The Ripple Effect: 2016 Edition
"I alone cannot change the world; but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."
~Mother Theresa
It’s hard to believe that 2017 is already here. Am I the only one that feels like the days are passing faster and faster each year?
I’m always blown away each year as I assemble the data to share the review of my previous year.
The Power of Life is in the Tongue!
But it’s never about the numbers for me. I don’t gauge my success by the number of students who hear me speak, the number of letters I receive or the number of commitments made. If I can make a positive impact on the life of just one student, it’s worth it! Letters like this young lady’s below is the only encouragement I need to continue “casting stones across the waters.”
Your visit made me rethink my life and all of my choices. You helped me with past emotional scars. You said something I’ll always hold close to my heart, ‘Just because you were raped or molested doesn’t mean you’re damaged goods.’ Tears came down my face as soon as you said it. Through all of the writing, pain and coping mechanisms I tried, all it took was you saying that simple powerful thing for me to honestly realize what I deserve. I was in the darkest place once before and I never want to be in a place like that again. I was just so messed up in the head and I’ll always repeat those words to myself whenever those old emotions come back to me. I can’t thank you enough Ms. Jackie. Please keep saving lives because that’s exact what you’re doing!
It’s humbling to know that I was the vessel through which God brought healing to this young lady and so many others. I received a similar letter from another young lady. She begged me to never omit the quote, ‘Just because you were raped or molested doesn’t mean you’re damaged goods,’ from my presentation because it spoke to her as well. It’s tragic that those words are even necessary.
My Year of Firsts
Besides the numbers, below are a few of my other accomplishments in 2016.
In July, I published my first ebook, 7 Things Every Parent of a Teen Needs to Know Before Having “The Talk,” which is a FREE resource chalk full of great information for parents. If you haven’t downloaded it yet, you can do so here.
My long-awaited book, 7 Secrets Guys Will Never Tell You: A Teen Girl’s Guide to Love, Sex, and Relationships, was published in October and has been doing extremely well. In September, I presented the first (advanced) copy to Mrs. Marjorie Harvey at the 2016 Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation’s Girls Who Rule the World Mentoring Weekend, where I’ve been a featured speaker since 2011. Learn more about the book here.
Popular Radio Host KD Bowe on MyPraise 102.5 FM’s KD Bowe Show, invited me once again as a guest to do a three-part series related to themes I share in 7 Secrets. If you missed it, check out my most popular interview in the series, The Power of the Daddy/Daughter Relationship.
My Book Launch Event took place in Powder Springs, GA, on October 8th. It was an intimate affair shared with friends, family, teachers and other supporters. View the highlights from the event here. What an honor it was to have people drive up to 8 hours to celebrate with me.
It was great to be able to travel back to the area where I grew up to host a 7 Secrets LIVE Event and Book Signing in Duncan, SC, on November 12th. I was even a featured guest of Jamarcus Gaston on the Studio 62 show on Carolinas CW 62 WYCW-TV in Spartanburg, while at home for the weekend.
2017 Promises to be a Year of Many Ripples
As if 2016 wasn’t busy enough, I’m already working on follow-up material to supplement the 7 Secrets book:
- 7 Secrets Discussion Journal: Teen girls will be able to apply their truth to what they’ve read in 7 Secrets by journaling their thoughts and experiences, while being challenged to make healthy relationship choices going forward.
- 7 Secrets Leader’s Guide: Youth leaders, teachers and adult mentors will be able to facilitate discussion of the book and the discussion journal with girls they serve.
- 7 Secrets LIVE Events & Book Signings: I will be traveling to select locations during the coming months to speak and sign copies of the 7 Secrets book. If you would like to host an event in your area, please let me know.
- 7 Secrets Webinar for Mothers & their Daughters: In this webinar, I will educate, equip and empower mothers to be able to have discussions with their daughters about love, sex, and relationships.
While I am thankful for the ripple effect I’ve been blessed to be a part of in 2016, there’s still so much work to be done!
My goal in 2017 is to cast more stones to create more ripples. But I can’t do it alone. I never could.
I need your help now more than ever. The more students who have an opportunity to hear this message the better. Obviously, I can’t personally reach every teen in America. That’s where you come in.
If you haven’t already, I invite you to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram. I often post videos and nuggets of wisdom helpful to both teens and parents.
You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel here, and be the first to view my latest videos.
And by all means—Share! Share! Share! Social media is a powerful tool. Let’s use it for good!
Help me spread the word about the great resources that are available to download and/or purchase on www.jackiebrewton.com.
Together we can create ripples that extend this message to teens we’ll never know, but who will be empowered all the same.
Thank you for every time you’ve shared a post, a video, or simply took the time to comment. Your support means the world to me and helps fuel my passion to keep on casting!
