Ripples of Change Begin Here

By: Rebecca Witherspoon, June 28, 2025

Reflecting back over the past year—and especially the past seven months or so—I recognize that I, too, have contributed my own part in the heated rhetoric that has circulated in our community. In my opinion, we’ve all gone too far, and someone needs to step up and be the pebble in the pond.

First, I want to apologize to anyone I may have unintentionally offended. While it may not have been my intention to cause offense, that doesn’t negate the impact. You deserve both my apology and my sincere commitment that I will try to do better moving forward. I can’t promise perfection, but I will do my best.

Second, today I am choosing to forgive—both myself and others—for engaging in the negative rhetoric. Today, I am choosing a different path. I will continue to faithfully fulfill the responsibilities I was elected to carry out , continue to express my opinions, and continue to defend my reputation with truth when others attempt to destroy it with falsehoods—just as I have always done. But, I am choosing not to react to others. I will do my best to let go of the reactionary emotions I may have displayed in the past and move forward with a clearer, calmer intention. Again, I can’t promise perfection, but I will do my best.

Third, while I understand that some may believe I should denounce others for behaviors they find offensive—simply because those individuals are my friends—that is not something I’m willing to do. Every person is responsible for their own words and actions. It is not my moral, ethical, or personal obligation or responsibility to answer for the behavior of others. If you believe someone has legitimately caused you harm, I encourage you to take it up directly with that person—not with me.

I choose to be the pebble in the pond. Others will have to make their own choices.