Tragedy. Good Trouble. Music To Move Us
From Grief to Action—and Why 3.5% Is All It Takes to Change Everything
Welcome Friends,
Another roller coaster week has come and gone.
Last week, a friend told me, “I can’t take it anymore. I’m tuning out. I’m done.”
I didn’t argue. I just sent her a video of John Lewis marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Bloody, battered—and unbowed. I reminded her - YOU were there!
I watched it three times. I realized. We don’t get to be tired forever.
Not now. Not when so much is on the line.
So here we go….
Texas Flood Tragedy: A Prayer and a Wake-Up Call
On July 4, the Guadalupe River in Central Texas—along “Flash Flood Alley”—rose nearly 22 feet in under an hour, sweeping away homes, camps, and families. More than 120 lives have been lost so far, including children who were celebrating the holiday at camp.
And it didn’t have to be this bad.
Officials failed to activate the full federal alert system, leaving residents unaware and unprepared. How horrifying.
Our hearts break for the families of all those lost.
Let’s take a moment:
For the grieving families in Kerr County,
For the children who never made it home,
May their memories be a blessing.
May our prayers become a call—not just for comfort, but for better systems, stronger leadership, and a renewed commitment to protecting life.
Here's where you can donate to Central Texas flooding relief
This fund will direct donations to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts as well as flood assistance. The Fund will support the communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort. It is in support of nonprofit organizations, first responder agencies, and local governments actively involved in response, relief, and recovery efforts.
TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES IS A MUST!
As a former psychotherapist and current life strategist, I am here to say - we must take care of ourselves ahead of all else.
Listen to music
Enroll in a course
Take a trip
Exercise
Watch a movie
Do something your grandkids (without falling down or injuring yourself)
By all means, don’t let go of fun, laughter, enjoyment or mental health.
Self care also includes protecting our homes, our families and our lives.
It’s essential—now more than ever—to learn how to stay informed and take strategic, meaningful action. That’s why we founded The Red Lipstick Forum: To help people move off the sidelines and take small, do-able steps that add up to something powerful. This is how we fight tyranny. This is how we protect democracy.
Yes, we all hope this dark chapter will end in our lifetime—that a more compassionate, competent, and principled leader will rise to reverse the damage.
But let’s be clear:
Hope is not a strategy.
Change will not come by chance.
We are in this together. History is unfolding in real time.
THE GOOD NEWS!
There are millions of us who feel the same outrage, exhaustion, and determination—and our numbers are growing every single day.
A very conservative estimate of 5,000,000 people at the last protest - NO KINGS day - the next major protest will take place on the 17th of this month - next THURSDAY, dedicated to the memory of JOHN LEWIS.
Organizers are anticipating this to be even larger than the last one.
CLICK the image for how and where you can participate. Be there or be square!
By the way, Watch Rachel Maddow on Monday evenings at 8PM to see her update of protests all over the country EVERY DAY! You might see your own photo somewhere.
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO STEP UP NOW?
The 3.5% Rule
If you remember one thing from this post, let it be this:
When just 3.5% of the population shows up in nonviolent protest, history tells us the government has to listen—and often, it collapses.
That’s around 11 million Americans. We’re already halfway there.
This isn’t a theory. It’s been proven over and over:
Philippines (1986) – People Power forced Marcos out.
Georgia (2003) – Rose Revolution ended a corrupt regime.
Lebanon, Czechoslovakia, the Baltics, Tunisia, Egypt—the list goes on.
Nonviolent action at scale works. Because it’s visible. Because it’s unstoppable. Because it shifts power.
TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO LISTEN to this powerful video with a clear and resounding message that PEACEFUL PROTESTS WORK, when enough people participate. Every person matters!
Though the current regime is talking a tough game, they do back down on many of their own policies when the voices become louder and louder. Let’s ROAR!
We need you, we need your friends and family too. If for no other reason than to just SHOW UP on the days of these protests to boost the numbers!
JOIN IN THE JOY
Our personal experience has shown that protests don’t just build momentum—they build community. We’ve met neighbors we never knew were like-minded. We’ve forged friendships with people who share our values and our sense of urgency. In fact, we even celebrated the 4th of July with new friends we met at a recent protest—laughing, sharing stories, and remembering why we fight for this country.
In a time of constant challenge, fear, and disillusionment, these moments of connection have been deeply heartening.
They remind us: We are not alone, and WE ARE NOT POWERLESS.
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE NEWS & INFORMATION
JESS CRAVEN - everyday updates and specifics of what you can do
DAN RATHER - the best of the best in news and healthy wisdom
JIM ACOSTA - today’s news today and everyday - focused and pure
RACHEL MADDOW - every Monday 8PM CST - fascinating & informative - MSNBC
MIKE LUX - on substack with an eye on our democracy -
LEAVING YOU ON A POSITIVE NOTE 🎵
on STEADY posted something that made him smile. It made me smile too, so here it is for you along with another of my personal favorites. Pass them along to make others smile too! Until next time stay engaged, be healthy and have some fun!
Judy & Donna
Always working at Panera!
You are both doing a fabulous job of educating, inspiring and reminding us all to do what we can to make a difference - one act at a time. thanks for all you do! Great job!
I love your writing, info and spirit. Keep it coming!