Talking about Retreat

So people are interested in hearing what happenned at Retreat. We will have an opportunity to share at church this week. People are fine listening to Beth and David say how good it was, but they really want to hear from you. If you'd like to share, even a little story, let us know. Click the email link, call or stop by the house.

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Love is the Movement

We should be reaching out every day to love those who feel isolated, unloved, hopeless, hurting and broken. The reality is that suicide rates increase around Valentine's Day, and there's a group on Facebook, with the support of TWLOHA, calling on people to literally write "love" on their arm on February 13.

Read on for the official post and be sure to visit the event's page on Facebook.

BEFORE YOU ASK “WHAT IS THIS, WHAT DOES IT MEAN?” PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

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The truth is that according to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the leading causes of disability, with approximately 121 million people suffering with depression worldwide. The National Institute of Mental Health states that approximately 18 million people suffer from depression in America alone. Depression does not discriminate across age, race, gender, or class. Among teenagers it is estimated that 20 percent will suffer from depression at some point by the time they reach adulthood. There are also as many as 8.3 percent of teens suffering from depression for at least a year at a time, compared to 5.3 percent of the general population.

With the support of TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms), an organization created to spread awareness for teen depression, self-injury, and suicide, we are coming together to make sure the whole world knows. To find out more about TWLOHA visit their Facebook Group here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/To-Write-Love-On-Her-Arms/8529136956.

During the time of year that suicude rates are at their highest, we chose February 13, the day before Valentine's Day, as our opportunity to start showing people how mcuh they are loved. We will physically write the word LOVE on our arms (with a sharpie, or whatever other ink suits you best). If someone asks you what it’s for, tell them about TWLOHA. Tell them they are loved, that they are important. And ask if you can write LOVE on their arm as a symbol of that. Don't be afraid to reach out to those who need love, those who you often walk right by every day. They need our care.

There is NO set time, there is NO set location. Where you are, when you are there, speak out.

Some of us may choose to share the love of God, but we want you to share whatever love is strongest for you. Depression has no boundaries, but neither does our love.

Stop the bleeding. Rescue is possible.

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