Dress-Up and Pizza

There was a time when getting dressed up, putting on makeup and curling their hair was just another part of the charade. Another day in the game. Just another step to creating their alter-ego.

But on Thursday night I witnessed all six girls in the GenerateHope house play dress up again. And this time, it was different. This time they were laughing, they were curling each other's hair and chowing down on double cheese pizza.

Two girls in the house received orchestra seat tickets to West Side Story downtown. That night make-up was fun again. It was put on for them, to feel pretty for only themselves. Each girl took on a task, some curled hair, some applied make-up, others blow-dried. It was the picture of high school girls getting each other ready for the prom. It was beautiful.

There was a time when the make-up would come off with tears and anger would be felt when zipping up the new dress for the night. There was a time when playing dress-up was a lonely experience.

Not this time. They are no longer alone. Despite any arguments in the house or the typical girl drama, all the women worked together for these two women. I heard things like...

"You look beautiful tonight"

"You're going to have so much fun!"

"Wow, your hair looks great!"

And they did look beautiful, they looked joyful and ready for a night of fun that didn't involve anything being taken from them. Instead something was given and something that they could enjoy just because someone loved them.

It's my wish that those of you who aren't able to be at the house can see that your work to support these women and dedication to their renewal has an affect. It's a slow process and one that can't be seen at all times. But sometimes the best things in life are the things that take time and teach us patience.

Thursday night I saw hope and transformation. This is freedom.

These Moments

There was this moment today, while driving home from work. The thick white fluffy clouds above crowded together over Ocean Beach. A picture of an embrace as they came together huddled near the warmth from the sun above. Against the backdrop of a cloudy and rainy sky, the sun broke through some of these clouds shining its brilliant rays on the houses below. It was true beauty and I was given a chance to witness it. I'm thankful for this moment.

A Merry Little EP

Merry Christmas from me and my friend Drew. Enjoy!

"Go Tell It On The Mountain"

"O Holy Night"

"O Come O Come Emmanuel"

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

"Silent Night"

Living Room Songs

On December 18, 2010, I experienced one of the most unforgetable moments I've experienced in San Diego. I was able to watch this group of musicians sing and dance together at the Feeding the Soul CD Release Party. What a great memory that I will not soon forget.

As they sang they allowed the audience to sit in and watch as if watching from their own personal living rooms. We watched an intimate moment between friends. Each talented person that night had their own story to tell through their songs. For those of us who listened, we journeyed into their lives and got to see the love they had for each other. And the bond they will have for years to come.

I have had the privilege to get to know some of them and have found that, along with their craft, they are also a sincere group of people willing to serve others. These are great people with big hearts, amazing voices, and giving spirits.

The song below is one of the many songs performed during the evening. It grabbed my heart and I am grateful for its words and comfort to the enslaved. Those of us fighting for freedom and have seen firsthand the emotional struggles it brings, know that songs like this encourage others to stand up and fight as well. It opens our eyes and breaks our hearts in ways that cause us to act.

You can purchase a copy of the Feeding the Soul CD here. Can't wait till Volume 2 comes out!

(Photos by Natalie Warr)

Dear Mel...

Dear Mel,

Thank you. Somehow these words seem to lack the amount of emotion, humbled gratitude, and enriched soul that is behind them. I came to San Diego to pursue my passion, to change who I was into someone who was working for a greater good, and to see the lives of the women I work with restored and renewed. And in the process I met you. I met a woman who shared another passion of mine, music. I came into your world with such excitement, an outsider looking in, and quietly watching your friends join you for every opportunity to love you and support you. I remember thinking, “I want her life.”

A life filled with music, events and changing the world through the help of a little spoon flooding over with hearts. As I got to know you I saw your dedication to encouraging others and witty personality come through in every moment; never being disrupted by judging thoughts or negative energy. In San Francisco I always felt a little lost in the crowds. My love for the beautiful city was of family, a few solid friends and the richness and culture that came from that city.

But here, I’m no longer lost. I am remembered, invited and welcomed. You have been part of my happiness. With tears of gratitude I write this to build you up and encourage you for being who you are and choosing to accept all people no matter who they are. From the moment we met I felt a connection with you and saw a sincerity in you that I admired.

As I watched your community come together for a night to celebrate you, Vallie and Cat, I realized that you are part of a large and beautiful family. And you have let me sit in and see glimpses of this family work, sing and eat together. Thank you for the opportunity to no longer feel like an outsider in your world. We have our own moments now that we will share together for years to come. We have laughed many times in the past months and you have believed in me enough to share Feeding The Soul with me. We shared the Freedom Awards together, chowed down on cheesecake at the Living Room and sent e-mails back and forth that had me laughing out loud at work. I am honored to have met you and sincerely grateful for you embracing all my colors and encouraging me to continue the work I am doing in San Diego.

Friend, I pray you find strength in all you do and take refuge in your family, community and friends when you go through hard times. Allow us to build you up and bless you when we can. I write this not solely to you, but to those who read it to see what a wonderful example of love you are.

Katy thinks you’re a “firework” and so do I.

Lissie - When I'm Alone (Live)

I am a firework!

Love Love Love