"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." Edward Everett Hale

Though many attribute this quote to D.L. Moody, it’s roots and heritage stem further into our historical past to the pen of Edward Everett Hale, descendant of Nathan Hale, Revolutionary war spy and martyr. Men, such as these, took the words of this penmanship to the deepest chambers of their heart. They spoke of passion, duty, honor and responsibility. Such are the men that made men great through their courage to speak their heart and live with the deepest of convictions. They were true to God and they were true to their words.

I personally have a very deep loyalty in my heart to our founding fathers and the patriarchs of this nation. It’s been in me as long as I can remember. Maybe because I am a descendant of one who sacrificed and explored to discover in America, English explorer, Henry Hudson. Many of men spent their fortunes, sacrificed all they had, including their lives, to pave the way for freedom.

I first heard this quote of Everett Hale from a man, a mentor, a leader, who greatly impacted and shaped me. A man named Charlie. Charlie was one of the most powerful leaders I had ever seen before. He challenged and dared myself, and thousands of others, to face our fears and step out in faith. I began to dare to dream and believe for more than I had ever dreamed before. Prior to this I had always held back from dreaming for fear of disappointment.

Charlie carried this quote on a piece of paper for most of his adult life, folded up in his wallet, as his personal reminder. Though he passed in 2001, his imprint on my life has left a legacy of hope, vision and courage.

“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 I can do.”

What do these words mean to you? Do you add your own personal “I will not refuse UNLESS” clause to the lines penned by Mr. Hale? What is it God is calling you to do? What is the purpose and vision locked inside you? Are you willing to obey the call to do what you can do…

• Even when it hurts?
• Even when it requires sacrifice?
• Even if it will make you unpopular or make others raise an eyebrow?
• Even when others tell you it cannot be done?
• Even if it means you take a few step backward before you move forward?
• What if you do not receive accolades or praise from man for your actions?

What if the thing God asks you to do requires you to take a risk for another so they can move forward? Will you be willing to reach out a hand to pull others along with you? Being strength for those who haven’t the strength at all. Or maybe they have the strength, but lack the resource you have access to? Would you do what you can do then, without refusing?

When I was in college I had a number of male friends associated with a particular fraternity. Now, I never joined a Sorority, but many of my friends did join the Greek clubs. These particular male friends had a theme for their “class” of initiates. They were required to memorize it and recite it every time they gathered with their fellow fraternity members. I do not recall the words, but I do recall the title and how it began…”A True Gentleman”. Then, they would proceed to describe the conduct of a true gentleman and spoke an oath to be such, and behave such. I grow concerned in our society that we have lost the significance, understanding and conviction of what it is to be a true gentleman or a noble woman. What it is to have honor? Have we forgotten what it is to be noble?

I speak these words, not with an ounce of criticism in my heart. It is more a matter or desire. I desire to stir anyone who would listen, to help recapture the essence of what made America great. Are you in a position to recapture what made men, with all the courage, chivalry, honor and duty they had ability for, trusting God with the rest? Can we step out in faith and do the things required that need to be done, need to be said, and not focus on the minute details but trusting God with every detail? It is by my experience that I see with consistency, when I step out in faith with what I know to be true and what the Lord will me to do or say, He shows up with the rest of the instructions…BUT NOT UNTIL I TAKE THE FIRST STEP! That’s why it is called FAITH!

You are only one, but you are one with power. You are one who has so much more to offer than you truly know yourself. With every passing hour and each coming day, you will see it unfold in your life. You were made for greatness, it is locked inside of you and little by little it is being revealed to you. You are a gentleman/woman. You have courage. You can walk in honor and power and you can overcome every tie that binds you and prevents you from stepping out and doing more. No longer hesitating or waiting for someone else to do what God has for you to do. This is your hour. Shine bright, like the star in the heavens you are, and be all that you are destined to be. Your victory will unleash victory for the countless lives you reach, teach, lead and lend a helping hand. You are Victorious.

Together, WE are ONE. We are one like a body of water, so completely intertwined, though it were millions of drops not one can be distinguished from the other. Faceted together, threaded together, bound tightly and cohesively, yet all the freedom and mobility that water itself contains. When we move we are majestic and beautiful and we flow. Each complimenting and only strengthening the strengths of the other. Unity so magnificent we Shine and sparkle in the Light. Like a body of water, we are large and bold and possess the power to cleanse, purify, nourish and replenish. How beautiful...

We are One, and it is an honor and a privilege to be One with you.

As always, I bless you always, in the Name of the Lord…

~Nicole

“Now may the god of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.” Romans 15:5-7