“Just as you would not neglect seeds that you planted with hope,
that they will bear vegetables and fruits and flowers, so you must attend
to nourish the garden of your becoming.”
— Jean Houston

Today, for the first time in my life, I attended a national rally. I won’t call it a political rally, because this event—called “Hands Off”—went beyond politics or Left or Right. This was about the very fabric of our country, the United States of America, and everything I believed we stood for. Everything our forefathers and foremothers fought and died for. I realize our country is not perfect—nor is its government. We’ve made mistakes—big ones. However, if I weigh those mistakes against the hopes and dreams of America and its people, I come up with a resounding “yes” on the side of good. We are a country of people living and breathing impossible dreams that have come true over generations—immigrants and those of us born here alike.

Today, I experienced something I never thought I would as an American. We were forced to take to the streets as “We the People,” because the very fiber of our democracy is threatened. Some might argue with this, want to stay neutral, or ignore it—but what I experienced today was a deep fear that pushed a small group of us, in relation to the whole, to say: “Enough is enough!”

I have to admit, I was scared at first. Would there be retaliation? Would someone try to stop us—officials, law enforcement, even our neighbors? I didn’t know. Our imaginations can run wild. Fortunately, mine didn’t run wild enough to keep me off the streets. My husband and I created humble, handmade signs with great love and reverence for the day. What a wonder it was to look around and see 1,000 or more people gathered here on the small Island of Kaua‘i. The signs were as varied as the people holding them. But they all had one thing in common: a belief in America. A belief in human rights. A belief in democracy and free speech.

I don’t know what will come of this as we move forward. Will this day be forgotten, or will we keep going? Will we persevere no matter what occurs, even if we’re not heard or are punished for speaking out? I believe we will keep going. Something is stirring in our country—and ironically, it took Donald Trump and his administration to plant the seeds and water them. He promised to “Make America Great Again,” but I don’t think he realized what that would truly mean. He didn’t realize he would awaken the “sleeping giant” that lives in each of us—the one that says: “Don’t hurt our children, our most vulnerable, our home, our lives.”

America is its people—all of us: Black, white, LGBTQ+, immigrant, Muslim, Jew, Christian and more. We were born from a quest for freedom. We’ve fought for it. Died for it. I could hardly believe that I found myself back in the streets today, fighting for it again. We had become complacent. We weren’t paying attention. We trusted our leaders to speak and act for us. We were wrong. While there are many strong, dedicated leaders at both the national and local levels, it is not enough. It will take We the People to truly make America great again.

I am so grateful for everyone who showed up today. I’m grateful to have been a part of it. There is something about solidarity that creates strength among those who practice it. And as for those who don’t agree with us—those who think we’re unpatriotic or wrong—I’m not thinking about them today. Today, I’m basking in the love and honor of those who dared to say “yes” to what they believe is true and right.

We will continue to make mistakes, I’m sure. But we must never mistake truth, honesty, integrity, unity, and compassion for anything other than what they are—the innate fiber that will rebirth an America for all people.

Rev. Dr. Rita Andriello-Feren, Co-Founding Director Center for Spiritual Living Kaua’i, Author of Where is My Red Dress? One Woman’s Sensual, Sexsual, Spiritual Journey to Wholeness, This Thing Called Tratment, and What Do I Need to Know? One Hundred Thoughts that Changed My life.