Free Love

This past Monday was Free Love Day, started by a man named Justin Murray. I could explain it, but in this case, I think letting you read his story makes it a bit more meaningful, so here:

“Free Love Day is a day to promote awareness of suicide and depression, as well as to advocate a LIFESTYLE of unconditional love.

My high school crush was a blond-haired, blue-eyed descendant of Heaven with perfect looks, grades, and people skills. She was a person's person, and would do anything to brighten your day. On April 25, 2007 she committed suicide after battling depression; this left a family, school and community broken. And it left me broken, too. I wondered, and still wonder, what I could have done to make her life better.

Here are the facts: depression is one of the leading conditions that lead to suicide. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Statistically, for every suicide there are ELEVEN attempts. And the truth is that we don't know who wants to, will try to, or will take their life.

What's the answer to this? Love is one. Here, love means an action and decision to unconditionally practice patience, kindness, and humbleness towards people. Sharing your story with people, because we all have one. To open up so no one feels alone.

SO HERE'S THE DEAL: On April 25th, put a heart on your wrist to signify that you will wear your heart on your sleeve and observe a LIFESTYLE of love. ASK SOMEONE HOW THEY'RE DOING. TELL PEOPLE YOU LOVE THEM AND DO IT. Nobody should have to feel so bad about themselves that they take their own life, so let's give them a reason not to! Let's change the world on April 25th!

If you accept this challenge, pass it on; let's make this day as big as we can.”

I want to take this moment to send my sympathies to Justin and to every single person who has lost someone to suicide. I personally have lost my grandpa to suicide, and basically my Dad too. I participated in the Free Love Day event, drawing my own heart on my wrist, which for some reason everyone thought was a new tattoo. Maybe I will make it permanent eventually.

I’d like to encourage those of you that missed out to consider this; I believe we should do this every day, not just on April 25th. It gets people's attention, and when they ask you about it, not only can you share the message above from Justin, but you can also explain why it matters to R.I.S.E. and therefore, spread the message of it as well. The new R.I.S.E. logo is a heart with wings, so it's easy now. Two birds with one stone...

So are you going to spread the message?