Just Keep Breathing

“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.

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.