How To Spoil Do Hard Things
At the Dallas Conference last year our father made the following challenge to the parents in attendance. We’ve posted it once before, but now that the book is out we thought we should post it again. Read it together as a family if you can and let us know what you think. It’s an encouragement from our parents to your parents.
Parents, the first thing I want to tell you this evening is what not to do — and that is to hijack The Rebelution or the phrase Do Hard Things and use it as a way to nag, or ridicule your young adult as they are living and working with you. I share this because I know how easily this can be done.
As a pastor, I often have to deal in marriage counseling with a couple where the wife or the husband will say things like: “Yeah, love and honor till death do us part. Oh yeah, tell me about it!” And what are we doing? We’re taking sacred wedding vows and using them as a way of slapping our spouse in the face. That doesn’t do a very good job of enhancing the marriage.
In the same way, as parents you are going to be severely tempted, when you walk into your son or daughters bedroom and you see the ordinary chaos that ensues in that place, to say “Oh yeah, do hard things.” And what you’ve just done is you have, in a way, taken the wind out of the sails of that phrase.
So I encourage you to protect it. Use it in a way that does not use it in vain, or in a way that demeans it or makes others despise it. With that understanding, pray for your young people. Ask God to bless them, don’t just pray about them; pray for them. Ask God to work in their hearts and in their minds what is pleasing to Him.
And if you realize that you have already been using the phrase in a negative way, I want you to “do hard things” and apologize to your children. Let them know that Do Hard Things is more than just cleaning their room or taking out the trash. It is a mindset that prepares them to expect big things from God as they attempt great things for God.
Tell your children that you are here to support and advise them as they set big goals and strive to attain them. Then, sit down together and brainstorm some “hard things” that they can do, things that will stretch them and cause them to grow, things that will turn our culture’s expectations of teenagers upside down, for the glory of God.
Let them know that you’re the manager and they’re the artist, you’re the coach and they’re the athlete. You help provide the contacts, the finances, and the know-how to get their dreams off the ground—they provide the passion and the energy. If they fail you’ll be right there to pick them up, dust them off, and get them going again. This is the opportunity and the responsibility that comes with being the parent of a rebelutionary.
What do you think? How has the phrase Do Hard Things been used in your home? Has it become merely another reason to bring down the laundry every day? Though Do Hard Things certainly includes everyday small things, is it wise to limit it to that? What kind of big hard things should teens be doing?
Share Your Thoughts in the Comment Section
June 9th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
I am very thankfull that your dad the letter to the parents, both as an encouragement and reminder for our busy parents. When parents badger their kids down with an overload of expectations, telling them to “do hard things” it makes the kids not want to do anything at all. I have blessed to not have your phrase used in a mocking, negative way…though the expectation has always been there, even before your blog and book. My mom was skimming through the book, and praising it as she went, for she feels excactly how you two feel. It was such an encouragement to her. I am now trying to pursuade her to actually read all of it…I guess she will when she has time.
Thank you for making us realize that we are not alone in this world where we hate these low expectations.
June 9th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I think that it has been positive, rather than negative. Mainly because it has been left as an individual choice. It’s my choice today what I will do. My parents are not going to be telling me… remember what Alex and Brett said… you’d better do it, because they are right…
My parents provide me with correction, instruction, and guidance, but do not attempt to be what the Holy Spirit should be.
June 9th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Yes, we have used the phrase “Do hard things”!
June 9th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I agree with Leah and Amanda that it’s been helpful for me. You guys have inspired me to raise the low expectations that people who do or don’t know me have. I am very grateful to you guys. It also helps knowing there’s other people doing it with you. Thanks once again.
June 9th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
A post like this comes in the nick of time. I actually just wrote something similar on my blog after the Denver conference, because the phrase was already (unintentionally) being hijacked. Your father approached it much more eloquently than I could have ever done, though!
June 9th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I am glad your dad addressed this major point. Very helpful.
My parents are very good about not flaunting “do hard things” in our faces when we fail.
June 9th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Very good letter. Thankfully my parents understand that that is a danger and they avoid it.
June 9th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Awesome message! Also very applicable to every teaching and law — especially in God’s Word. I agree 100%. We are to love and treasure God’s Law, the lessons He puts in our lives, and every promise made, and use it to lift each other up and to strengthen and bring forth blessing — never as “ammo” to shoot each other down or bring forth contempt or confusion, through misuse, of all that it stands for. Amen!
And also, this is interesting to me, as well as timely, because although I have not come across the problem of misusing “Do Hard Things,” (specifically,) personally, several topics I’ve either been reading about or talking over with my mom, recently, came up in a way that very simply confirmed my new convictions and encouraged me to move forward — or to keep at what I am already doing and not to lose faith that God will do what I cannot.
Regarding the questions, I do think it is unwise to limit what we do, or what we encourage others to do, to what is “small;” and I’ve noticed that too often we (myself included) do that. Too often I lose hope for the big Plans God has for me and I get into the rut of going through the motions of everyday life without passion or purpose, needless to say excellence. I’ve realized lately through experiences of doubt and failure in my life that we need to each spend time with God, seeking Him out in worship and through His Word, until we realize how BIG He is — and how big His Plans are for us. And we need to do that daily, as much as is needed, so that we keep that “mountaintop” perspective, regardless of monontony, fear when counting the cost of obedience, seeming defeat, rejection by the world of our dreams, or the impatience that inevitably creeps in and tempts us to go after the “lesser,” easy thing just because we could obtain it sooner.
Thanks so much for posting this — and please thank your dad for delivering it — it was a real blessing and encouragement in so many ways, even beyond its intended core subject.
June 9th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Yes, I am guilty of using the “Do Hard Things” phrase incorrectly, thank you for posting that letter;)
June 9th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Boy, I use that phrase in the wrong way a lot.
Thanks guys!
-cj
June 9th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I was beginning to wonder if the phrase “Do Hard Things” was beginning to lose some of its meaning, the more it is used willy-nilly as a catch-all phrase. Do Hard Things means something very big; I hope it stays that way!
June 9th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Thanks so much for that post. Funny the very beginning lines caught me, since my parents HAVE been nagging me with that phrase or twisting it out of its original meaning. THanks soooo much!!
June 9th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I love this book! My mom was the one who first found out about it and told me. My youth group at Church has been really falling apart because our youth pastor is moving up to “head pastor.” Soooooo when I started this book I was like, “this is just what my high school at Church needs!” I got to tell them all about it on Sunday ( 8th of June) and everyone thought it was great. We are getting an order out for 25 of the DO HARD THINGS books and our parents (the parents of the high school youth) are going to take turns teaching and going threw the books together! God has really blessed my Church through this book and I want to tell everyone about it!
June 9th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
I gave a copy of Do Hard Things to my guitar teacher and he has been constantly reminding me “Do hard things Eric!” I know that it is a good thing for me, but it gets a bit annoying. Lol.
Eric
June 9th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Thank you for the reminder.
-Mom of 2 Rebelutionaries, and 4 more upcoming ones.
June 9th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I appreciate that. I’ve actually been nagging myself that way…which is by no means helpful.
My parents haven’t really had a chance; Mom just heard about you guys at the homeschool convention last weekend.
June 9th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
I’ve been hearing the phrase over used a bit, but I don’t think intentionally. I think that “doing hard things” can be personal and simply mean different things to different people. My parents have really always taught me to “do hard things”(this is probably because they have always followed your Dad’s writings and conferences in helping them to homeschool), though different phrases may have been used along the way . I’m thankful for the push from them even though it often felt like pressure.
Here is an example of how “Do Hard Things” was used in our home just tonight. My mom had been challenged by a friend with the verses in Philippians 2:14-18 in coping with some current trials and shared the challenged with me. The trials actually seem to be coming because of me even doing hard things at such a young age and have really caused my family and I a great deal of frustration! The hard thing that I need to be doing is to not be grumbling or complaining about my trials, but be rejoicing in them! I need to be holding fast to the Word of Life! We can be a light by growing through trials!
June 9th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
I appreciate the reminder! While you’re completely right, “Do Hard Things” includes doing the everyday tasks, by associating the phrase with the little things we takes away from the motivation for the bigger things that God may have called us to do. If we get it in our heads that keeping our room clean is a hurdle to get over, the larger tasks will seem even more daunting.
June 9th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
We use the phrase Do Hard Things a lot in our home, but so far we haven’t used it for mere reasons, such as (as you said) bringing in the laundry.
We use it to challenge one another when we feel like getting discouraged or taking the easy route.
Thanks for the post, though.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Hey guys I wanted to thank you for writing the book and publishing posts like this one. When I pick up your book to read it, it always renews my strength to DO HARD THINGS. Yeah I definitely agree with you that this is not to tear each other down, but to build each other up. Thanks for the post it was a great one. Prayers for your Ministry.
June 9th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
What a great reminder, thanks for the post guys!!
To Him be the glory!!
June 10th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Thanks for your post! Everyone in my family has been using the phrase for too much, (mostly me!!), and not really for the right reasons either. It was a good wake-up call!
June 10th, 2008 at 7:37 am
I truly love this book and my parents have only encouraged me to run with it. My parents are awesome! They have always believed in me and been the inspiration behind everything I do.
I have friends, though, whose parents use the phrase in a negative way. May God help those parents to see the damage they are causing by throwing such a life changing concept around.
Thank you so much for posting this.
June 10th, 2008 at 8:07 am
I know that limiting Do Hard Things to laundry and clean bedrooms isn’t good, but if we are not doing them, how can we honor God in the bigger things? I mean, in the home we are learning the skills we need to go out into the world. Jesus told the parable of the servants with the talents. After they were faithful with the 10 or 5 talents they were given charge of 10 or 5 cities. The servant who was not faithful with his 1 talent was not given more responsiblity. Also, look at King David. He did great things as ruler of a country and loved and served God, but he was not faithful to train his sons and keep control of his home. This lead to disaster and ultimately the destruction of Israel as it had been known. Maybe you guys are already thinking this way, but I just wanted to clarify that serving in the home must be the starting place. Did I misunderstand this post?
June 10th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I am a youth minister and I just picked up your new book to give to a few graduates, but the funny thing is that I can’t put it down! Great message! “Do Hard Things” is in my vocabulary now and it has even challenged me.
Starting small for my youth group involves reading this book. In the long run, the challenge is to cultivate a mind set that is ready to impact this generation, to the glory of God. Unfortunately, many of them have bought into the low expectation, doing the bare minimum, I’m on vacation, responsibility comes later, mentality. However, by the grace of God, I hope to continue to encourage and challenge them.
June 10th, 2008 at 9:56 am
A very well written, insightful letter.
June 10th, 2008 at 11:17 am
What is there to say about this book other then GLORY TO GOD! I am so thankful for the vision he has placed on your hearts and the fire that he feeds to spur you both on, to spur us all on, really…the world we know today is full of dark obstacles and satan is the king of much evil, namely deception! May he be bound in the minds of parents and kids alike…that no challenge is brought forth for the gain of any mortal but ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD, and Him alone! This book has encouraged me as an individual with the same standards…but there is a bigger role for me to fill in God’s plan…we are using your book in our high school youth group as a study book for the summer…I picked it up to read and get into it with the kids I sponsor at the youth group and I cannot wait to see its impact through the coming years! Blessed are you among believers for not backing down when things did get rough! May He give you renewed strength to press on and continue to build the stature of our generation!
June 10th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
That’s very interesting, I can see how it could happen, though thankfully I haven’t heard it overused in my home.
June 10th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
An interesting point! And truly valid as well. I hope this reaches all parents who are aware they have rebelutionaries.
June 10th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Thanx! It means a lot to have a parent say it for sure if it gets thrown in your face a lot. Praying for you!
June 10th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Keep up the good work!
June 10th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
I have to stop by and say something. I agree with that because when someone fails we shouldn’t slep them upside the face and say “hey what did you say you were going to be doing?” We must encourage and exhort one another. “Do Hard Things” is a great message that I believe needs to reach every young person today. We are living in a society that says it is a “hard” (or unexpected) thing for a teenage to make their own bed, keep their room clean - much less doing the big hard things that many Christian young people do. Just yesterday we had a pickup for a wheat/grain order at our church.
For the past several years (since I was 17 - I’m 20 now) I have organized a wheat order - for my family & other families in our area - contacting people, taking orders & payment, totaling everything, submitting the order & finally arranging for delivery, unloading & pickup of the order by the individual people. Most of my contact is done by email and some on the phone - till the day of delivery. Everyone must come and pick up their order - and if they don’t know me, will at that time meet me. I don’t consider it very big - just part of my “normal” life but some people (who obviously don’t know me) will think that it has been my mom doing it…and when they find out it was me they are like “you did all of that?” The mindset is sad because who am I to just sit around feeding off of my parents without participating or doing things to help others. Then they think that it is such a great thing that I would do something like this. Oh - the standards are on the floor and people don’t even try to lift them to the ceiling.
I just wanted to also add that we should be doing hard things, and like some said, don’t let it just become another phrase in our minds or vocabulary. It is easy to do and then we lose focus and forget the greatness of that phrase. It reminds me of the phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” Surprisingly enough, it used to be a phrase that really made people think - challenged them to strive to live a holy life for the Lord Jesus Christ. Today it is a mere catchy phrase that people jingle off like “WWJD” or put on bracelets, t-shirts, etc,… The words may be there, but the message is watered down by many and the same power & conviction are no longer there by most. If you read “In His Steps” by Charles Sheldon it tells the story of those who took that to heart and truly believed that if they took that question seriously, they would sacrifice much and suffer for the Lord’s sake. It was a serious commitment but many were willing to take it because they realized the blessings that would come by doing so. ‘Tho fictional, it gives us the challenge to live that way today - even in the midst of a dark and perverse world.
Well, let us “do hard things” and don’t lose the passion for doing what is right. March onward - forward - ever rightward for the cause of the King whom we seek to serve!
In Christ,
Ruth Ann
June 10th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Those are definitely some good points. I will have to look into them.
June 10th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
[b]Megan M.:[/b] You bring up a very valid point, but I think the questions were simply meant to encourage us to not [i]limit[/i] ourselves to small ideas and doing small things.
For some of us, the big thing God has called us to do for His Glory is to strive for excellence and endurance with the many small, daily, unseen things. For others, the big thing God has called them to do is something seen by the world as big and great and unique.
It is important to remember that God determines what is big and what is small — not this world. Just because the world sees something as great doesn’t mean it’s any greater than what the world doesn’t see at all. For Christians, it’s all about God’s Perspective — He’s the only one we seek to honor and please — and He is honored best and pleased most by faithfulness, not success.
But in order to be faithful to God, we must keep growing, keep moving forward in our progress, keep striving. Too often, I believe, it is our (fallen) nature to stop at a point of some success or another, laud ourselves for our past effort, and say, “I’m doing great here — I have arrived! I’m at the top, at last — and at such a young age!” and we look around, quite happily, and just stay where we are because we are content — we have reached our goal of success. But what does a faithful servant do after a job well done? He doesn’t stop serving after one, or even several, tasks are done; no, he seeks to do the next job twice as well as the last — he never stops serving and growing in expertise in the service his Master so chooses for him. His prize, his goal, is not personal success; but rather something greater.
The competent athlete trains, not to train, but to ultimately compete — he cannot forget the game and that to do his best within the extent of his full potential, and to win, is his goal.
The good student goes to college, not to study, but to learn — he cannot forget his career ambition, his reason for applying himself, his goal.
The true child does their chores, submits the authority of their parents, cares for their younger siblings, and learns to work as a team with their family and friends; not because that is all they will ever do or be, but because how they respond to each life experience determines and refines who they will one day be — they cannot ignore God’s goal for their life; to serve their future family as a loving parent, to serve the Church of Christ, their Christian siblings, as a loyal brother or sister, and to serve the world through submission to God’s Law and successful collaboration in a ministry or other team setting.
If you have the time, I’m curious to hear your thoughts: How do you think we can avoid limiting ourselves and missing out on big things God has for us while still being faithful on our training-ground of small things which God has set before us? Or do you not see this as a problem, and if not, why?
P.S. I can’t believe I almost forgot — here’s an awesome series on the subject: http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/02/understanding-small-hard-things/
June 11th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Thanks for the post! Thankfully my parents don’t use that saying against me! When they first saw the book, they were in awe. My mom wants to read it when I am done. Thanks for everything!
June 11th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Thanx for posting that, guys! You don’t know how much it means! Keep up the great work!
Jesus’ servant,
Kate
June 11th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Yes, that happens a lot in our house. Thanks for the reminder!
I have a quick question for any of the administrators of this website. Are the pictures throughout the website, such as those at the beginning of the posts, and at prominent places, copyrighted? Am I allowed to use these photos (In a way that glorifies God) on my own blogs/websites/etc? To whoever makes them: I think they are absolutely amazing!
June 11th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Megan M.: Oops . . . I realized that I think I hoped to post a link to this series:
http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/01/keep-moving-forward/
and then to include the link I did post in an effort to say that I agree with you that most definitely serving in the home, and in small ways, is the starting place — as the first series mentions — but that for some of us things such as doing the laundry may very well be a good part of the big thing God has for us — and that either way we must not stop, and we must constantly strive to not stop, growing in faithfulness and right vision in our service.
For example, a young girl may dream of a career somewhat impressive (such as a nurse, doctor, a teacher in a university, a musician, etc.) and want to “move on” from doing the unnoticed, seemingly endless chores, but God could have bigger plans than she could imagine in the way that He may have an awesome family planned for her (which can be better and more rewarding than a successful career, in many ways) and her big thing she is being prepared for could not be exchanging laundry for something that seems great to the world, but rather doing the laundry regularly in the future for a family of ten (yikes) — in other words, her big hard thing could be to exchange her heart (which looks at each pile of clothes as something meaningless in her service in the Kingdom and annoying and such a waste of good time and not pleasing to her) for a “bigger” heart which instead praises God for the honor of serving and loving Him and His people in a way often only He sees — but for which His blessings and the joy of pleasing Him in such a quiet way (once she’s got her new heart to enjoy them) are irreplaceable. The big thing could be learning to seek to please Him, alone, whatsoever she does — which eclipses every task, “big” or “small.”
So, all in all, I meant to say that you’re on the right track and to encourage you to keep growing — not to lose sight of the goal (becoming all God created you to be) as you continue to seek to serve Him in all things.
God bless. =)
June 11th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Good point! I know between me and my friend, we were using the term a lot, but we stopped because it really is one of those terms that can be easily misapplied. Thanks for this re-post!
June 11th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Good reminder. When our family first read Mr. Harris’s letter, we hadn’t used the phrase “Do Hard Things” much in our home. Now its our favorite rallying cry. The garden is huge (and so are the weeds); Do Hard Things! It’d be nice to write those letters by hand but its (collective sibling laughter) A HARD THING, yay! Thanks for reposting it guys!
June 12th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Hey! I’m Anastasia also my friends calling me Annie. I came in America just last July from Ukraine, Odessa, so my English might be not perfect, but I’m trying. So anyway, we have a small HS groups and we just start reading your book “Do Hard Things” and I’m realy enjoy it.
Thanks for sherring.
June 13th, 2008 at 9:38 am
That post was very good. I can relate to what your dad is saying. My parents haven’t read “Do Hard Things,” so they don’t hold it over my head. They do, however, like to remind me to do things around the house sometimes. Don’t get me wrong! I have no problem doing chores, more so now since I’ve read your book. But I’d like to do the chores knowing that the work is coming out of my own initiative, instead of from my parent’s reminders and urgencies. Sometimes my parents don’t even give me time to look around the house to see what needs to be done. They’ll give me a to do list, and I’ll check the items off one by one. Then even after the list, they sometimes keep asking me if I finished a specific task on the list. I have no problem with my parents wanting certain things to be done; I understand that they have a lot on their plates. But I’m eighteen; I can handle a do to list without constantly being reminded to finish it. It kind of feels like they don’t have enough confidence in my own initiative to trust that I will get certain things done, so they take charge. When parents keep nagging and reminding, it takes away the accomplishment you feel in doing small hard things. Afterall, you finished your chores because you were reminded to do them, not because you took the initiative. At least it feels that way. I think some parents get so tied up in the things that need to be accomplished daily that they forget about the importance of giving their children something to be responsible for on their own. I understand that some parents like to do everything for their children, but sometimes it’s better to sink and learn from the experience than to make it safely to the otherside only because you had a life vest on.
June 13th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I like this blog it makes me laugh because my parents actually use the saying “do hard things” to get me to clean my room and do the never ending cycle of washing the dishes :p. Maybe i should show them this and make them feel guilty…JUST KIDDING i wouldnt do that i love them to much. I actually dont mind them using that saying because it helps remind me to do hard things too help my famiy, church, and community.
HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD! haha
June 14th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Hey Alex and Brett,
I have been realizing that I need to get more serious about what I read. Such as books that will encourage me in my Christian walk, etc. I was looking over your booklist and I’m not sure where to start. Do either of you have any suggestions? I’d really appreciate it if you two could help me get started in the right direction. Thanks!
Does anyone else have any good reccomendations?
God Bless,
Amanda
June 14th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Hey, Amanda
I know that you were asking Brett and Alex, but I just wanted to give some reccomendation of my own. The Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem is an absolute favorite of mine. It’s a go to anytime book for your geeral and specific questions about the Scrptures, about man, and other related things. I would also recommend a book called Chosen By God written by R.C. Sproul. It is a tremendous help in the very controversial area of the sovereignty of God, and predestination. If you haven’t yet, read Do Hard Things by Brett and Alex Harris:) Another book that is excellent motivation for young people, is Life Is But A Vapor, The Life and Legacay of Michael G. Billings. At ninteen years old he fulfilled his purpose, to glorify Christ and enjoy Him forever. In the area of courtship and marriage I would recommend I Kissed Dated Goodbye by Joshua Harris, and Her Hand In Marriage by Douglas Wilson. Well, those are just a few books I have read, enjoyed, and would recommend. Alex and/or Brett, feel free to comment(smile:), seeing as how Amanda actually asked you!, sorry I won’t comment anymore.
June 14th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
To Amanda and Ahlaischa:
I also highly recommend Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem. I am going through the book right now, and am enjoying it. However, if all you have ever read is light reading, I would suggest putting off Systematic Theology until you have read (quite) a few more books. It is a 1200-page(yes, twelve hundred) book on different aspects of Systematic Theology, and is hard to understand by a lot of people.
June 14th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I hear the levees were breached in Des Moines. Will that cause problems for next month’s conference?
June 14th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Amanda: You should see Alex and Brett’s Booklist. It should have enough to keep you reading for some time!
June 14th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
You’re right Trey, Systematic Theology can be a difficult read if you haven’t done any heavy reading previously. Thank you for pointing that out! I also wanted to say to Amanda that the book called Life Is But A Vapor, may be hard to find; it just came out in print.
June 15th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Thanks for the reccomendations everyone!
Jacob,
I did look at their booklist, but with so many options I wasn’t sure which to look for first.
Trey and Ahlaischa,
I’ll make sure to save it for a later time. Twelve hundred pages sounds like a big chunk for the first bite 
I wondered if Systematic Theology would be a hard read
Ahlaischa,
Out of all the books you reccomended, which would you suggest I read first?
Thanks and God Bless!
June 15th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I pray God uses your message in the lives of my sons. We are reading this book together as a family and I am amazed and blessed by your message as teens to teens.
Continue on in your work for the Lord and may He bless you for sharing truth.
May I ask you to pray specifically for my sons, that they will receive this and be encouraged that they don’t have to be alone in their pursuit of doing right.
For His Glory!!
June 16th, 2008 at 6:20 am
I had not thought of using that phrase wrongly…I can see how that could be used negatively instead of an encouragement, or exhortation. I pray all of us parents will be encouragers, not naggers!
WE will see you in Dallas!
June 16th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Nicole: I agree completely that we should not stop at laundry. I was just pointing out that before evaluating our parents, we must be sure that they do not have just reason to misuse “Do Hard Things”. It is quite possible that what we may see as nagging is actually more a sign of our sin than our parents. Perhaps I was just uncomfortable with us talking about our parents failings, particularly on the internet. It seemed more like slander than building one another up. (Which, by God’s grace, has not happened here.) Does that make more sense?
June 16th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Hey, Amanda
I would definetely recommend Chosen By God by R.C. Sproul, to read first. It will lay the foundation for Systematic Theology and other equally wonderful books!
In Christ, Ahlaischa
June 17th, 2008 at 1:44 am
Megan M.: I totally get your point — absolutely! And you know what? You just made me realize how gracious my mom has been towards me as I have stumbled in my attempts to serve. Thank you for bringing up that point — you just added a great perspective on the matter for me, personally, as I understand the potential danger of such a train of thought, at times or in certain circumstances (although I still recognize the danger Alex and Brett’s father pointed out which it is very important to avoid, as well — and not just for parents).
Really, thank you so much for sharing your concern (and explaining it more for me) to help keep us on-track in edifying and encouraging each other — and thanking God for all the ways our parents do bless us by admonishing us (or holding back from criticizing us when they have good reason and we know we wouldn’t be so patient!).
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Your book and the whole preeminence of what “Do Hard Things” has had one of the most positive influences on my Life. Not only am I looking at little chores around the house differently, but I am going out and really trying to achieve great things for the Lord.
A Quote comes to mind…
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” -Maryanne Williamson
It truly was my light and the greatness God gave me that scared me. After reading the book though I am doing those great things that scared me the most. I am now letting my light show so others can do the same.
June 23rd, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Eric Morris,
I heard part of that quote (without the reference to God) you used in a movie once, but I didn’t know who it was from. It makes me feel in awe and causes me to stop and think. Thank you.
In Christ,
Amanda
July 1st, 2008 at 1:38 pm
i’ve just started to read “do hard things” and it’s inspired me. but i just dont know what to do!
It’s summer vacation right now so right now, i’m preparing myself.
i can relate to the step out of your comfort zone thing. i havent really had a parent example that gave me pushes to do hard things. just to do your best type thing. but since i’ve become closer to God, i feel like He’s preparing me to do something hard. i dont know what it is or when it’s going to happen but i know i’ll be ready. i stepped outside of my comfort zone when i went to a christian camp in North Carolina. it was called centrifuge and i’ve never been out of Florida before and away from my mom for a week. But i did it. i prayed for jesus to be with me through it all. and he was. that was probably the hardest thing i’ve done. and i wouldnt trade it for anything.
i love your book. and i’ll pray for you guys to be successful in everything you do, even if you fail=]
- Sarah, from super hot south Florida!
God rocks!
July 1st, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Dear Alex+Brett,
My name is stephanie patton,this is more of a hello then a comment.
We are reading your book in a teens bible study.
First off you guys totally rock! Ilove your book.Ialso love horses,I’ve been riding since i was younger,any way whaen i get out of college I want start a christian riding academy,but for now im going to start a girls bible study.do you have any googd ideas of tips?
equine obsessed, stepahanie patton
October 18th, 2008 at 1:21 am
zdil