THE POWER OF ONE

Again this month I would like to ponder the influence of a great prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley. He was such a humble, sweet, kind man. He never drew attention to himself, but was always hard at work to extend a helping hand to improve the station of all men. He worked tirelessly to further the teachings of Jesus Christ and to make it possible for men everywhere to enjoy the blessings of the gospel. He was certainly a worthy example to each of us of what ONE man can be when he dedicates his life to doing good. We are so grateful for life's lessons he passed on during his time here on earth.

Think also of Joseph Smith. What ONE good man can do when he puts himself in the Lord's hands. Especially if he stays the course of what he has been commissioned to do. As the first prophet of this dispensation he pressed on in spite of all the adversity he faced and now millions are indebted to him for their membership in the Church of Jesus Christ that was restored to the earth through him.

On Temple Square reaching the ONE is the purpose of each day. To share the gospel with ONE person is a worthy goal. Each sister prepares to speak boldly in sharing her testimony of the truths of the gospel with those she comes in contact with each day that she might touch at least ONE person and help bring them to Christ. Sister Gasper who is on Temple Square now sent an email telling about her experience with a couple who came with their son who was on his way to the MTC in Provo, Utah. They wanted to know more about this church their son had embraced and was willing to serve for two years as a missionary. She said how thrilling it was to explain the gospel principles to them and share along with their son why his desires had led him on this path.

As we consider "ONE" individual, it is interesting how many thoughts connect to the power of just one person. Since we are each one unique and a son or daughter of God it shouldn't surprise us how much power we actually have as ONE in our actions. We often think of ourselves as ordinary or even inadequate in our contribution to a group or even in our own family. However, there is ample evidence that each ONE of us is important to someone and more often than not to many people.

Heavenly Father loves each ONE Of us. We ponder that and think how can it be possible? There are so many millions of people on the earth today, it is unfathomable to think he is aware of each ONE. When a baby is born or when one person dies and you are in attendance at the birth of the death, it's believeable then. Yes, he is aware of each one and loves us each one. There is something very spiritual about birth and death and the Holy Spirit is there testifying that Jesus Christ loves each ONE. In looking through some of the papers I have collected over the years I came upon a series of thoughts about the ONE.

For this newsletter I would like to share some of them:

ONE, on God's side, is a majority - Wendell Phillips

I am only ONE, but still I am 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 - Edward Everett Hale

An institution is the lengthened shadow of ONE man - Ralph Waldo Emerson

No ONE saves us but ourselves; No ONE can and no ONE may; We ourselves must walk the path... teachers merely show the way. - Nancy Wilson Ross

If a teacher influences but ONE, his influence never stops. - Greek saying

Cry, curse, or call it unfair, but be grateful 'til the grave, that in this hurt you're the ONE who received and not the ONE who gave. - Carol Lynn Pearson

I do not ask for any crown, but that which all may win; nor try to conquer any world except the ONE within. Louisa May Alcott

The whole theory of the universe is directed unerringly to ONE single individual...namely to you. - Walt Whitman

An Indian Elder was teaching his two sons, he told them that inside each man lives two wolves; ONE is good, caring, grateful and loving, the other is evil, envious, angry and hateful. He stopped. Finally one of the sons asked, "Father, how shall we know which ONE will be dominant in us?" The Elder replied, "The ONE you feed." - author unknown

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto ONE Of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. - Matthew 25:40

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love ONE another, as I have loved you, that ye also love ONE another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love ONE to another. - John 13:34,35

Isn't it thrilling that each ONE of us has the power to lead out and do something amazing in this life. We can accomplish something wonderful just by extending our care and concern to each one we come in contact with. We can be an influence for good. We can be the ONE to make a difference.

To each ONE of you who have made a difference in my life I send my thanks and my love.
Maurine Winters

*Photograph of Mt. Timpanogos Temple in Springtime Copyright (C) 2007 Jared Law All Rights Reserved