Hey everyone! I wanted to make a video but I was getting too emotional and really couldn't express myself. I'm better at writing things anyway. I had a pretty long day today with auditions and rehearsals for the Partnership film I'm shooting tomorrow and I was exhausted so like any normal person I took a nap. The news I received when I woke up really shook me. Robin Williams, one of the performers I enjoyed watching on the screen as a kid, had passed away due to an apparent suicide. This news really struck my heart not only because I grew up watching his films and is one of the main reasons why I pursue my dream career but because I have personally struggled with depression early on my life and know how devastating it can be. Til this day I still feel the grasp it once had on me and I can tell you my friends it is not a fun feeling. Depression makes you feel hollow, like there is nothing inside. You don't even feel human. When you look at yourself in the mirror it's like viewing your flaws and insecurities through a magnifying glass; anything and everything negative you can think of yourself comes out. I can only imagine the pain, the loneliness Robin Williams felt as he stared at himself in the mirror each day hoping and longing for someone to show him the meaning of happiness and of love, for someone to be real with him. When I stared at myself in the bathroom mirror ten years ago holding the bottle of pills in my hands ready to end it all that's what I felt. I just yearned to be loved. To feel wanted. Important. Love is the most powerful force in the world my friends and it is the one thing that we ALL long for. Show love, mercy, and compassion to those around you. A simple act of genuine kindness and love can change a person forever and can even save a life contemplating suicide. I know because I was saved by LOVE. With that I just want to say thank you, Robin, for the memories, the laughs, the tears, and the inspiration you gave me and countless others to dream. Genie, you're free. I'm going to miss you...
John 13:34-35: 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
John 13:34-35: 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."