I just read, one too many times, a person who was considering giving up or killing him- or herself.

I responded to them, and I'm reposting that note as an open letter to everyone who finds themselves in that mindset.

If you commit suicide, you would be killing the wrong person.

There WILL be a way for you to make it. You may find yourself, as did I once, in a situation I thought I never could survive. I survived... and eventually, I thrived.

Times may indeed get tough, but if you tough through it, you will become tougher than the times. In era that is (admittedly) as hard as it is, if you survive AT ALL, you have won.

And eventually things WILL level out. And you will be -- as I have been -- grateful for the tough times that made you hardened steel.

The situation I thought I never could survive? I became homeless in the early 2000's. I went through it, never losing hope, and ascended from the streets with grit and determination. Now I am a very respected employee (of a Fortune 50 company) that is getting award after award for innovation and accomplishment.

You can do it too. Place yourself in the hands of the Loving God who guides me and you, tough through the rocky times (now) and there will be a bright future ahead for you.

All of you.

Every last one.

DON'T EVER GIVE UP.

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