A Holiday message from Given To Live.

IamTom

Because Everyone Matters.

We want to say to those who are struggling at this time of year...you still matter. You matter to us at Given To Live and there will be others, even in we’re in a darkness so deep we don’t believe it’s possible. 

Perhaps this is the time of year a loved one died and the merry is still to return as grief rises again. Maybe you’re someone dreading time to yourself as this is a Christmas alone for you...or you sleep rough and ache for warmth. 

Supposedly a family time maybe you’re dreading time with a family that won’t admit to abuse and you smile within a betrayed heart. Or there is no family left and you dearly wish there was. A first Christmas without the love of your life. 

Everywhere surrounded by messages to be happy, give with abandon often advertised in a way that says the more you give, the more you love. A time of financial pressure for many. A lost job and children expecting, how hard to say no for so many. 

Depression, self harming on the ‘happiest’ day of the year. A needle washing it all away for a moment before shame descends.

Nowhere to escape an abusive relationship, tied into happy families. Escape you’re biggest Christmas wish long after you stopped believing wishes can come true. 

Wishes can come true. Sometimes with more courage needed than you believed you have. 

For everyone struggling today, tomorrow, everyday...you’re not forgotten. You still matter. To us, and forgotten others. 

And if you’re really sick of it we’ve pinched a little Christmas sucks from Pearl Jam because after all, we are a live music nonprofit inspired by many personal struggles and experiences and Pearl Jam was the band that comforted...

Don’t Believe In Christmas 

⚡️https://youtu.be/TVMyEINtgGE 🎸 

#BecauseYouMatter

lastexitlondon

Perfect message  tom.

NAUjackfan

Great message, Tom!  Thank you for all you have and will do to help others.  I'm proud to call you my friend and be a part of the PJ community with you.

I am a patriot

Great message. Thank you.

bootlegger10

Such a great cause.  Keep up the good work!

mfc2006

Well done, Tom! Merry Christmas!

F Me In The Brain

On point for so many, good on ya Tom.  
Almost makes up for the beating you put on my team in the semis. 

IamTom

F Me In The Brain said:

On point for so many, good on ya Tom.  
Almost makes up for the beating you put on my team in the semis. 

Thank you:) 

And sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do;)

IamTom

NAUjackfan said:

Great message, Tom!  Thank you for all you have and will do to help others.  I'm proud to call you my friend and be a part of the PJ community with you.

Thank you:)))) 

And to think, Given To Live got born on that whole trip in ‘13. That first encore in Phoenix...has there been better?!? 

manitouman

Excellent message and completely agree. I see everyone out being happy and I feel like I'm fake smiling my way through it all. I'm good though, I've got my boy who keeps me straight. We're having gourmet shit for dinner the next 2 days.

IamTom

manitouman said:

Excellent message and completely agree. I see everyone out being happy and I feel like I'm fake smiling my way through it all. I'm good though, I've got my boy who keeps me straight. We're having gourmet shit for dinner the next 2 days.

Enjoy the multiple gourmet meals, both of you.