I like to think that I have a voice. Not because I’m a blogger, but because I’m a human being on this planet and we ALL have voices and we ALL can choose to do good with them.
I’ve always had a heart for nonprofits. I think it’s because, more than anything, I love passionate people and those are the types of people who are behind nonprofits. People who join their voices together to do great good in this world. I respect, admire and am encouraged by those people daily. In my own life, I wanted to do something. I had a heart to do something. However, for so long I was overwhelmed by the options. There are SO many options. There’s a song by Matthew West that I really love called “My Own Little World”, and it speaks to the fact that in general, we are so wrapped up in ourselves and our problems that we rarely can see past them to realize that we can make a difference in this world.
So…back to the options. For a long time I wrestled with “my place” in all of it.
The day I found out about TWLOHA (To Write Love on Her Arms) I cried for a very long time. I felt so convicted to help this organization because I have seen firsthand the effects that drugs and violence can have on a family. I know all about how easy it is for someone to get wrapped up in the wrong crowd and how quickly the landslide into darkness can be. I know what it’s like to say goodbye to someone far too young. And If I can help save one family the pain, sadness and tragedy that my family has gone through, then I’ll know I am really using the voice that I was given.
That is why Eat, Live, Run now supports TWLOHA. By “support”, I mean that I financially give to this organization monthly straight out of the money I make from this blog. You’ll now see their banner on my sidebar (look right!). It also means that I use my voice to create awareness and every day, try to love people just a little bit more. Because that’s what this is all about, right? Loving people.
I struggled for a long time thinking that “if I didn’t go to Africa to save dying children then I wasn’t really doing anything”. So.not.true. Although if that is your passion, go for it! I believe we each are given a unique set of skills and life experiences to use to make a difference….no matter how big or how small that difference is.
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post! I will check this organization out!
What a wonderful organization. Great post
Thanks for taking the time to spread the word, Jenna!
So amazing!!! You are the best! What a wonderful cause
This is such a beautiful post, Jenna. TWLOHA has been an organization that has been near and dear to me from its beginnings and I’m so happy to see how much it has grown! I feel kind of silly saying this, but thank you for your support. By doing this, you show that you obviously know how important TWLOHA is and how much their message means to so many people. And your voice? It is truly a reflection of your Faith is. It’s beautiful.
Jenna, you are beautiful.
What a great organization to be a part of! Thanks for sharing!
i came across TWLOHA several years and sobbed for hours reading through the back story and the work of the organization. love that you support them and are spreading the word about them. and you are right-we can do things in our daily lives to support causes that don’t seem “big” but really do mean so much.
Proud of you, friend! What a great cause.
Wow, what amazing timing. I’m reading Francis Chan’s book “Crazy Love,” and while reading chapter 5 tonight, I just kept being reminded that we’re really on this earth to LOVE. Not just love the people who are easy to love, but to love as Christ loved. And now I’m reading your post about love. Funny how God works, isn’t it?
Thank you for sharing, Jenna.
What a great organization! I just checked them out, and I love their message! Thanks for passing it along!
Completely agree with this statement: “Although if that is your passion, go for it! I believe we each are given a unique set of skills and life experiences to use to make a difference….no matter how big or how small that difference is.”
A great cause and thank you for introducing me to a wonderful organization. xoxo
Oh, how I love this – good for you Jenna! I totally agree w our last line.. Everyone has a unique skill set and you should use it for a greater good, whatever feels right for you and your life.
The world needs more genuinely wonderful people like you. What a beautiful and inspirational post. Giving to worthy causes is something I never once have regret. Glad you found an organization that’s special to you – and thanks for sharing with us!
you are an amazing, admirable woman! awesome jenna!
Such a great post. Thank you so much for shedding light on this organization for all of us.
As someone who works for nonprofits, a big thank you for this post! Supporting an organization you believe in, no matter how small the donation, can have a huge impact
Bravo to you, Jenna, for finding a cause that you are passionate about and for doing what you can to help. Kudos!
Good for you! One of my college friends spent his summer before our senior year interning with them – he says they are some of the coolest people he has ever met. Way to use that voice! =)
You are so sweet! From someone that also understands the effects drugs can have on a family, I truly appreciate you supporting this organization. xoxo
LOVE LOVE LOVE TWLOHA. Amazing organization Raising much needed awareness and resources.
I’ve supported / spread the news about them for a few years. Feels great to be apart of something bigger than we are.
So great that you’re supporting this. I’ve heard of it before, and in high school it was really popular for students to write “LOVE” on their arms on TWLOHA’s official day each year. I’m with you on loving nonprofits–that’s actually what I’m hoping to go into as a career!
Thank you, Jenna for always sharing YOUR unique, lovely voice.
Great post about a grand org.
P.S. Love that song “Own Little World.”
I love this. TWLOA is such an amazing cause. If you ever get the opportunity to see Jamie Tworkowski speak, I highly recommend it. He’s always very moving.
I continue to be BEYOND proud of you, and the way you are clearly letting God use you. We are SO overdue for that coffee date and girl talk;) Love YOU! xoxoxo
I love this organization. Thanks for putting the influence and voice you’ve been given to use in impacting the lives of others. Know that your light is shining bright
Such a beautiful way to encourage us all to try to do a little more for the world than we already are! I love this post- so inspiring and so genuine! You’re awesome, Jenna!
the absolutely brilliant Anis Mojgani with one of the most inspiring poems I have ever heard at TWLOHA’s Heavy and Light: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJxsTq0ReKM
Thank you so much. As I was finishing up nursing school a year ago I was working on an inpatient psychiatric unit. I came into contact with some many wonderful young girls who because of drugs and violence in their lives have very little ability to cope with their days they find relief in self mutilation and it is heart breaking. I will never forget pulling a plastic fork from a young girls hands as 4 other hold her down on the bed. After that I bought a TWLOHA t-shirt and wear it with pride quiet frequently.
Jill, I’m a recovered cutter (and anorexic) – so I know that world intimately. TWLOHA is doing so much to bring awareness and hope to those going through similar situations. I’m so glad to see Jenna and so many others supporting their work!
Beautifully written Jenna. I love Matthew West…such a great artist.
Thank you for sharing something so close to your heart with us. xo
Go You <3 !!
This organization is extraordinary. Know so many who have been helped, inspired and encouraged by their work. So glad this is where your heart landed!
I love this. So much. It is so inspiring and wonderful. Thank you.
Awesome! You are so right, a lot of us have that mentality that if we don’t go to a foreign country on a mission trip, we aren’t doing anything. But you have proven that wrong! I hope that your support of this organization not only blesses them but blesses you as well
It’s an amazing organization and what a good feeling to find a cause that touches your heart so much! Thank you for this post. It was a great reminder for me as well that we all have our part to do good in the world.
I love this organization! So glad to see our reading or clicking links will help support such a wonderful group. Love your blog!
What a wonderful cause! I’m proud of you and pray you are blessed.
You are truly incredible Jenna. God bless you!
What a great organization! I work as a therapist in a high school & I’m always trying to bring mental health awareness to the school. I’m going to look into utilizing this organizaiton with my students, thanks!!
I had many friends who supported this organization in high school and college–it’s such a great cause, and wonderful that ELR is supporting it!
Very cool Jenna. Such a great idea to donate money made from your blog.
TWLOHA is such a great organization and I am so glad that you are supporting them!
I could not agree more. We often feel like we have to do a whole bunch, or save an entire village/country, even the world. But it starts with just one life. If we can help save just one life, or make that one life that much better, we’ve done something amazing. I am listening to “Kisses from Katie” on audiobook, and just in awe, and so inspired, and humbled, and grateful, and blessed. All kinds of emotions. I hope the Lord finds strength in me to help carry his word…and ultimately….LOVE
This is such a wonderful post and what a great blog! I absolutely love, respect, and admire what you’re doing. Your recipes are great and what you write is truly inspirational. As a person who is passionate about health and an avid runner, I have struggled at times with finding a healthy balance of being cognizant of eating healthfully but not obsessive about the calories in versus the calories out. It’s great to hear some of the stories that you have been able to share and so many wonderful recipes… I’m so excited to get started on them! Thank you!