Need a bit of inspiration this morning? I've got just the story for you.
On Tuesday, two men showed up on a street corner in Tillamook, Oregon, with signs reading "Homo sex is sin" and "Jesus said unless you all repent you will likewise perish." Apparently, this was not the first time these bigots protested in Tillamook. This time, however, their hateful display provoked a response.
Makaila Ragan, a high school junior, happened to notice the men on Tuesday standing outside her mother's workplace with their signs. She told the Tillamook County Pioneer:
I was so irritated because I see them all around town and all they ever do is make people feel like crap about themselves.
Unlike most people, she wasn't content to simply ignore the protesters.
I went inside and asked her and her boss if it would be all right if I made a poster that stands up for what I believe in. They were totally all for it.
And so she did. Her message? A simple one:
"I <3 Gays."
Makaila made her sign and held it right next to the men. Which did
not make them happy. They responded in typical bigot fashion:
The two men, said Makaila, began insulting her personally. “They were calling me names, and asking my mom questions, like, "How many times did you have to get an abortion before you were able to have your daughter?" and saying, "You’re going to burn in hell right along with your daughter." The things they were saying were just awful, but I didn’t let them faze me.”
She certainly
didn't let the verbal abuse faze her. And her bravery was rewarded--with more supporters. People started showing up with pro-equality signs, food, flowers, and money for drinks. What began as one courageous and outspoken girl's stand against hate blossomed into a counter-protest that approximately 45 people participated in, by Makaila's estimation. She and her group decided not to leave until the bigots left. They continued to gain support from people in the town:
Throughout the evening, several local pastors showed up to tell the two men that they do not represent all Christians and “that everyone is loved by God,” said Ragan. “It was nice getting all that support from people from all over.”
Ragan and her group decided they wouldn’t leave until the two men did, and so they stood on the corner of the busiest intersection in downtown Tillamook cheering with every honk of support or wave they received from passing motorists until well past dusk. “I was there from 4 until about 10:30,” she said.
At that point, the men left, and the pro-gay group also dispersed. But the event inspired something greater in Tillamook. During the protest, the
Tillamook for Love Facebook group was launched, which at the time of this writing has over 400 members. And if you visit the page, you'll see that Makaila plans to stage another demonstration in support of LGBT people in the same spot.
As you can imagine, Makaila's mother is quite proud:
I am beyond proud of my daughter for having the courage to stand up for what she believes in. I had no idea that it would turn in to such a huge event. It was heartwarming how many people came for support. Makaila feels so strongly that we are all equal, no matter who you love. Someone needed to step up against these two men who have insulted so many people. I was attacked verbally by them for allowing my daughter to "believe sinning is OK." Makaila stood up. Boy, did she ever! Look what she did--wow! I’m so, so proud of her.
Makaila deserves all the credit in the world for this, but I think her mother also deserves some of the credit. She clearly raised Makaila well.
Proof that just one person--even a kid--can make a difference. Way to go, Makaila!
(H/T
Joe My God)