Just Keep Breathing: A Shocking Expose' of Letters You Never Imagined a Generation Would Write - Softcover

Dabbs, Reggie; Driver, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0718077199 ISBN 13: 9780718077198

Publisher: Thomas Nelson, 2016

Synopsis

“I get abused and hurt so much, and no one seems to care…”

These are real words written by a real girl. There are thousands more just like her. Her pain is real. Her story is true. But her voice has been hidden… until now.

For those who will dare to listen to the truth, tragedy, and triumph found in the desperate words of a generation eclipsed by the white noise of a culture too busy to care, there are incredible stories to be unearthed. This book is a shocking, inspirational exposé of just a few of these stories—hidden in plain sight. It is written in response to thousands of personal letters and messages, both for those in crisis and for those who share that crisis with them everyday. These are the stories, the responses, and ultimately the hope that we all should own for each other.

As one of the most sought-after public speakers in the world, Reggie Dabbs has shared his own incredible story with millions of adults and students each year for the past twenty-five years. Because of social media, many of them share their own stories with him in return. These letters contain their stories with names and details changed to protect their anonymity, having otherwise been kept in their original form. They are followed by Reggie’s actual response of hope to that individual. John Driver, MS—a former public secondary educator, as well as a fifteen-year community youth advocate and mentor—adds additional insight and “Breathable Moments” for educators, parents, friends, and family.

Equipping readers to help those in crisis continue breathing another day, Just Keep Breathing provides both the inspiration and the information needed to respond confidently and appropriately—and see those we care about make it to another sunrise.

About this title

About the Authors

Reggie Dabbs has been one of the most sought-after public school and event speakers in the United States and around the world for more than two decades. From professional athletes and stay-at-home moms to high school students, Reggie shares his own astonishing story of tragedy, redemption, and hope with millions of people each year. An acclaimed saxophonist, Reggie lives in Fort Myers with Michelle, his wife of thirty years. They have one adult son, Dominic.

John Driver, M.S. is an award-winning writer and collaborator of more than twenty-five books. A former teacher with a history degree from the University of Tennessee, he lives near Nashville with his wife, Laura, and their daughter, Sadie. He serves as the executive and teaching pastor at The Church at Pleasant Grove and hosts the weekly podcast Talk About That.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Just Keep Breathing

A Shocking Exposé of Real Letters You Never Imagined a Generation was Writing

By Reggie Dabbs, John Driver

Thomas Nelson

Copyright © 2016 Reggie Dabbs and John Driver
All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-0-7180-7719-8

Contents

Enter the Inkwell: A Prologue, 1, 
Chapter 1: Unfixable and Invaluable, 
Chapter 2: Roles and Holes, 
Chapter 3: Bullies and Backstories, 
Chapter 4: Quality and Quantity, 
Chapter 5: Action and Inaction, 
Chapter 6: Pain and Potential, 
Chapter 7: Entitlement and Empowerment, 
Endless Ink: An Epilogue, 199, 
Notes, 205, 
About the Authors, 207, 

CHAPTER 1

Unfixable and Invaluable

LETTER 1: I WAS RAPED, BULLIED, AND I WONTTO DIE ... BUT NO ONE CARES

"RACHEL"

Dear Reggie,

I know you probably wont get this. But im at the XX and i wontto die. I always wontto die. I cut so much. I have had over 15 stitches. I have overdosed over 3 times. But God doesnt let me die. He wont let me. I dont wontto be here. I get pushed in the lockers at school. I get threatened all the times. I have an older brother who is badly disabled. No one really cares. I know you talk about hope, but where is it? My boyfriend and his little brother and friend killed thmself. It will be 2 years ago tomarrow. I get abused and hurt so much, no one cares. People see the cuts, they see the bruises but no one cares. I try nd ask for help nd i get pushed away. Why should i be here. I wont to die. I have been raped and im scard to report it. No one cares. Im cutting so much and doing such stupid stuff. Ill probably die. No one cares like, i try and ask, but no one cares. My dads emotionaly abusive, my moms an addict and physicaly abusive, her bf is a drunk and abusive, why should i [be] here? I wontto die. I know you dont care but yeah ...

im Rachel, not that anyone cares.

Reggie's Initial E-mail Response to Rachel

Rachel, I need you to hear me: I do not want to push people away. I want to lead them to the place where they can find hope like I did. I know you have a purpose. I believe in you, even if you don't think so, okay?

Reggie

Rachel's Reply to Reggie's Response

???? you may say that now, but you wont care soon. You will wontto get rid of me too. You would wontto be the one to just push me away. Call me the weird person. I just cant do life. Ive cut so much over this youth rally. Its so pathetic i know. I never do this kind of stuff. Im so sorry i found your email. Im sorry im even writting this. I just dont know what to do anymore. I try. U really try but its like why do i? I dont even know. I dont wont to be here anymore. I fractured 5 ribs the other month, got forced into ... (message cut off)

Reggie's Reply to Rachel

Dear Rachel,

Let me begin by saying something to you that someone should have said a long time ago — I am sorry. I know, I know — I am not the one who should be apologizing because I am not responsible for everything that has come your way. But please hear me when I say that on behalf of everyone who may never tell you what they should say, I, Reggie, am sorry for everything that has happened to you.

I'm sure you are not perfect, but you do not deserve all of this. I, Reggie, care about you. I know, this does not erase all that has happened to you, but do not underestimate the power of one person caring, one person loving. Yep, one person can change the world; I am counting on this to be true in you. Right now, you are my one person. But before that can happen, let me 

Edition details

• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0718077199
• ISBN 13: 9780718077198
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224