I refuse to give up. I will continue to try, to the best of my ability, to make things better. I may sometimes slip and not do this in the best possible way. I may say something in a less than optimal way.  Be honest and straight-forward with me; teach me a better way. But please do not shame me for my attempts, for they are made with the best intentions. I do know that good intentions are not enough, which is why I am open to being taught a better way. But know that when you shame me, my initial reaction may be to become defensive. When I know better, I will do better. This is not about me; it really isn’t about any one person. We are fighting for the greater good, and we need all the allies we can get. And so, I refuse to give up.