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Hey guys,
Last week we were honored to be able to spend some good time with a girl named Janette. She flew out for a bit of a vacation/life retreat at my husband David and my house. Like so many of you, we have been able to form a relationship with her during one of the most trying times of her life. Through our time together Janette has gone from some extremely dark places to choosing to take steps towards healing one day at a time. This is a long process and there is so much to be learned along the way, but just like so many that have gone before her and so many that will come after her she is choosing to walk the road to healing.
I don't say any of this to brag on one person, even though I am so proud of the choices Janette has been making. Rather I say all these things not for Janette but for those reading this who are right now in similar dark places. I say all this in hopes that those reading this will see Janette and realize they are not alone in their struggle. That if there is hope for her than there is hope for them.
Today is Jeanette's birthday (wish her a happy one by commenting below). I thought today of all days would be a wonderful time to share about her experience in Florida. This is a new year for Janette, a year filled with hope for greater things, better days. I hope nothing less than these same things for everyone reading this. Below is a blog Janette wrote about her time in Florida and gave us permission to post.
You are loved,
~Lauren
"Florida; and the strength I forgot I had
I miss it already
I was okay with coming home...but now I just want to go back
its so beautiful there
so peaceful
but part of that is the people
I was surrounded by so many genuine people
I was surrounded by love
Lauren & David opened their home to me and did a lot more than just that
they made me feel like a star...so bright, shiny, and brilliant...something beautiful, something to be admired
I have never felt like this before
not only did they make me feel that way, they opened my eyes to the realization that we are all stars
and its hard to know & feel when life has beaten you down through the years.
Lauren & David did simple things for me this week...
Food. Snacks. Movies. Hugs. Freaks and Geeks. Nail polish sessions. A pond with fish and turtles and bread. A golf cart ride to a "Disney house." Beach walking. Seashells. Silly running birds. Smiles. Endless driving and searching. Shopping. Books. Roller coasters. Late nights. Long conversations. New perspectives. Honesty. Sour punch. Capri suns. frozen Capri suns. Popcorn. Laughter. Excitement. Music show. Fashion show. "Off-roading." Hand holding. Second piercings. Hair cutting.
The list could go on...but the important thing is that they gave me love. They showed me love. helped renew my hope. Guided me a few steps closer to the direction I want to go. Allowed me to have all my favorite things with no obligations. Whose the last person you gave so freely too? It doesnt have to be a huge thing...just something simple.
This wall around my heart has not shattered...but the last six days have put a fault line in the foundation. The wall is shifting and shaking. Piece by piece it will continue to crumble in the days and weeks to come. This is something I believe whole heartedly therefore I know it will happen. I believe. I have faith. And that is what matters most. God has great plans for me, just like he does for everyone. we all forget how beautiful the world is, thank God for the friends I have because they are my consistent reminder but thank God for this last week because now I have faith, a pure faith.
In six days I heard many truths, and was shown how to hear truth among lies. I learned about Gods love, how to accept it and return it. I began to forgive others as well as myself. I was given much freedom, and began to set myself free in many ways. I believe I was made to dance in white dresses as is every girl in this universe.
*note; this will become an excerpt from a bigger story that is being written so if some of this doesnt make sense read this story and be patient for the beginning of this one"Posted in General by Chris Youngblood
Comments (8)
wow... that is so inspiring :) thank you TWLOHA. i have 4 pins on my backpack. one says "TW♥OHA" the second one says "LOVE is the movement." and the third and fourth one's say "to write love on her arms." i also have a braclet that says "to write LOVE on her arms." i told my mom about u guys.. she cried alittle. what you are all doing is makin a difference in the world. tomorrow i would like to help by telling my school about you guys. i will get them to support. :)me and my friend have matching bracelets and i would like to raise money so my whole 8th grade class can have matching braclets and eventually the whole entire school. im also saving money so i can buy more of your clothing and bags...i want to spread the word about you guys as much as i possibly can. it means so much to me..
God Bless!
*TWLOHA*
*to write LOVE on her arms*
*LOVE is the movement*
LOVE always, Hayley
1 | Left by hayley | Jan. 2, 2011 at 3:36pm
happy birthday Janette...
thank you for sharing your story! IT MATTERS!! don't forget that you are beautiful, you're loved, you're treasured... no matter what darkness comes ... remember you're NOT ALONE..
LOVE
2 | Left by Anon | Jan. 3, 2011 at 9:05am
Like many of you, I'm stuggling with depression and thoughts of self-abuse. I know many other people who are probably struggling with similar issues. I've been wanting to help these people, my friends, and this website has inspired me to start one myself. Maybe it will make a difference in someone's life, the way TWLOHA does in the lives of so many
3 | Left by Anon | Jan. 3, 2011 at 7:30pm
I love this. I hope Janette has a wonderful birthday and I'm happy that she has people who love her and support her through thick and thin. I used to cut myself and tried committing suicide. I had the help of my grandparents and uncle to get my through the hard times. I really love how TWLOHA has made a difference in so many people, and giving them hope. You guys are amazing, and the people reading this you are as well.
Much love,
Ashley. xoxo
4 | Left by Ashley | Jan. 14, 2011 at 10:41am
i was just recently introduced to this website a few days ago. i am so happy that i was able to find a site that gives support to people like me. i struggle with self harm and i am on my way to finding hope. in many ways i see that you guys are affecting millions of people including myself. Thank you for being there for so many people, your organization is truly inspiring with all the love depending on God. Thank you and please continue your work!!!
-gracie :)
5 | Left by gracie | Jan. 19, 2011 at 9:14am
Its amazing to see how love can really change a lot for people. I was a cutter among other things, I gave it up two months ago. I use to hate people who wore TWLOHA shirts because them wearing a shirt didn't help me, none of them ever did anything for me. Im sorry for that bitterness because I have found this is a great organization. Now that I have a counselor, friends who show me God loves me despite all I've done, people who love me for me, and help me distinguish between the lies and truth its so much easier. I love what ya'll do-giving hope and help to those in desperate need. I know I was in desperate need. Please continue your work TWLOHA. I hope those who are struggling with this find somewhere to confide, telling someone does help cause you don't have to deal with it all on your own. To those who know someone who may be harming themself please go to them about it, dont wait. I am where I am today because God placed a questioning, loving, concerned friend in my path. Its not all been up since then but with God I can do anything, with Him you can do anything, including overcome self injury.
Love you all in Christ,
Britt
6 | Left by brittany | Jan. 19, 2011 at 8:01pm
hey guys..
I just want to say thanks for giving me hope. When I was six my mother was diagnosed with tumors (thankfully they were not cancerous)but she got them removed and now its January of 2011 and shes still alive.Recently we got word of another tumor and she went to the doctor and the doctor has decided that for the sake of her, the doctor will do more testing on her. I am the only daughter left at home. I have one sister in college and the other lives with my dad.Therfore the health of my mom effects me very harshly. I love my mom to dealth and thanks to TWLOHA I now have a sense of hope when it comes to my mothers health..
Thanks guys!!
the website inspires.
sincerly,
Felicia Graham
7 | Left by Felicia Graham | Jan. 25, 2011 at 9:26am
The small things David and Lauren gave to her are almost everything that every broken person in this world wants. They want someone to laugh with. Someone to hold hands with. People to go out to dinner with, have late night talks with, walk on the beach with, and just feel loved by. That, alone, can guide a person in the right direction. That alone can heal a person. That, alone, is why we are here today.
LOVE
8 | Left by Claire | Feb. 9, 2011 at 4:39pm
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