I’m just one person. We can all say that. There are different ways to look at this universal truth. Either you see the world only through your single eyes or from many perspectives, realizing that your worth isn’t greater than someone else’s.

I’ve called it many times – me vs. we. As much as I have every reason to stack a wall of bricks between myself and everyone else, I don’t. I believe in the beauty of equality. I want good things for all people. I do not wish to tell them who to love or how to manage their health. I want a system that supports the many, not the few of rich and void of humanity who are winning now.

I’ve been turning all this around in my head and heart for 10 years, with my main focus being to get out as soon as possible. To be honest, I would be gone now if not for my girls, now just girl. I still see that as how my story ends.

While I’m here, or even after I leave, I cannot be silent. I will not act like any of this is normal. What could I do that would matter? I’d already been voting, donating, signing, writing, and calling. I was also sharing truth whenever I had an entrance, mainly things like recommending Heather Cox Richardson or simply responding with facts about science, the law, and the Constitution.

My greatest strength and power is my ability to weave words into stories that make people think and feel. How could I best use my words and knack for understanding how to break complex shit down and tell you what you need to know?

It started with a few texts to a close circle. It was some sources, notes, apps, and a message to try and find some hope. After a few days, I thought maybe we could create something and grow it. I only knew I wanted to unite people so we could act together and lean on each other. Having some kind of safe forum to just say, if nothing else, what the fuck?

I had a start, an idea, a feeling. Going back to words, calling it something had to be about defiance and empathy. That’s how the Hopeful Resistance started.

Except it’s important to note how much I’ve had to challenge myself. I’m an introvert, an observer who only later shares opinions, thoughts, and ideas. Reaching out to people and asking them to join this is not remotely in my comfort zone.

Yet, I’m still pushing myself because I feel empowered and motivated. I want others to feel that way because I cannot ignore it or give up. Like, I would really just relent to this? Why survive abuse, trauma, grief, and cancer to just roll over? It’s not happening.

So, if you read this, and it makes sense, we are your people. We care a LOT about so many things; we are kind, informed, and critical thinkers. We do not have to shred our integrity in the face of what feels like a thick cloud of greed, incompetence, and cruelty. The kind of smog that pollutes your soul.

This is the start, middle, or end of my story. This is the Hopeful Resistance.

Want to learn more? If I’ve already invited you, please join. If not, email me at bethfosborne@gmail.com.

Resistance without hope leads to worlds not worth saving. We are standing in unity and fighting for our lives here; make no mistake about that. Big things don’t happen without grassroots starts. By acting together, we have the opportunity to be the change.

We are resistors, not afraid to get in good trouble. Let’s do this.