Our friend Craig Gross (founder of XXX Church and author of Open) has been a supporter of To Write Love on Her Arms since the early days, when there was little more than a blog on Myspace. Recently, he invited our founder Jamie Tworkowski to sit down and catch up over coffee at a San Diego diner for his “Open 24/7” video series. In this candid conversation, they chat about “the easy stuff”—favorite albums, surfing—as well as the heavier stuff—break-ups, depression, counseling.
“I’m thankful that I’ve gone to counseling, I’m thankful that I take medicine, I’m thankful that I’ve gotten more comfortable being honest,” Jamie shares. “Depression isn’t just this idea that happens somewhere in the world. It’s not just this topic that shows up in our mission statement, but it is personal for me, and it’s personal for some folks I know and love.”
You can watch the full episode of their conversation below.
Irene
Thank you so much, guys, for opening up to each other & letting all of us become a part of this precious conversation!
E.Ward
Thank you for letting us have the courtside seats to this personal conversation Craig and Jamie. Your vulnerability was greatly appreciated. Jamie, God sees the desires of your heart, He rooted them there. Until the day comes for your family legacy to be established, be the best son,brother, and uncle you can be. You have not been forgotten, you are known and loved sir.
Emily
Jamie,
Listening to your story made me smile! Thank you for your honesty. I’m working on the whole honesty thing myself.
I’ve recently stepped back into counseling, for the first time in years. It was very scary taking that first step back. I dreaded the appointment all week and debated canceling it. I think it was mostly the stigma surrounding it all. And the fact that I would be admitting that I was depressed. Again.
And then I realized that this whole depression thing isn’t just something that tried its best to ruin my life in high school, but that it’s probably something that I will struggle with, from time to time, the rest of my life.
I am so thankful for all of you guys at To Write Love! I know you hear it a lot, but 5 years ago you all helped saved life. If it wasn’t for you all, a small group of friends and the healing power of Christ, I would not be here today. And now, 5 years later, you continue to encourage me, give me hope and challenge me to be better.
Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart!
Hope & love,
Emily
Van
Thank you.
For a lot of things but mostly for:
Honesty & Hope.
Seth Andrew
That’s incredible. I suffer from depression sometimes…well a lot often then a young adult should be dealing with. But to know there’s a voice and TWLOHA, I wake up knowing I’m not alone, no one is ever alone even when it fell like it.
Lauren
Your story gives me hope. It makes me feel like I’m not the only one. It makes me feel like being the way I am shouldn’t make me feel like I have mental disease and I’m a total weirdo. Jamie, your story is so amazing. People like you remind me its ok to go to counseling for depression. Thank you for making me feel better about myself and who I am.
D
Amazing. Two simply amazing and honest men. How refreshing to hear a honest and heartfelt conversation about the things in life that are important and that make us all fearful. Very normal. Thank you for sharing with others and opening up a world that needs to be heard and shared.