I think I label myself that way a lot. Especially with spelling, but if you mispelled "they" when you were in a spelling bee in 7th grade I don't think you would think you were a spelling person either!! I've been working on improving it thought. That's a very encouraging post, and humerous too!!
Ednella | Homepage | 05.02.06 - 12:50 pm | #

Thats a great post... Another great example of how you CANNOT allow society to define sucess.
Seth | Homepage | 05.02.06 - 1:10 pm | #

Great post Brett! It gave me lots to think about. Loved the examples.

A year and a half ago, to the day, I labelled myself as someone who was too stubborn to change and learn to live in another country, and accept cultural differences. I was hurt and upset. Because of that label, I began getting angry, very angry. I was hard-hearted and really miserable to be around. I was sinking very quickly.

But the Lord used all that misery to show me His ever-present love. His grace. He began to soften me. He taught me to be content and happy with where I am. And now, 1 1/2 years later, I have never been more thankful that that label is gone but without that label, I never would have learned what I have and overcome the mountain that I have. God used that label to mold me. I can't imagine what my future would look like if I were still miserable today. I don't want to! And now, I'd better stop writing this comment because I'm about to start crying. ;)
Kaitlin | Homepage | 05.02.06 - 1:17 pm | #

great post, Brett.
Labels are so dangerous! I've seen so much of this--people stuck in a rut and not wanting to get out because they were a "rut person."
A year and a half ago, my family started taking martial arts, but I didn't. I was a dancer--not a martial artist! Heavens to Betsey! But I did try it, and now I'm more than halfway to my blackbelt--and loving it.
Another label the Lord has helped me to rid is being a chatty-cathy. I was always saying things that got me into trouble, but by His grace, I'm much better at controlling my tongue. Not excellent yet, but better. :-) He's so good!
Jacqui | Homepage | 05.02.06 - 1:29 pm | #

Great post, Brett. It's an excellent demonstration of how we shouldn't give up on something God calls us to do, even if the culture tells us we don't "have to".

This whole rebelutionary movement has me really excited! It's such a blessing to see how the Lord is working through you guys.

Keep pressing on in His Name!
Sarah
Sarah R. | 05.02.06 - 4:12 pm | #

I loved this post. Labeling myself as a certain kind of person is something I really struggle with (especially about the math thing!). Thanks so much for the reminder to press on and be willing to change.

Jennifer

P.S. I heard a rumor that you guys dance... and I'm really curious to know what kind you do...
thepatriot15 | Homepage | 05.02.06 - 4:27 pm | #

I really enjoyed this post. You make some very good points. I really appreciate the new perspective. Thanks.
Christine | Homepage | 05.02.06 - 5:23 pm | #

Excellent post as usual! You even inspired me to write a post of my own, since I have trouble especially in the area of communication. Great job!

Oh, and I too, like Jen, am interested in what types of dancing you do...
Anna Lofgren | Homepage | 05.02.06 - 5:36 pm | #

Hey Brett,

I can’t tell you how perfect God’s timing is! Thanks for another inspiring post! God bless!
Lori@nne | 05.02.06 - 6:03 pm | #

Excellent. One of the best posts, yet.
Law | Homepage | 05.02.06 - 6:45 pm | #

Great Post! It has really made me think! Enough to make sure that I write this comment correctly as a part of that striving for excellence :). I've labeled myself so many times so many ways, and amazingly enough, God has really been turning those labels upside down. I wanted to be a wife, mother, and homemaker, and I still want those things, but God has shown me He wants me to go to college for PreMed, then on to Medical school. The point?? To work with girls at the Pregnancy center here where I live. Maybe in another country as well. I am not a science person, or so I thought, but apparently, God has different plans. :) After all, He does not call the qualified, but rather qualifies the called. Praise Him for it too! To God be the Glory.
Gabby | 05.02.06 - 7:55 pm | #

Fantastic article, Brett! I so appreciate your blog. As a young "activist"...er "rebelutionary" ;) myself (specifically, a speaker on and promoter of beautiful modesty and authentic femininity), I am continually inspired by you two. You have such a gift for forming and expressing thoughts with charity, yet hit-home clarity. Thank you again for using this gift to change our generation. Know that I pray for you daily, and please keep me in your prayers also.

Yours in Christ,
Claire | Homepage | 05.02.06 - 9:50 pm | #

You had me laughing over the shower ordeal. Thank you for this post. I love looking back at all the areas in my life where I have overcome the challenges I previously thought to be insurmountable.
Elizabeth | Homepage | 05.03.06 - 7:54 am | #

Thanks for this post. I really enjoyed the example about how what's hard at one stage of your life won't be hard at another stage. I notice the tendency in myself to think I'm working hard compared to other people, but compared to my potential, I'm not trying at all.
Sarah | Homepage | 05.03.06 - 9:06 am | #

*Conviction strikes.* So many times I have done this exact thing! Not only does this kind of thinking keep us from doing hard things, but it is also a slap in the face of our gracious God.

When we say "I'm not a _____ person," we are essentially saying, "God, I know that You said I could do all things through Christ, but I don't believe You, and I don't trust You."

Honoring Christ means doing the not-so-easy tasks well, because in His grace is made perfect in weakness. Thanks for your article!

For His Glory,
Kristi
Kristi | Homepage | 05.03.06 - 9:57 am | #

Excellent, Brett. Thank you.

I didn't realize quite how much I've accepted the use of labels in my own life (you got me on the math one!). How easily the cultural "non-expectations" creep in - what a cop-out! Many times I am tempted to label myself as not having the stuff to be "that' kind of person, whatever the area may be, but I know the truth in my heart. I love the thought that these hard things now aren't any harder than the hard things we faced when we were little...it really helps put it all into perspective.

Press on!

Hannah Michelle
Hannah L. | Homepage | 05.03.06 - 11:10 am | #

Thought provoking, indeed.

It's interesting to introspectively come to terms with how much you bash yourself.
Dan | Homepage | 05.03.06 - 1:06 pm | #

Thanks for that post!

Very thought provoking.
Vevy | 05.03.06 - 1:22 pm | #

Ouch. You really got me on this one. There are an awful lot of things that I don't do, partly because I claim it's "not my thing," and partly because pride hinders me from starting at the bottom. But I wonder sometimes if some of those things are worth my time. If I did everything that comes to mind, I'd be like those high-schoolers who get five hours of sleep a night, just so they can get their school done. No thank you. I think before we run out to do all those things we at which we stink, we should count the cost; no sense in starting if you won't have time to finish.

I am going to add my voice to those who are curious about your dancing. :) I box step, but that's about it.
A fellow soldier | 05.03.06 - 2:03 pm | #

In answer to the dancing question . . . Alex and I enjoy many different styles of dance, including: ballroom, line, square, swing, English Country, and even a tiny bit of ballet (our mother is an incredible ballet dancer).

A Fellow Soldier: You are absolutely right that we don't need to do everything. My concern is that we can decide not to do something that would better equip us to serve God, just because it's not expected or because we're too lazy.
Brett Harris | Homepage | 05.03.06 - 2:14 pm | #

Now, my dear brother-in-laws, you weren't thinking of me with all those comments about spelling and math, were you? ; ) I don't think it was very nice to talk about all my weak areas. j/k While it is true that I am not good at spelling or math, I appreciate you bringing up the fact that just because it's "hard" doesn't mean we shouldn't overcome our weak areas. Labeling ourselves does not help us overcome. I may never be as good in math as Joel is (guess who is going to teach the highschoolers math in our homeschool!), it wouldn't be a good excuse to give up learning math or striving to become better in it.
Miss you guys! Come home soon. : )
KimiHarris | Homepage | 05.03.06 - 3:58 pm | #

That is a GREAT post, and it really got me thinking. How many times are we content to remain at the status quo? I linked to your post in my most recent post on the blog my mom, sister and I run, I hope you don't mind. :)
Jordan | Homepage | 05.03.06 - 4:49 pm | #

I guess I say that about cross-stich. It is so time consuming and requires so much patience! My sister Jo loves it though.
Of course, there are some things we are not good at. And sometimes it is humility to say "I can't do this!" I mean, if you really can't and you're not just being lazy.

By the way, my five year old sister is all excited because she just took a shower all by herself. :)
Kirk | Homepage | 05.03.06 - 5:17 pm | #

Wow! That's really cool how you two enjoy dancing! I thought I'd heard that your mom was a ballerina, anyways that's really neat! I do ballet, and have done square dancing and English country dancing and enjoy it immensely!
Anna Lofgren | Homepage | 05.03.06 - 5:49 pm | #

Wow...good post, Brett. I had never thought of things in those terms before.

I think there is some truth to the fact that we all have different talents, and rightly so. We shouldn't ALL have to be skilled at math, and we shouldn't feel bad if we are NOT skilled at something. But you are definitely right that we often make excuses for ourselves in areas where we really should buck up and develop skill. Thanks for that reminder.
J | Homepage | 05.03.06 - 9:06 pm | #

Wonderful post (as usual).

It's interesting to consider how many things we just give up on...*Poof* without a thought...never thinking what doors we are closing for our future Rebelutionary potential. (I now have new motivation to conquer spelling once and for all =P).

We're keeping your campaigning in our prayers. Good providence to you in the coming months....Or...as your brother was want to remind me...it's all good. So - Providence.

(P.S. I hope you'll be coming with your father to the Colorado Homeschool Conference. Colorado kids could use a little dose of Rebelution. :grin: )
Chloe | Homepage | 05.03.06 - 9:12 pm | #

thanks for this post!

just exactly what i needed to keep on with college life!

God bless you!:D
jan | 05.04.06 - 3:30 am | #

Excellent. Devastating.

I've been on a rant about low expectations for a while. I recently interviewed some college students in my church about what their church and their parents expect from them. Here's the list:

1. Go to church.
2. Don't sin big.

That's it. It's pathetic. If only their church and their parents knew that their low expectations are nothing less than hatred toward their kids.

I've been keeping an eye on your blog for awhile, and continue to be impressed.
I put a link to this post on my blog...hope you don't mind.

Carry on!
Mark | Homepage | 05.04.06 - 7:34 am | #

Brett: Ah, I see. Somehow I missed that in your article. I guess I need to read more closely....
That dancing thing is so funny. Is there anything you guys CAN'T do?
A fellow soldier | 05.04.06 - 12:07 pm | #

Lol...I bet they don't knit! My brother and all his friends (all of whom try to wear camo 24/7) are making scarves at an alarming rate. Usually pink or purple--for their sisters and moms.
Unfortanately, they're too short to dance yet. ;-)
Kimi: Most folks I know would say (if they haven't read this already) that they aren't math or spelling people, so I think it must have been a generalization (at least we can hope it was!)
BTW--are y'all still intending to do Rebelution DC? I know I've asked this before, but I was wondering if you'd consider changing that to Richmond, VA. If you do, I can find a horde of folks willing to host, organize, etc. Oh, and maybe I'll bribe with some good cookies for break time in the conference. We have some mean bakers...;-)
Jacqui | Homepage | 05.04.06 - 3:45 pm | #

Wow, what an awesome analogy (and I totally sympathize with the shower ordeal - I hated them at first)! It's so easy to just say "I'm not good at that," or as you said, "I'm not a ____ person." But we cheat God and ourselves by taking the easy way out. Thanks for reminding us!

~Melodi
Melodi Anne | Homepage | 05.04.06 - 6:13 pm | #

Great post!

I laughed a great deal when I read Brett's shower experience.

There are areas in my life where I label myself as "just not me." I haven't strived to overcome those difficulties or work around them...yet. I've grown quite used to accepting myself as "just me."

Thanks for the wonderful insight. I'll keep that in mind.
Alyssa C. | Homepage | 05.05.06 - 5:37 am | #

My... somewhat incomplete response.
Dan | Homepage | 05.05.06 - 11:36 am | #

Excellent! Thank you! Once again, I've been challenged and inspired.
Allison Van Meter | 05.06.06 - 11:06 am | #

Brett,

Thanks for the post! It was very encouraging and challenging! I also loved the story from when you were little. =) Truly, you have a wonderful way of making anything funny and using it to highlight your point and bring glory to God. He has given you so many marvelous, simple stories to use toward this end! =)

Anyway, your words have encouraged me with regards to learning Spanish. In my mind, I have made assumptions that a language is too difficult for me to learn and I will never become completely fluent. However, in the Lord's strength and with persistent diligence it can happen! =) In fact, Bryce was just telling me today about a man who visited his campus that learned 30 languages! Amazing, isn't it?! But in God's strength, as we work diligently for His glory and His kingdom, incredible things can be accomplished! =)

God bless you, Brett! Both you and Alex are dearly missed here at home.
Tiffany Barclay | 05.08.06 - 12:20 am | #

Okay - so I put off reading this post for quite some time, but I'm really glad I read it. Thank you for the reminder to go beyond mediocre. I wish all of my friends would read this!
Through Him,
Jody
Jody | Homepage | 05.16.06 - 8:42 pm | #

Hey guys. I just started reading your blog, and immediately came across this entry. I'm 30 now, but it was about a year ago I became aware of this same mental barrier in my own mind. I say aware, but what I really mean is that I realized it was not acceptable. Ever since I was young I can remember thinking, "oh, that's not me... I'm not that kind of a person." I did this about so many things.
When I was a teenager, God began to challenge me with this thought: "Why can't you have the same kind of relationship with me that David did in the Bible?"
I remember walking away from the table in my heart thinking, "But, God! David was special - he was a hero, a spiritual giant! That's just not me." But God pursued me and that was one of the thing He used to turn me toward Himself. What I didn't realize at the time was how prevalent this thought was in my mind. It was like a cancer that had spread everywhere.
Two years ago I began attending a church filled with leadership that dreamed big, but then just did what they dreamed. The church itself was started in this way (do the letters HOFCC sound familiar?). I've been in churches where things, such as church planting, are discussed for years, but nothing ever happens because of the huge mental barriers in place. I watched these men taking bold steps for God, but then I myself was challenged by men in the church. Challenged to do things that I just don't do, like public speaking. That's when I ran right into this mindset. Everything within me resisted, "that's just not me! I can't do that!" It was like someone turned on the light and I suddenly saw this mindset everywhere and realized it was not acceptable.
Yes, it is very hard to overcome. I get to speak publicly soon and every inch of my body trembles in fear. It is very hard. But I have all I need in Christ, and I trust Him in this leading.
Andy D. | 05.22.06 - 9:47 am | #

Brett,

You simply must post more often with that much humor. I must confess that lack of pressure is the problem I have found with unschooling (which we do wether we want to or not- we are to disorganized to do anything else)- to hearken back to your allegory, a shower with no water pressure is rather useless (not to mention annoying).

William

P.S. I do swing- a little, there are very few people my age who do here. (long play Denver and the Mile High Orchestra) But I never liked classical music for dancing.
william | 05.23.06 - 6:26 pm | #