Thank you again for this article. As I was reading, I happened to look down at my wrists which reminded me of a time 50 years ago when I was 21 years old and had decided to do something really stupid based on the darkness in my life at that time. This article reminded me of what I did in the aftermath of that decision. My friend found me and hauled me to the emergency room and as she was driving talking about how had I been successful what that would have meant to her. She then reminded me of how in her dark times I had repeatedly told her that giving in and giving us was not an option. From then on I have strived to not let darkness reign and your articles and this community continue to re-enforce what I truly believe people do make a difference. Thank you for listening.
Deborah...thank you for sharing something that personal. It takes real courage to say that out loud...even decades later.
What really stood out to me in your story...is the moment your friend reminded you of the words you...had once given her...that giving up wasn’t an option.
Sometimes...the strength we lend to others...finds its way back to us when we need it most. That, Deborah...is a powerful circle.
The fact that 50 years later...you can look back at that moment and see how it shaped the way you’ve chosen to live...SINCE then...says a lot about the kind of resilience you carry.
Not letting darkness win...again and again over a lifetime...is no small thing.
You also nailed it about something many people underestimate: people DO make a difference. Often in quiet, personal ways...that never make headlines...but...change the course of lives...including their own.
The presence you bring to this community...with your attention...your honesty...your willingness to share what you’ve learned from hard moments...is part of that.
Others read comments like yours and recognize pieces of their own story in them.
So...thank you for being here...and for trusting everyone enough to share that memory. It’s a reminder of something important: sometimes the very people who once stood at the edge ...are the ones who become the STRONGEST voices...for STAYING in the fight.
There’s real truth in the idea that what we carry...inside us...doesn’t just stay there. Our thoughts shape our words...our words shape our actions...and...those actions...ripple outward into other people’s lives...in ways we rarely fully see.
Your phrase “renewable energy” fits beautifully.
Every time someone CHOOSES persistence...over despair...or...clarity over cynicism, it adds a little more light to the system we all share.
The best part is exactly what you pointed to...it grows when it’s used. One person’s steadiness strengthens another...and before long that energy spreads much farther than any of us can measure.
So...thank you for putting words to that idea. It’s a powerful reminder of what showing up... with INTENTION can do!
Thank you for giving us road maps and inspiration! Now, a success story: last week I put on my big-girl pants and testified to a state legislative committee about a bill I strongly opposed. It was the second time this bill has come before the committee, and the second time I went to speak in opposition. I was more nervous than ever because I was speaking on behalf of a part of the population who most likely didn't even know their rights were being discussed (former military spouses), and I felt a huge responsibility speaking for them. Today, I learned that the bill was voted down in the committee, 16-1. There were only 2 of us who spoke in opposition and a slew of angry people in favor. Small victories are sometimes the best!
Thank you, Jack. You described pretty well how the French Resistance worked during the four years of Nazi occupation in France (1940-44). They worked quietly, secretly, were organized, persistent, present and never gave up in spite of hazardous circumstances and risks of betrayal and death. Today’s Resisters, Americans with a moral conscience, have the advantage of modern communication. Because of the way it works, they’d need to be careful and more underground than ever. Let’s encourage them work with the same fervor and passion as the ancients.
I felt the left side of my smile go up when you wrote "stubborn."
I know I'm stubborn enough. I also have thought about this for...too long. We have grappled with the same existential threat for the better part of a decade. My FB profile picture is of a white rose. Most people have no idea why, and when I commented that I wanted to be able to change the banner, a good friend asked if I didn't have the tech know-how. I want to change it to something else like a beautiful sunset, or the deer that snack on my crab apple trees, or my beautiful dogs.
I know I'm stubborn enough, but I don't know if I have all of the courage. Sorry...this feels like a confessional. I have a lot of courage. I just don't know that I have the courage of Sophie Scholl.
Thank you for urging us to keep going. I turn 74 a week from now, have been fighting the machine my entire adult life, and could easily say I quit. I'm tired. But you won't let me.
This right here is the fight of our lives, and I now do this for my grandchildren. You seriously help me to continue.
Jack may give us old-timers a booster shot from time to time but YOU get to own your tenacity in the face of disruptive dysregulation. We "gray hairs" have been here before and I, for one, refuse to let Trump and his Magats win this round!
Thank goodness we are not finished yet with what we are doing! Thank goodness we are not alone in our caring and determination, and thank goodness for you, Jack! You guide us, inform and teach us, and you bring us together! You even make it feel good to have been called the stubborn one in earlier years! That fact is amazing! Thank you!
I really needed to hear this after the revelations yesterday (firing of Iran experts). I was so beside myself I couldn’t talk or write. Then my mind went to the cyber defenses being told to stand down when t took office as in what happened just after that? Then I kinda short circuited and called it a day. Doing my best to get back to baseline now.
So yes, the encouragement is just what the doctor ordered. Ten million thanks to you! 👍😊
Damn right Jack! Thanks for all the inspiration 🙏
My pleasure, Kelly. Truly. Thank YOU.
-Jack
Thanks Jack. Calming for me. 🙂👍❤️
Joe...that brings a smile to my face. You're welcome :)
-Jack
Thank you again for this article. As I was reading, I happened to look down at my wrists which reminded me of a time 50 years ago when I was 21 years old and had decided to do something really stupid based on the darkness in my life at that time. This article reminded me of what I did in the aftermath of that decision. My friend found me and hauled me to the emergency room and as she was driving talking about how had I been successful what that would have meant to her. She then reminded me of how in her dark times I had repeatedly told her that giving in and giving us was not an option. From then on I have strived to not let darkness reign and your articles and this community continue to re-enforce what I truly believe people do make a difference. Thank you for listening.
Deborah...thank you for sharing something that personal. It takes real courage to say that out loud...even decades later.
What really stood out to me in your story...is the moment your friend reminded you of the words you...had once given her...that giving up wasn’t an option.
Sometimes...the strength we lend to others...finds its way back to us when we need it most. That, Deborah...is a powerful circle.
The fact that 50 years later...you can look back at that moment and see how it shaped the way you’ve chosen to live...SINCE then...says a lot about the kind of resilience you carry.
Not letting darkness win...again and again over a lifetime...is no small thing.
You also nailed it about something many people underestimate: people DO make a difference. Often in quiet, personal ways...that never make headlines...but...change the course of lives...including their own.
The presence you bring to this community...with your attention...your honesty...your willingness to share what you’ve learned from hard moments...is part of that.
Others read comments like yours and recognize pieces of their own story in them.
So...thank you for being here...and for trusting everyone enough to share that memory. It’s a reminder of something important: sometimes the very people who once stood at the edge ...are the ones who become the STRONGEST voices...for STAYING in the fight.
And...thank YOU for listening.
-Jack
Holdfast 💃🦚🦩🦥🌴🌷🌻🌹🌸🪻🪷✨🌈☃️🦜🦮🐎
Thank you Jack. I have been told all my life that I was stubborn. Nice to see that trait is useful.
You're welcome, Sue. And....ohhhhhhhh...it IS!
-Jack
Not me, never called stubborn! Focused, persistent, recalcitrant, immovable, petulant, head-strong ... but never stubborn (well, almost never)!
You've reminded me that our thoughts, intentions, and tenacity are forms of renewable energy that impact the world's energy field.
Love that! We are fired with “renewable energy.” Brilliant!
I liked it, too...Cindy!
-Jack
I love the way you put that.
There’s real truth in the idea that what we carry...inside us...doesn’t just stay there. Our thoughts shape our words...our words shape our actions...and...those actions...ripple outward into other people’s lives...in ways we rarely fully see.
Your phrase “renewable energy” fits beautifully.
Every time someone CHOOSES persistence...over despair...or...clarity over cynicism, it adds a little more light to the system we all share.
The best part is exactly what you pointed to...it grows when it’s used. One person’s steadiness strengthens another...and before long that energy spreads much farther than any of us can measure.
So...thank you for putting words to that idea. It’s a powerful reminder of what showing up... with INTENTION can do!
-Jack
#HOLDFAST FOLKS ‼️
Oh yes, Mo....#HOLDFAST!
-Jack
Paying attention to, with and through you is salve for the soul.
Love it, Kimberly. Short and easily remembered phrases like that...are true gems.
-Jack
Jack… Thank you. You always seem to know when to write something like this and I appreciate it.
I’m plenty tired but not the kind of tired that gives up.. Not a chance in hell.
I’ll sleep better tonight because you reminded us of this.
Always glad to be here no matter what the news is.
#HOLDFAST
~Susan
Thank you so much Jack. The insight is timed perfectly. Really needed to ‘hear’ this. Steady as we go.
Thank you for giving us road maps and inspiration! Now, a success story: last week I put on my big-girl pants and testified to a state legislative committee about a bill I strongly opposed. It was the second time this bill has come before the committee, and the second time I went to speak in opposition. I was more nervous than ever because I was speaking on behalf of a part of the population who most likely didn't even know their rights were being discussed (former military spouses), and I felt a huge responsibility speaking for them. Today, I learned that the bill was voted down in the committee, 16-1. There were only 2 of us who spoke in opposition and a slew of angry people in favor. Small victories are sometimes the best!
Hooray for you! Persistence from citizens like you is what will save us.
Good job, Roberta!!!
Thank you, Jack. You described pretty well how the French Resistance worked during the four years of Nazi occupation in France (1940-44). They worked quietly, secretly, were organized, persistent, present and never gave up in spite of hazardous circumstances and risks of betrayal and death. Today’s Resisters, Americans with a moral conscience, have the advantage of modern communication. Because of the way it works, they’d need to be careful and more underground than ever. Let’s encourage them work with the same fervor and passion as the ancients.
I felt the left side of my smile go up when you wrote "stubborn."
I know I'm stubborn enough. I also have thought about this for...too long. We have grappled with the same existential threat for the better part of a decade. My FB profile picture is of a white rose. Most people have no idea why, and when I commented that I wanted to be able to change the banner, a good friend asked if I didn't have the tech know-how. I want to change it to something else like a beautiful sunset, or the deer that snack on my crab apple trees, or my beautiful dogs.
I know I'm stubborn enough, but I don't know if I have all of the courage. Sorry...this feels like a confessional. I have a lot of courage. I just don't know that I have the courage of Sophie Scholl.
Thank you for urging us to keep going. I turn 74 a week from now, have been fighting the machine my entire adult life, and could easily say I quit. I'm tired. But you won't let me.
This right here is the fight of our lives, and I now do this for my grandchildren. You seriously help me to continue.
Jack may give us old-timers a booster shot from time to time but YOU get to own your tenacity in the face of disruptive dysregulation. We "gray hairs" have been here before and I, for one, refuse to let Trump and his Magats win this round!
Exactly.
Thank goodness we are not finished yet with what we are doing! Thank goodness we are not alone in our caring and determination, and thank goodness for you, Jack! You guide us, inform and teach us, and you bring us together! You even make it feel good to have been called the stubborn one in earlier years! That fact is amazing! Thank you!
Grateful for you, Jack. 🙏👊
Thank you Jack!
I really needed to hear this after the revelations yesterday (firing of Iran experts). I was so beside myself I couldn’t talk or write. Then my mind went to the cyber defenses being told to stand down when t took office as in what happened just after that? Then I kinda short circuited and called it a day. Doing my best to get back to baseline now.
So yes, the encouragement is just what the doctor ordered. Ten million thanks to you! 👍😊
Please take good care of yourself, too!!