On the copper penny the statement “E Pluribus Unum” frames the top part of the circle. When our founding fathers envisioned the future of the colonies, they hoped for a unified nation that would embrace certain ideals and values. These concepts included freedom from tyranny, acknowledgement of a creator, independence in living, yet interdependence on each other. In 1776 the original 13 colonies became unified as a new nation: The United States of America. No longer were the colonies separate entitites, but they became one.
The power of One is a great anomaly. Most people are aware that strength is found in plurality, for “a three-fold cord is not easily broken.” Yet, a lot of strength, and yes, a lot of change, can happen by just one. One person can literally change the course of history. One person can make an impact on society that changes the ideals, beliefs, and values on many others. One person can leave a legacy in such a way that the void is almost too difficult to fill.
I can think of a few people who have made such an impact. In my journey of homeschooling I have learned that history is filled with stories of people who have impacted the world through “the power of one.” People like King Tutankhamen and Hatshepsut of Egypt, the biblical Joseph and Moses, Hammurabi of Bablyon, the Shang Dynasty of China, and Cyrus the Great. As you can see, I have only scratched the surface of ancient history. I still have a lot of people, places, and events to learn in the forwarding timeline. I’ll leave that for another blog sometime.
However, the most influential person I know of that has impacted millions of people around the world, is the man named Jesus Christ. If you ask most people what they think of when his name is mentioned, most people will either regard him as the son of God, or they will snub him and say it is a fable. Well, one of the two answers is correct, and I choose to believe the former answer. His life and his legacy have left an incredible void in each life that can only be filled by his spirit. I do believe there is a god-shaped hole in all of us, and I do believe that we can all be filled with the hope and love that he brings to those who choose him.
But, just as Jesus has made an impact to many, he gave the us the example of how we can take that challenge and rise to the task of impacting others. He chose to love those who hated him. How many people actually love and pray for those who hate others? He chose to forgive the sins of all mankind. Have you chosen to forgive those who have wronged you? He chose to fully surrender to God’s will. Have you answered the call to follow God?
What kind of person are you? Are you comfortable with coasting through life, grabbing all the gusto, and saying sayanara in a peaceful way as you exit to eternity? Or, are you passionate about life, reaching and teaching others the same passion, so that someday you will leave a legacy of hope and love? Are you the One that people will see as the pebble that creates the ripple effect? Will the empty space be the impact of your life’s “footprint” long after you are gone? Even though this life is not all about you, you are important enough to make it about your impact on others.
May you go out and be the one, and may you have the “many” support you in your journey.
Becoming Process Driven 