November 27, 2015

The Power in ONE by Melanie Fischer


There is a story about a boy who was walking along the ocean shortly after a tidal wave. The enormous whoosh of water had washed thousands of starfish onto the sandy beach. The boy picked up one stranded starfish at a time and threw it back into the ocean. A man walked by and said, “Son, why are you bothering? You will never be able to throw them all back. All your effort isn’t even going to matter.” The boy bent down, picked up another star fish, wound up to throw it into the ocean, then said, “It will matter to this one.”

The memory of this story keeps me grounded when I am pestered by those thoughts “why bother, your efforts aren’t even going to matter.” I am reminded that it may be about just ONE reader, and that is ok.

I believe that even if Jesus’s death on the cross saved just a single person, He still would have done it.

If we are called to help just ONE, may our works be done with the same heart as if it were for many.

“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10

We tend to measure our writing worth by the numbers of likes, friends, re-tweets, list size or book sales. It is easy to become discouraged when we don’t have numbers to back up our efforts. However, we need not worry, these numbers will not be recorded beside our name in the book of life.

We may never sell a million copies of our writings, or be in Oprah’s book club. Rather, it may be about just one.

ONE blog post that comforts someone in deep despair.

ONE story that pours light into a reader’s darkness.

ONE comment that encourages another to keep going.

ONE birthday card that reminds someone that they matter.

ONE stranded soul who is rescued by your words and led back into the ocean.

Write on a piece of paper, “there is power in ONE,” then tack it above your desk. When you become discouraged in your writing efforts, may you be reminded that your message may be for ONE…ONE worthy and precious child of God.

There have been times when I have read something that has changed my world, and the author may never know. Perhaps it was an author who said to themselves “Why bother? Does this even matter?”

I tell you…it mattered to THIS ONE!



I would like to thank you all for your encouragement, insight and love throughout my InScribe blogging journey. The Lord is now taking me on a new leg of the race. I have prayerfully decided to step away from being a regular contributor to this blog. I look forward to continuing to read your contributions.
May the Lord breathe inspiration and blessings into all of your works.
And always remember that you are an integral part of the body of Christ! 

https://youtu.be/0uiluQwALpA

16 comments:

  1. Your post reminds me of Mark 9:41 "Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward." If we write for Jesus, then we won't be overwhelmed by the masses. And I love your observation that if Jesus' sacrifice had saved just one person, he would have done it anyway. We are SO loved! Blessings, Mel. I will miss your posts, but I expect to still see your website blog!

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  2. Anonymous7:50 am GMT-7

    I love the idea of placing a note of 1 in front of you to see all the time. Sometimes the 1 is myself. If I go back to old writings, they minister to me! Have a blessed journey with each next new step.

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  3. Such an impactful post mel. Thank you for all your posts. We will miss you tons but pray for God's blessing and leading...

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  4. We have spoken of writing for an audience of One (God), but writing to SERVE one is just as important. I'll look for your quirky humour and encouraging insights as you take you toss your writing into the ocean from a different beach than this blog. Mel, you do make a difference to one - and another and another. Thanks!

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  5. Anonymous9:52 am GMT-7

    Thank you for this important reminder. When we go where God leads, we may never be sure which ONE our presence has impacted, but we can be sure that God is there with us, walking where we walk and shining His light through us. Every blessing, Mel. I wish you all the best as you continue on your path.

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  6. Thanks for your post, Mel, and best wishes on the next leg of your journey. Make sure you stay in touch! Your post made me think of this poem:

    The Power of "I"

    I will do more
    I am only one, but I am one.
    I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
    And what I can do, I ought to do
    And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do.
    I will do more than belong...I will participate.
    I will do more than care...I will help.
    I will do more than believe...I will practice.
    I will do more than be fair...I will be kind.
    I will do more than dream..I will work.
    I will do more than teach...I will inspire.
    I will do more than earn...I will enrich.
    I will do more than give...I will serve.
    I will do more than live...I will grow.
    I will do more than talk...I will act.
    I will be more than good...I will be good for something.
    -Anonymous

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    1. Amazing poem! Thank you so much for sharing this Ruth...now I have another reminder to tack above my desk :)

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    2. You're welcome, Mel :) Maybe we should all take a picture of our work areas and share them to encourage each other.

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  7. Hi Mel. Your post made a difference to me today. I do tend to get discouraged with my tiny impact that I feel I have. Thanks for the reminder that it may be for One and that is perfectly ok. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours :)

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  8. Thank you so much everyone for your kind words and encouragement, it means a lot! I often go back and read through the comments when I need a little oomph to get through a writing project :)

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  9. I'd heard the story before but your words added new meaning to it. Thank you for the reminder that if our writing touches one person, it is worth it. Blessings to you on the new leg of your race.

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  10. Melanie, thanks for the power of this ONE post ...
    I was reminded of a quote, by Helen Keller
    I am only one, but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.

    I see Ruth had the same thought, but I knew it had been credited to Helen Keller, so wanted to give credit where due.
    Will miss your postings, but all the best!
    (Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Quotes/Inspiration/H/Helen-Keller/I-Am-Only-One-But-I-Am-Still-One-I-Cannot-Do-Eve.aspx#3QztxvQEMvCkGXYZ.99poem also)

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    1. Thanks so much Jocelyn for letting us know where that quote came from. I love it!

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  11. Mel,
    This is such a powerful post--such Spirit-led words. Thanks for sharing God's thoughts to each one of us.

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