After months of researching bullying and trying to write a story for the victims, I've come to a firm realization:  You have a better chance of getting through life if you have a tribe of people who support you. 

Life can be downright messy at times, and we're all going to have those days--

Days where our hearts will be hurt by people we care about.
Days we don't think we have the energy to face.
Days that feel as if we've been dragged through the streets behind a large truck.

During those times we need to reach out and talk to people.  We need to find people who will speak words of life and hope into our mess.  This is the crucial part.

It's easy to find people who will commiserate with us—grumble and complain whenever we need someone to join us in our  misery.  It's much harder to find people who will support us in our healing. If you have someone in your life who speaks truth and encouragement over you, hold onto them.  Be open to them. Listen to them.

I don't know where I'd be without my tribe.  Whenever I'm having "a day," these ladies are a text away.  Their words bring comfort and help.  I've learned from their advice, and I've cherished their visits to support me.  I'm the woman I am today because of the love they've poured into my life.

That's what tribes do—they pour into our lives and help us become stronger.  ​

Teens Finding Hope has some exciting news.  We are hosting our first Mental Health Conference next September!  We are beyond excited to provide you with the resources and community you'll need for a successful year.  Not only will you be able to hear from some experts and get your questions answered, but you will also be able to gather an array of resources and freebies.

Among those freebies will be our new book, The Making of Brave,  which deals with the subject of bullying.
In this book, a high school senior named Maddy has everything going for her.  She earns good grades, is a member of
​the cheerleading squad, and is on her way to earning a scholarship for college.  Everything is working out perfectly....until her best friend betrays her. Devastated by her naked picture being sent to classmates, and traumatized by the bullying that follows, Maddy finds herself on a journey to survive.  Somehow she must find a way to stop the abuse and stand up for herself.

We hope you will be able to join us next Fall.  Until then, stay strong and remember:  You are not alone.