Pipher went on to share what she learned from the experience: "Just because we think the cause is hopeless is no reason to give up. We can challenge power because we choose not to be passive victims of injustice. Also by standing up to power, we become more hopeful and encourage other people to be more hopeful. We learn by action that, if we act as if we have power, we can create it.
As a group, we were persistent, calm, strategic and focused. We baked apple pies, had pumpkin parties and water festivals. But we were not naïve. We just knew what tactics worked in our state. We didn't have TransCanada's money or power, but we had the truth on our side. We had energy, intelligence and community and we consistently outmaneuvered our powerful enemy.
We didn't let defeats destroy us, but rather we turned them into opportunities for new engagement. We didn't just talk; we planned actions. We worked with Republicans, Democrats, artists, students, teachers, farmers, small business owners, doctors, ministers, ranchers and urban people. We did our best to quell any troublemakers and use tactics and strategies that were fun and inspiring. Forgive me if I sound a bit self-congratulatory about our Nebraska activists. Today we won a great victory and it is not just our victory, but a victory for living beings. I consider today the end of a long prayer for Mother Earth." Amen. And Hallelujah. Deep thanks to you, Mary Pipher, and to everyone, everywhere who helped your prayer come true.