To Write Love on Her Arms

Update from Lexie

Oct. 28, 2010 at 11:48am

This past Tuesday TWLOHA was featured on MTV's The Buried Life because a girl named Lexie dreamed to give people struggling with depression a place to connect with one another. The Buried Life invited us into the evening, and then we had the chance to invite you. The night brought a room full of 400 people, songs, and hope. This night gave the people in the room a chance to share things for the first time, and we were amazed at how well Lexie pulled off the event.

Below is a video update and poem Lexie wrote after The Buried Life came and visited, offering incredible words of encouragement and strength. We're thankful we had the chance to share this night with her and can't wait to see what lies ahead for her.

Dear World,

Soon my fears will be brought from darkness to light.
I am no longer afraid.

Soon my scars will no longer be hidden, but on display for all of you to see.
My scars have started to fade, and my heart has started to heal.

Soon my masks that I have so delicately created, will be broken and all of me will be exposed.
I have started to love the person who has been hiding behind them, and I am learning to accept her.

I have been so blessed to have people I love, people who don't even know me, and newfound friends support me. But I am one of the lucky ones, I am one of the blessed.

What about the girl who still hides her pain, and hides behind her mask? Or the boy who still struggles with the emotions you have told him to hide?

What will you do to them when they are ready to step out of the darkness and into the light?

It is in your nature to try and scare them, and tell them to go back into their darkness and hide there. It's where they belong, and it's the only place they are safe.

We all know that isn't true, so now you have a choice.
Let them come out of the darkness and embrace them in your light. Or continue to send them back, and keep them there.

If you choose to let them shine, you will be amazed at what you will see. They have so much to give, and so much to share. They will be delicate at first, but in time they will strengthen. You can be a part of that, and in turn be strengthened by them.

If you choose to send them into the darkness yet again, know you are making such a huge mistake. Not only because it is simply wrong, but you are losing the chance to see the beauty they have inside. Do you really want to feel the burden of keeping them silent?

If you are on the fence, come and attack me. I have been so blessed, and because of that you no longer scare me. No matter what you throw at me I can almost guarantee I have already faced it, and I've won. If I haven't yet, I have the support system to help me fight. I am one of the lucky ones, not all are as lucky as I am. Don't take away the hope they have finally realized they have.

So world, what will it be?

Posted in General by Chris Youngblood

Comments (20)

i am happy that you are hapy for youself and happy with were your at in life.
love misty

1 | Left by misty salcedo | Oct. 28, 2010 at 8:18pm

I was blown away in amazement when I read this. When I saw Lexie on The Buried Life, it really touched me and I was glad she wanted to help people who have suffered from depression and self-harm issues, such as she had experienced.

Love,
Ashley

2 | Left by Ashley Salik | Oct. 29, 2010 at 5:26am

Lexie is an inspiration to me. I watched her on The Buried Life and I couldn't help but start crying. I hope that many of us will follow her example and spread the word that no one's ever alone. Thank you Lexie, and I wish you well.
xoxo
Kay

3 | Left by Kay | Oct. 29, 2010 at 11:51am

It was so encouraging to watch and read was posted above. I wasn't only encouraged by your genuine passion that shines bright through the words above. Thanks for sharing this!
**Hugs**

4 | Left by Amy | Oct. 29, 2010 at 12:35pm

thank u so much for this.i am the age of 16 and struggling with self harm and it gave me a little more courage to let it go. to stop pretending so no one will ask. its taught me that im not going anywhere im just sitting behind a wall with the world on the other side. this has gave me the courage to let my best friends help me get past my addiction. thank u

5 | Left by Kelsey | Oct. 29, 2010 at 1:29pm

This episode really made my heart happy. I am glad that TWLOHA had this opportunity as well as Lexie. Hope is very real.

6 | Left by Alaine | Oct. 29, 2010 at 8:03pm

yOU'RE A fIREWORK...lET YOUR COLORS BURST!!!

7 | Left by Vivz | Oct. 30, 2010 at 7:32pm

when i heard lexie on KROC and what shes done to help people with depression, i was overwhelmed. i've been struggling with depression for ten years and its been one of the biggest struggles of my life. To know that there is a place near by to get help and support is the best feeling in the world. Thanks lexie :) your an inspiration!!

8 | Left by Katie | Oct. 31, 2010 at 9:51am

The involvment people have in this wonderful and empowering orginization always brings tears to my eyes, a smile to my face and warmth to my heart. At 15, I've already seen so many young people face the scary and addictive subjects of self-harm, suicide and depression. It has been prevelant in my own home. Lexie's journey will be one that we will always remember, her actions speaking louder than any words that have ever been verbalized. I know she will keep her message strong and keep herself involved in raising awareness of the message that hope is real, you are loved and salvation will be found.

9 | Left by Andrijea | Nov. 1, 2010 at 5:51am

I'm afraid to ask for help...and that I'll never get better.
Thank you, for telling me I'm worth asking.

10 | Left by Courtney | Nov. 1, 2010 at 8:49pm

Your kind words have touched my heart in more ways than I could ever express! I have been truly humbled and so blessed by all your kindness and above all the support I have recieved from TWLOHA and the community behind them.
They made talking about my struggles so much easier and having Jamie there that night is still something that truly humbles me! I hope to be able to meet more of you but if I never get the chance know that each and everyone of you are in my heart and have blessed my life!
Again thank you and remember above all else your story is important and deserves to be heard!
With all my love,
Lexie

11 | Left by Lexie | Nov. 2, 2010 at 12:35pm

I dont know what to do, I am only 12 and my world is falling apart! Everyone says i am beautiful but i know they are just saying that to make me feel good but i only makes me feel worse. I am to scared to tell anyone afraid that they will judge me. If anyone has advice to help me stop with the self desrustion please comment. Lexi thank you! You are an inspiration and and encouragment for me to stop.

12 | Left by Karli | Nov. 2, 2010 at 4:05pm

Your poem gave me goose bumps! You speak truth, there is hope in the clouds, love in the ashes, voices to be heard. Yet, so many times that hope is crushed, the love isn't there the way it should be, the voices aren't heard...and thats wrong. We all have a story and they need to be heard so so badly.

Karli, I've been in your shoes. I know what its like to have your world crumble beneath your feet, to lay there staring at the ceiling ashamed, hurt, broken, and feeling alone. But please believe me, even though I know its hard, believe me when I say your not alone. I know its terrifying, the thought of sharing your story because your afraid of being judge, but girl, I encourage you to. Its hard, yes, but its worth it. You are beautful, loved, cherished, and even if you don't believe it right now, you are. and even if you can't see the silver lining, I encourage you to start with now, to take it day by day moment by moment. Look for hope in the clouds and share your story.

13 | Left by Rachel | Nov. 4, 2010 at 11:47pm

idk how to stop. ive been cutting for over a year now secretly( a couple of my friends know). ive been through abuse and i cnt seem to stop the self injury. my friends have given up and so have i. one night one cut to deep and it will be the last. im scared to tell cuz im scared of reactions. Lexi has been and inspiration to me to stop and seek more advice from my friends. if any1 else has advice just comment below, thank u! lov u lexi and all the work your doing!

14 | Left by Kelsey | Nov. 8, 2010 at 6:00pm

Thank you, Chris, for that WONDERFUL letter! its Nice to get something as inspiring as that from someone like me =)I have depression too and i used to, not cut myself- but scrape the back of my hands against walls at my school that had that special kind of uneven, coarse, fancy brick! its in and on the exterior of my school. But i haven't sunk that low since, but lately i feel like ive gone lower, but more on an emotional level. and i am a christian, and i hope that the retreat i go on soon will lighten my emotional and phsycological load =)
- thank you for what you said i also feel like my depression is pushing and keeping me down.

15 | Left by Lorena | Nov. 9, 2010 at 9:38pm

This whole blog is really amazing. It touches my heart to know that people like Lexie have the courage to make a diffrence and share what is going on in their life. The letter at the end was also beautiful

16 | Left by Mandy | Nov. 10, 2010 at 9:03am

gosh you inspired me so much....i love you blog...its amazing.!! you are a ocean strong and steady.!

17 | Left by raychelle | Nov. 10, 2010 at 11:59am

When I saw Lexie on The Buried Life, her amazing story and ginormous heart brought tears to my eyes. She was one of the most beautiful people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, even if it was only on TV. She was wonderful. I hope she gets everything she's ever wanted.

18 | Left by Sam Q! :] | Nov. 11, 2010 at 7:48pm

Lexie, you are so amazing. I just happened to flip the channel to The Buried life and you were on. You walked into my life today on Thanksgiving when I don't really feel very thankful. I have wrestled with depression off and on my whole life. But today, 2 years, 2 months, and 6 days since my daughter Katrina took her life, is really really hard. My grief continues to bring my depression forward. But, you having the courage to speak about depression and your own personal struggles will help others, and I thank you for that. I wish my daughter could have known you, perhaps she would have understood there is hope to live a life with depression. Hearing your story helps me know I can.

19 | Left by Sara | Nov. 25, 2010 at 7:50am

I love you, Lexie. You're such an inspiration, thank you.

20 | Left by Ariella | Dec. 16, 2010 at 5:12am

Name:

Email:

URL:

Comment: * No HTML, http:// will auto-link
* required

Please type in the security code you see below.