Together we can build the Michigan we believe in, because we

The words of Gretchen Whitmer, “Together we can build the Michigan we believe in, because we still have what we need most—the strength, the talent, the vision, and the grit of the incredible people of this state,” resound like a call from the ancient heralds, reminding us that the greatest resources are not the stones of the earth nor the treasures of the coffers, but the living fire within the people. It is a proclamation of unity, that when men and women bind their hearts to a shared destiny, no hardship can break them, and no storm can wash away their foundation.

The origin of these words lies in the trials of Michigan, a land once built upon industry, upon steel and automobiles, upon factories that forged the dreams of a nation. Yet as the centuries turned, those industries faltered, leaving behind hollowed cities, weary workers, and the question of renewal. Whitmer’s declaration arises from this crucible: though material fortune may ebb and flow, the true wealth of a state lies in its people—their courage, their imagination, and their unyielding resilience.

History itself confirms this truth. Recall the story of Detroit in the early 20th century. Once a modest town, it became the beating heart of the American automobile revolution. Men and women, many arriving as immigrants with little more than hope, built factories, laid steel, and crafted machines that carried nations forward. It was not gold that birthed Detroit’s might, but the talent and grit of its people, who turned vision into reality. And even when decline came, their legacy showed that greatness springs not from circumstance, but from the spirit of those willing to work together.

Her words also echo the lesson of war-time America. When the nation faced the fires of the Second World War, Michigan’s factories became the “Arsenal of Democracy.” Women left homes, men left farms, and together they transformed the state into a forge of tanks, planes, and ships. This was the living embodiment of strength, vision, and grit. Even when resources were scarce and times uncertain, the unity of purpose turned challenge into triumph. The same spirit is what Whitmer calls upon—the eternal reminder that what matters most is already within us.

The ancient wisdom here is that every people must learn to recognize their inner wealth. Too often, communities lament what they have lost, mourning vanished industries or shifting fortunes. Yet the teaching is clear: so long as the people remain strong, gifted, and steadfast, there is always the possibility of renewal. For the soil of the land and the skill of its people are more enduring than the fleeting tides of commerce.

To those who listen across generations, let this be a call: do not wait for saviors from afar, nor despair when conditions turn against you. Look instead to your neighbor, your brother, your sister, and recognize in them the vision and strength that can build anew. True rebuilding is not only the work of governments, but the daily faith and action of the people.

The lesson for your life is this: when faced with hardship, do not fix your eyes only upon what you lack. Instead, gather what remains—your courage, your skill, your endurance—and bind it with others. Whether in a family, a community, or a nation, the way forward is forged together. Ask yourself: how can my talent serve those around me? How can my grit uplift others when their strength falters?

If you build with this spirit, then no loss will be permanent, and no darkness will endure. For a people united in vision cannot be defeated. As Whitmer reminds us, the tools of renewal are not beyond reach—they already live within the hearts of the people. Let this truth carry you forward: the mightiest cities, the greatest nations, the most enduring legacies, are not built by circumstance, but by the will of a people who rise together.