Words matter. Hate destroys. And a mob mentality—one that’s jacked up on misinformation—can spread like wildfire and take down civilizations. It has before, and it can again.That’s exactly what needs to happen here. We all have to forgive ourselves and others, and we all have to come together and agree that this next chapter has to be one that we will write together. It has to be one that we will write honestly, one that will include all of us, and one that will lead us all forward in a language of compassion, love, and strength. We need to rebuild our country in the manner that it deserves to be rebuilt.

Never forget the power of your words. Never forget the power of your voice. As Margaret Mead said many years ago, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”