“The Power of ONE!” I love the meaning behind this phrase. Our church has adopted this phrase as it applies to inviting people to our church. I am so glad we are following this concept because it affected my life, and the direction of our family, 25 years ago. Allow me to share how powerful the “Power of ONE” has been in my life.
Having just moved to Columbia, and being very unfamiliar with the city, I remember pulling into our driveway after returning from the grocery store to find a strange car in our driveway. As I got out, there were two kind faces who introduced themselves as Faith and Dave. They told me they were from Shandon Baptist Church and wanted to stop by, introduce themselves, and invite us to church on Sunday.
We went that very next Sunday and 25 years later we are still there. We have made countless friends, have been loved and supported through good times and bad and, most importantly, have been fed the word of God and seen it lived out from the pulpit to the members.
I can remember reading a book by Andy Stanley. I don’t remember which one since I have read all of his books. But in one of them he elaborates on the concept of “Power of ONE!” I want to attempt to explain it and then give you personal examples because this principle has been manifested in my life countless times. HERE GOES…
Basically, Andy says DON’T buy into the concept, “If you can’t do for all, then don’t do it!” He says, “If you can only DO for ONE, then by all means DO IT!” Most of us don’t have the resources or time to help hundreds but ALL of us, if we are honest, can help or do for one!
This could mean doing in the form of an invitation, a word of encouragement, a material gift, a listening ear, or an act of service. The list can go on and on. We all have the “Power of ONE!”
I would like to give personal examples of the impact this concept has had on my life!
1. My fifth grade teacher, Ms. Lillian Moore, who gave her time after school, and in the summer, to help me read and write better because I have dyslexia! Now I am a reader and writer. The power of one through the gift of SERVICE!
2. Claudia Turner, former Miss South Carolina, shared her testimony in my home church when I was 9, and then I gave my life to Christ. Many influenced that decision in my life, but her testimony was the FINAL touch to give me the courage. The power of one through INFLUENCE, role model.
3. Bill Nichols moved to a neighboring town and invited me to join his clogging team. I did. It was my talent in the Miss America pageant. The power of one through INVITATION.
4. When I was a freshman at Clemson, Ricky Capps (the Tiger mascot at the time) encouraged me to try out for the cheerleader squad and told me I could do it! That gave me the courage to do it. I was a cheerleader all 4 years. The power of one through ENCOURAGEMENT.
5. My Mother filling out all of the paperwork to enter the pageant. The power of one. The gift of BELIEF in someone.
6. My Dad telling me to quit work when I was sexually harassed at my first job. I quit and it proved to be for my protection. The power of one through WISDOM.
7. My friend, Hope, sharing with me a tape on parenting, “Growing Kids God’s Way”. It influenced our parenting in the most dramatic way. The power of one through SHARING.
8. My friend, Julie, calling after God placed my name on her heart to pray for me and then call. The power of one through an ear bent toward God and obedience. The power of one at JUST THE RIGHT TIME.
9. A friend sharing a very personal struggle and how they had victory. The power of one through HUMILITY.
10. Receiving a hand written note just this week from my friend, Lorie. Just at the right time when God knew I would need it! The power of one through a WRITTEN NOTE.
The “POWER OF ONE” can be life changing. The difference is the “BUY IN AND APPLICATION OF THE CONCEPT!” We all have the power to be a positive fork in the road for someone. The choice is ours. Proverbs 11:14, “One man gives freely, yet gains even more…”The