talk afterwards, and it was a blessing all around. Please remember to pray for them as their book deadline nears.

One of the most moving events of the day came during Mr. Harris’s session. After talking about how many people just go through the motions of being a Christian (so easy for all of us) he extended an invitation to those who realized they didn’t truly know Christ. A number of young people courageously stood to make their choice known, and it was incredible to know lives were being changed in that very moment. As more of us stood to renew our own commitment to living a life boldly and openly for Christ, there was such a sense of God’s spirit and awesomeness. It brought the purpose of everything full circle and Joel Harris led us in a precious time of song worship.

After one final session, we put away our notebooks, snapped more blog pictures, and gave last goodbyes. One thing is for certain, we left different than we came. I for one was reminded why hard things make a difference, how to go about getting them done, and the importance of trying again and again and again…and again. And this most of all : Knowing and loving God IS what matters above all else we may ever do.

“Cut something out, put something in, rearrange the furniture of your life, and you might find yourself living differently.”

My advice – next time The Rebelution Tour comes around, make sure YOU are there!

Still To Come :: Photos, Video, & “Rebelution Rain”