Challenge to Inspire: This Week's Quotes

I have had such a busy, yet incredible week. Miss Arkansas is right around the corner, and I could not be more excited for the approaching week! As promised, I have been posting a quote each day on my Facebook page in an effort to inspire my friends and family. Today, I am sharing those quotes here with you. The quotes are of wide variety, as I chose a quote each day that related to my personal experiences. I began this challenge last Wednesday, so I will start with my chosen quote from Thursday, July 4.

Thursday, July 4th

 

On our nation's birthday, I was inspired to be courageous. The men and women who have fought and continue to defend our nation each and every day display an immeasurable amount of selfless courage. I am so thankful for their service, and truly motivated by their dedication.

 Friday, July 5th

 

During the holiday weekend, I was able to spend time with my precious family. I was reminded of how incredibly blessed I am to be surrounded by people who love me unconditionally. I've heard it said, "you don't have to like your family, you just have to love them." Well, I am extremely fortunate, because my family members are also some of my best friends! 

Saturday, July 6th

 

I love this acronym. As an avid supporter of respecting others, I "think" this is a wonderful extension of the common phrase "think before you speak." 

Sunday, July 7th

 

On Sunday, I began the tedious process of packing for the Miss Arkansas Pageant. As any contestant will testify, a lack of organization with this process could result in disaster!  As I began separating suitcases, making piles of clothes, matching earrings with outfits, and creating countless checklists, the stress started to build. I read this quote later in the evening, and I was quickly comforted by these words. I remembered Matthew 6:34 where we are instructed not to worry about the troubles of tomorrow.

 Monday, July 8th

 On Monday, I was back to my regular training regiment in my usual setting. As the day began, I found myself simply wishing Miss Arkansas Week would arrive because I was so eager and anxious. A few minutes later, I read this quote and realized I should be incredibly thankful for the few days of preparation I had left. My work hard and perseverance in these final days could be vital to my experiences next week.

Tuesday July, 9th

 Yesterday I began to reflect on the blog post I made six months ago in regards to my pursuit of Miss Arkansas this year. As much as my selfish, humanly desires may like to ask God,  "Please give me this job!" I know that is not the appropriate request. Rather, I am praying for His will and His guidance to find that will, whatever it may be. 

 

Wednesday, July 10th

 I found today's quote on "The Bully Project" Facebook page yesterday. This statement is so true and can be fundamental to a person's happiness. I have been working diligently this past year to fill my time, my mind, and my heart with positivity. Whether that be the company I keep, the TV I watch, the books I read, or the words I speak. You are ultimately in control of who you allow to control your life. Decide who you want that to be and work consistently to make it happen!

I am so excited about this challenge, and I look forward to sharing with you all next week! My post could potentially be much less detailed next week, as it will be during Miss Arkansas. However, I will post, regardless of how brief or extensive it may be!

All my love and care,

I'm All In!

Amy

A New Challenge!

Hi Everyone!

For the last few months, my Dad has been posting a “thought for the day” on his Facebook page. The posts are always brief, yet positive, encouraging, and ironically, relevant to my day. I am so proud to call him my Dad, and incredibly impressed with his dedication to spreading positivity through social media.

As I was reading through some of the Facebook pages that I follow, (or “like” as Facebook describes it) I was noticing these incredibly inspiring quotes that I wanted to share with my friends on Facebook and blog followers. So, rather than bombarding all of my friends with dozens of quotes at one time, I have decided to share one a day for the next 30 days. Each day, I will share a new inspiring quote on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/amybrookecrain). I will also share them here, however, I will share 7 at a time, once a week here, rather than posting 30 separate blog entries.Thank you for the inspiration, Dad, and I hope to inspire all of you, as well!

I hope everyone is doing well; keep making a difference!

I’m all in!

Amy

Today’s Quote:

Today's quote comes from the awesome movement by Secret, entitled "Mean Stinks." For more information, visit Mean Stinks on Facebook: www.facebook.com/meanstinks.

 

"I'm 'All In'"

     

Today, while I was out running errands, I had my radio tuned to XM 63 The Message. I had the volume turned down due to several on and off phone conversations, and I saw the words “All In” pop up on the screen. I was really intrigued because my anti-bullying program is entitled “All In.” I turned up the volume and instantly fell in love with this song, for several reasons.

 

Firstly, I greatly appreciate the intended message of the song: never ‘apologizing’ or ‘hiding’ your dedication to the One who gives us life, no matter how difficult or isolated the journey may be.

 

Secondly, the song relates to my reasoning for calling my program “All In.” I want students to understand that treating people with respect is an investment in you, and the investment doesn’t discriminate, or choose specific people to receive this respect, it is all encompassing. This investment in you and your future is a commitment to give 100% of your effort to respect 100% of the people you encounter each day.

 

I am excited about this new song, and I encourage you to listen to it on Youtube or download it on Itunes! Each time I listen to it, it reminds me of how amazing it feels to “take a stand” for a cause which you care so deeply, and a Savior for whom you love so desperately.

 

Stellar Kart - "All In" Official Music Video

 

 

 

 

 

“All In” By Stellar Kart

 IT'S EASIER TO BE THE CROWD
TO JUST FIT IN AND NOT STAND OUT AT ALL
TO MAKE A CASE FOR APATHY
AND NEVER RISK A THING IN CASE YOU FALL
THIS IS LIFE AND WE ALL DECIDE
THE STAND WE TAKE
AND THIS IS MINE THAT

I AM NOT ASHAMED, WON'T WALK AWAY
NOT TRYING TO DISGUISE OR EVER HIDE
THE REASON THAT I CHOOSE TO BE A FOOL
FOR THE ONE WHO SAVED MY LIFE
I WON'T APOLOGIZE

IT'S HARD TO WALK A NARROW ROAD
AND KNOW THAT YOU MIGHT BE THE ONLY ONE
TO GO WHERE NO ONE ELSE WILL GO
PRESSING ON UNTIL THE RACE IS RUN
THIS IS LIFE AND WE ALL DECIDE
THE CHOICE IS OURS
AND THIS IS MINE THAT

AS FOR ME, I AM ALL IN
AS FOR ME, I AM ALL IN
ALL IN

I AM NOT ASHAMED, WON'T WALK AWAY
I CANNOT DENY THAT

 

All my love and care,

 

“I’m All In!”

 

-Amy

Great Things are Happening!

Today is an exciting day for anti-bullying advocates!

The Bully Project announced today that we have reached our goal of screening the documentary "Bully" to over 1 million students! This movie that sparked "The Bully Project" is absolutely incredible. Throughout this captivating documentary, I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster. I was so proud of the courage displayed by victims, frustrated by the apathy of teachers and community members, and heart-broken for the precious children who took their own lives to escape the torture they lived in each day.

I am incredibly proud to be even a small part of an organization that is making such a huge impact in the lives of children across the world. Congratulations to "The Bully Project" on your huge achievement, and I cannot wait to see what else is in store for the future of this powerful organization.

Secondly, Project SEATBELT - Safe Environments Achieved Through Bullying prevention Engagement Leadership Teaching Respect launched in Washington D.C. today. This organization developed its name by hoping to impress upon communities that treating people with respect should be "the norm" in likeness to putting on your seatbelt. I am excited to see this new organization flourish! For more information, visit www.projectseatbelt.org.

You can change the world,

Amy

It Is Happening Everyday...

 

Quotes from across Arkansas:

 

“In 2011, I was at cheer camp, and my closest friend since the 2nd grade was being very rude and saying rude things to me! When I talked to my coach, she talked to us individually, then together. To this day I still live with her bullying me. You look and see all the different stories on bullying and how many different times I've listened to the words she says to me daily and think about ‘I’m not pretty enough, not strong enough, not well liked, not popular, being preppy, having nice clothes, going back to a blonde.’ Words do hurt very much so and these are the words and sayings I hear mostly ever day. But I know girls are jealous and don't like other girls!! My quote I live by is that I don't have to be perfect to be loved by my loved ones. And that quote is simply true!!! Thanks for letting me share my story!! “

 

“I have been bullied lots of times. One time, there was this girl who sat at my table, and she kept spitting in my food. I didn’t know that she had been doing this until later. It made me sick to know that I had eaten food that had another person’s spit in it! I didn’t know why she did this. I tried talking to her, but she didn’t listen, and she kept spitting in food. I went to the teachers, but they didn’t seem to care. I don’t feel like they do anything about bullying. I also went through a stage where I stuttered when I got in a hurry, and even though I couldn't help it, people used to make fun of me. I finally stood up for myself and it stopped.”

 

“My dear friend lived in California, where a girl was bullying her constantly. The girl even came to her house and beat on her window asking her to come out and fight. My cousin moved to another state, but the girl is still bothering her with phone calls and text messages. This is not right, and it needs to stop. No one should have to live like that, or have to move to get away from someone.”

 

“Every positive change starts with the brave actions of advocates willing to speak up. Thank you to those who are sharing; you are amazing young people and you are making a difference!”- Amy

 

Please keep emailing your stories, advice, and stances on bullying. Your story can offer hope to others, show bullies the hurt they cause, and demonstrate to our communities the reality you all see everyday.

 

Email: allinarkansas@gmail.com

 

All My Love and Care,

“I’m All In”

-Amy

My "Bully Project"

Hi Everyone!

 

I am excited to being writing my first blog post for “All In” – Arkansas. I launched my new program on Monday, May 6, in Blytheville, Arkansas at Armorel High School, and I could not be more excited to continue spreading the word!  I experienced bullying in high school, and the severity of my bullying situation changed the course of my life forever. To read more, go to About: All In Arkansas.

I spoke to every student (with the exception of seniors, who will soon graduate) in the Armorel School District, which gave me the opportunity to tailor my school program for all age groups. I had a great time answering fun questions from students and taking pictures with the beautiful, precious little ones, but my primary goal, of course, was to touch hearts and gain serious commitments to ending bullying in their school.

I am hoping to visit as many schools as possible in the fall of 2013. If you think your school could benefit from “All In” – Arkansas, please do not hesitate to email me at allinarkansas@gmail.com.

I also want this blog to serve as a voice for Arkansans against bullying. If you are being bullied, have been bullied, or if you are a strong advocate against bullying, please email me a quote, story, comment, etc. I would love to post your experiences here to help spread this incredibly important message.

(All postings will be anonymous)

Thank you all so much for your support in the fight against bullying! It starts with one, and each of us can contribute to changing things!

All my love and care,

 

Amy