Love Is The Movement

This past weekend was the best weekend I've had in a long while. On Friday, Nate and I went to see Copeland on their farewell tour. Anyone who knows me knows that I love music. So take how much I like music, multiply it by 100 and you might get close to how much I like Copeland. They are just amazing. Anyway, so it was their final tour and it was fantastic. They played a great set and had 3 really good openers. It's always nice to be exposed to new music. Deas Vail and Person L were very impressive...I didn't like I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business. No band should have a name that long. 
I met Justin from Deas Vail and he was nice enough to sit and talk with us for a few minutes. He is incredibly nice. The whole band was wearing these arm band things with an old fashioned looking key sewn on to them. When I asked him about it he said something along the lines of how he (and his band mates) believe that they have been set free (unlocked, if you will) to love and be loved. It really got me thinking about an organization that I feel really strongly about. They're called To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA). 
I encourage everyone and anyone go here to check out their vision and see what they're all about. Basically, they are a non-profit group dedicated to finding hope and helping people struggling from depression, self-injury and suicide. They believe in some incredible things and are truly dedicated to helping out people in communities across the world. Something that has always stuck with me about them is that they believe in the possibility that we are more loved than we will ever know. You matter...your story and your life all matter. 
I've wanted to get involved with TWLOHA since I first heard about them 3 or 4 years ago, but just never had the chance. They are trying to launch an online crisis network called IMAlive and are looking for volunteers. To become a volunteer you have to complete a minimum 50 hours of training along with various tests and screenings. You have to be able to commit to 4 hours a week for a year. It's a big commitment and the training is pricey, but I am heavily considering it. 
I just love what these guys represent and what they are trying to do. But at the same time, it breaks my heart that there is a need for people like this. The big story in the news is Phoebe Prince, the high school girl from Massachusetts who committed suicide. The speculation is that she was relentlessly bullied at school and online. This is who TWLOHA is trying to reach out to. The people who think that they are alone and have no one to turn to...that think they aren't loved. 
So tell someone you love them. Remember how powerful words are and think twice before you put someone down. Try to live positively. I encourage you to get involved with this group if you can or give to them if you can. 


I planned on trying to keep this blog light and pop culture-y, but this is what is on my mind today. Enjoy LOST tonight...I'll be back soon with some Lost or Fringe or FlashForward or Vampire Diaries goodness. Promise. : )


And P.S. ...I love all of you.