Well, this has certainly been an interesting couple of weeks hasn’t it?
I have friends on both sides of the aisle. Some are very upset and angry; others are happy—dare I say, euphoric! With all the really big issues being debated and discussed, there may be a sense of powerlessness amongst us. After all, if you watch the news, read articles, or hear what I’m hearing, it seems only logical to wonder: What can I—no, make that what can WE—do to build a better future?
That is why I was intrigued when someone sent me a video set to a great song about the “Power of One” by Bomshel. In particular, I loved the words from this stanza:
One grain of sand can turn the tide,
One single spark can light the night,
One simple dream,
One gentle word,
One act of love from someone,
Can start a chain reaction
It all begins in the heart,
In the power of one.
Hearing these words, I was reminded of the talk I gave when I was honored with CSCMP’s Distinguished Service Award in 2014. In sharing the story about David and Goliath, I stated that we can all choose to make a difference even if the only thing we have is a pebble.
In closing, I offered to give people a commemorative “I Make A Difference” pebble if they wanted to stop by our trade show booth. When I asked my marketing team to order 500 pebbles, they laughed and asked me if I really thought 500 people would want a pebble. I’ll make a long story short. Apparently the “You can make a difference!” message hit home, because we gave away all the pebbles. Watch the full speech here.
I have heard several “Power of One” type messages over the years. So, I know it’s natural when people hear them, they will compare themselves against a person who was an iconic difference maker and world-changer, and then conclude that they don’t the power or ability to make a difference.
For example, I visited South Africa years ago and toured Robben Island Prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. As we learned how one person, Nelson Mandela, had changed South Africa, one person said: “I could never have done that!” Or, in 2000, a small group of us had the honor of having tea with Raj Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson. I learned that no one believed Gandhi when he proclaimed that India would eventually be an independent country. But Gandhi persevered, and against all odds, in 1948, India gained its independence. It was the Power of One at work.
I know that not too many folks may be called to change a country like Mandela or Gandhi, but perhaps in acknowledging the Power of One, we can positively influence the lives of those people whose paths we will cross today and in the future. Or maybe we can make the neighborhoods where we live, or the companies where we work, or the ministries or non-profit organizations where we serve a bit better.
On a personal level, I have been blessed by friends who are “Difference Makers.” They don’t get the press, nor are they seeking to call attention to themselves, they just want to serve others and make life better for people.
These friends inspire me and affirm the truth that we all can be a “Difference Maker.” It may not be a “big deal” and it may not garner headlines, but when we periodically perform a random act of kindness, or encourage and serve others, we can demonstrate the “Power of One.”
In closing, as I listened to this other verse from the song, “While the others threw stones, He didn't judge, He moved the world with the strength of His love,” an interesting thought crossed my mind. Could you imagine how much better our country would be if all of our political leaders, as well as all of us, would remember what is arguably one of the most famous verses from the Good Book, “For God so loved the world…?” Now that is something that can really make a difference!
