Thankful that Teens Do Get It and So Do You!
As we approach the day that we celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.S., I’d like to share with you a few of the things that I’m thankful for.
For starters, I’m thankful for that which is so easy to take for granted—my health, family, friends, and the love of God.
I’m also thankful that every time I begin to get weary or discover that a former student has made poor choices even after hearing me speak, God will bring another former student across my path with an encouraging story in order to show me that my speaking is not in vain.
And this year has been full of those encouraging stories.
Like the 24-year-old young lady that I ran into in the dressing room of Marshall’s who excitedly told me that she was still a virgin because of my message. She thanked me and told me to never think that my message doesn’t matter or impact lives.
Or the 20-year-old college student who came to my door selling subscriptions to the local newspaper and told me that he hasn’t had sex since he heard me speak in his health class in high school.
Or the college student who sent me this email message:
Good afternoon Miss Brewton,
Several years back you came to my middle school to talk about abstinence. You provided us with pledge cards and I have kept mine with me since you offered it to us so many years ago. But due to a recent incident where I left my wallet on top of my car, that card was essentially destroyed after so many cars ran over my wallet. The card was really important to me and held immense sentimental value. I was planning to present it to my future partner when the time came. I have spoken to several coaches and health teachers at McEachern High School and they gave me your email. I was hoping, if possible, that you could mail one to me in Florida where I am in college. I’m willing to pay for postage if need be. I look forward to hearing from you.
Wow! And to think that many adults believe I’m wasting my time challenging teens to abstain from sex because they say, “teens are going to do it anyway.”
Yet, the young lady above was so dedicated to her commitment that she went to great lengths to get another abstinence pledge card.
I’m so glad that I don’t listen to the naysayers.
But, I must admit that I often wonder whether the students who write me letters vowing to abstain actually do.
So, I’m always grateful to hear from former students, years after they’ve been in my class, and find out that they actually did what they vowed to do…abstain from sex!
Reaping a Harvest Generations to Come
Sure, some people question whether my message to teens is realistic.
And then there are others who not only believe it’s realistic, but they even remind me that the impact of my “work” may have benefits for years to come that I may never get to see.
Like this young man…
“Thank you for coming to our class and doing what you do. I’m sure that even after you’re gone,
you will still affect many future parents who listened to you and many children who benefited
from the advice you gave their parents. Hopefully, I can be one of those people.”
YES!!!! That’s exactly what I want to happen—my message to not just benefit the student, but the next generation as well!
And there was also this parent who listened to my interview on the Gen Z Summit in February…
“Thank you for helping so many!
The angels will need to set up more chairs in heaven to hold those you usher in.”
What an amazing visual!
Just the thought that the seeds that I sow could reap eternal “fruit” gives me chills.
And if that’s not enough to keep me motivated to keep doing what I do, I’m not sure what is!
THANK YOU!
Of course, I can’t list all the things I’m grateful for without including you.
If you’re subscribed to my blog, thank you for clicking on the emails that appear in your inbox every week. I don’t take it for granted that you’re willing to spend your precious time reading about my daily discussions with teens.
Thank you for sharing my posts on your social media sites and forwarding my emails to your friends, neighbors, youth pastors and even your children.
But most importantly, thank you for your prayers! They are definitely working.
There have been many times when teachers forewarned me about students who would likely give me a hard time during class and the students were perfect angels for me.
The teachers are always amazed. They have no idea how many people I have praying that the classes will go well.
God is honoring your prayers and together we’re bearing fruit. So please keep them coming.
I’m blessed to share my journey with you.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
