The Vow That Helped Save My Life
And a website that might help save someone else's
Content Note: This post includes references to suicidal thoughts and mental health struggles. If these topics are difficult for you, please take care while reading—and consider processing it with a trusted friend, counselor, or mental health professional.
Dear friends,
Today’s the day.
A few months ago, I shared that I’d been sitting on a specific project idea for over three years.
A project I felt called to build.
One that I believed had the potential to have a huge impact in the mental health space.
As soon as I humbled myself and accepted the fact that I could not complete this project on my own—that I needed help—God provided me with exactly the help I needed… and He did it in record time.
By God’s grace, and the top-tier coding skills of my software developer friend… it’s now ready.
But first, a quick back story as to how this project came to be.
The Vow That Changed Everything
In 2018, I hit rock bottom (for the first time) and found myself struggling with suicidal thoughts.
That’s not easy to write. But it’s the truth.
I was in a dark place—the kind you don’t talk about in public.
The kind where it hurts just to exist.
And I remember thinking, “I don’t want to be here anymore.”
But that year, in one of the lowest moments of my life, I made a private vow to God:
“No matter how dark it gets, I will never take my own life.”
It was quiet.
It was desperate.
It was sacred.
And it may have saved my life.
Because even though I struggled to see a way forward at the time, somewhere deep inside, I sensed that God wasn’t done with me yet, and I didn’t want to give up before the story was over.
Ever since that moment, I’ve carried the idea of creating a space where others could make that same vow—whether they believed in God or not—and be encouraged by knowing that others have done so, too.
A space that could hold someone in their deepest moment of despair and gently whisper: please stay.
Today, that space exists.
It’s called VowToLife.com.
The site is extremely minimalist (intentionally) because it has one singular purpose:
To make it as easy as possible for anyone contemplating suicide to make a life-changing vow—anonymously, privately, and decisively.
No flashy branding. No email sign-ups. No hidden agenda.
How Does It Work?
The first thing you'll see when you land on the site is a brief message being typed out on a blank white screen—words speaking directly to the person who’s in that place of darkness.
Words that I believe were inspired by the Holy Spirit, and that gently echo the context I’ve shared here about how this site came to be, and why it exists.
After this, there’s just a simple, sacred invitation to say:
“I will stay… No matter what.”
And whenever someone makes the vow, the “TOTAL #” at the bottom of the site quietly goes up.
A growing count of every person who chooses to stay.
Not as a stat. But as a sign.
A reminder that you’re not the only one fighting to hold on.
A growing movement of hope—one vow at a time.
If you or someone you know needs that reminder…
Please share the site.
Not for my sake, but for the one person out there who might need it more than you’ll ever know.
This project was born from years of pain and prayer.
It’s a response to the suffering I’ve seen in others, and the suffering I’ve carried myself.
And if it helps even one person choose life…
Then it was all worth it.
A Note of Gratitude
Huge gratitude to my friend and brother in Christ who coded this website from scratch—asking for nothing in return but the joy of contributing to something greater than himself.
This project lives online today because of his enthusiastic yes and his belief in my vision.
I’d also like to thank those of you who’ve been praying for me and cheering this project on behind the scenes.
I couldn’t have brought this to life without the grace of God, and the quiet strength of your prayers which helped carry this project to the finish line.
Thank you.
Final Words
I didn’t make this website because I wanted to.
I made it because I had to.
Because I couldn’t stop thinking about the person out there who might feel what I once felt—and might need just one reason to stay.
One voice to remind them that their life matters, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
If you’re struggling, I hope and pray this site gives you something to hold on to.
If you’re not, but you know someone who is, I hope and pray you’ll share it. No need to mention me. Just help it reach those who need it most.
I believe God led me to make that vow in 2018 for a reason.
Maybe one of those reasons… is you.
Please stay.
Click here to make your vow to life today.
With you in hope,
Stefano G.
Disclaimer: VowToLife.com is not a crisis resource and does not offer medical advice. If you are in immediate danger or need help, please reach out to a professional or call a helpline. For additional support, please visit: VowToLife.com/resources.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength.
More Ways To Support
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Support the mission. Help keep my Substack, VowToLife.com, and future projects like it free and accessible to all. If you feel led to make a donation, any and all support is deeply appreciated.
This may be one of the most powerful tools I’ve ever seen. Bravo, Stefano for allowing yourself to be a vessel for God to save lives through your willing obedience.
I didn’t intend to cry today, but this had me in tears.
Because I know what it feels like to hurt too. To want the pain to end. To believe you are a burden to others that must be removed.
But today, along with 5 others at the time of my signature, commit to never giving into that evil thought.
I commit to life, to a future, to the pursuit of hope, no matter how dark it gets.
Love this brother. I still remember the color and hood ornament of the semi I had chosen to bring things to a close.
To this day, I still don’t fully understand why God chose to show up milliseconds before I made a permanent decision, but I’m so thankful he did.