rebelling against low expectations
College students (and even high schoolers) have been told by well-meaning parents, teachers, and academic advisors: “Remember, you’re a student first.” The message behind this advice is simple and seems wise: Keep your priorities straight. Don’t let less important things crowd out the time, mental energy, and focus you need to maximize your time in high school or at...
We’re back in school. Homework is being assigned. Our schedules are getting busy and stress is setting in. But wait. Let’s take a minute to think — to remember what really matters this school year. Here are 10 things I’m trying to remember in the midst of the rising craziness: 1. Seek out fellow believers We can be there to encourage, support, and build up one another, and to...
The word depression has many stereotypes, so permit me to disband a few for you. I am not sad all the time. I do not cry all the time. Something tragic never happened to me, I lead a very normal life. Contrary to popular belief, I am not depressed all the time. The best way to explain it is like this: Depression is like asthma for your brain. Sometimes your brain has an “asthma attack” and you...
Last week, I began feeling extreme conviction concerning the amount of time I was spending daily on my iPod touch. After lots of prayer, it was clear that technology had become an obvious obstacle in my life as a Christian. And so, I decided to go on what I consider a “modern fast.” Giving up something that is important to me and difficult to surrender, but exchanging it for more time...
My coffee cup sits amidst a white cloud of college envelopes, envelopes which are much more than just mail to be sifted through. Each one added to the pile is blaring a message: Come here; our campus is the most gorgeous! Want to travel and discover the world? Our college is for you! Big dreams. Big opportunities. Schedule a visit and explore your future today. Some even dare to get flashy:...
I find that homeschooling, many times, is the norm in the Rebelution movement. While scrolling through author bios of the stories and articles on here, I often smile to myself as I see “homeschooled” or read about plans to graduate early. Not that I think it’s absurd. On the contrary, I applaud these people. They are the ones who go above and beyond, the ones that dare to think...
A while ago, I wrote a short article about whether or not Christians should stand up for their rights. I knew it was not exactly what most Americans idealize, but I was still surprised at the “push-back” I received from it. Let me be clear: I am not anti-American in the least — in fact I am extremely grateful for the blessings God has given us Americans. God has blessed us with wealth, ability to...
For years I could never find God. The real problem was that I wasn’t looking. I was so stuck in my defiance and my will to “do things myself” that I didn’t allow myself to open up to God. That changed for me this past Fall. I was at one of the lowest points of my life. It’s truly amazing the higher power that seizes us at the moment when our knees hit the floor. God...
I’m not a big fan of the word “mediocre.” It’s not a term that’s been applied to me very much. When teachers write report cards, they usually put something along the lines of “hard worker” or “attentive student.” Not mediocre. Another aspect of my un-mediocrity is the fact that people have been calling me “smart” for ages. Why? I...
I have a confession to make. I spend a lot of time pouring over words and pictures of things I want to be. The life I want to live. I read about strong heroines facing danger and struggling valiantly towards a cause bigger than themselves. I spend hours on Pinterest looking at pretty pictures and epic scenes, adventures and sunshine and battles and life. I research how to stay healthy and strong...
rebelling against low expectations
