You Can Do It! I Know the Winner and They are You

Isn’t it a strange phenomenon? There must be a first, always a first… then the path is cleared and opened wide for the rest....

Inspired by a great feat, my school recently held the inauguration for our 1st female president: Dr. Andrea P. Cook. It made me think - I CAN DO IT!!! I can be a 1st too. This event made me remember other first's as well...

Rarely is there ever a ‘group’ of people who wrench open doors, tear down walls, or blast through ceilings to make needed change. No, it usually starts with just one individual.

Although it's not a race, they are the winner. That one who will stand in the gap for the many. He or she acts as a lone ranger without any Tonto for back up. They are valiant, brave, or just plain crazy enough to risk everything to right the wrongs that threaten the future of the many. For some reason these individuals make a conscious choice to face the giant that holds the prize just out of reach.

Why they choose to be first in line is beyond understanding. If you know the answer you are in a blessed minority. People are ‘pack’ like creatures, specifically fashioned for relationship and community. We move together in groups knowing that there is safety our numbers. We, the “huddled masses yearning to be free” sit quietly and pray for the day when the ‘Chosen One’ will step out from amongst us and champion our cause; whatever it may be.

This one who decides to break away from the pack, just long enough to challenge the enemy on our behalf. But their contribution inspires others...

Yes, surprisingly, others who never dreamed they had it in them will follow in their (your) footsteps. Strengthened and renewed by the sacrifice of the ‘One’, whole groups of people who up until that very moment chose to sit idly by murmuring and complaining, or with heads and hands hanging down, or others still, who simply had given up long ago. They begin to awaken; yawning and stretching, they shake their heavy heads as if to stir up their idle minds for the first time in ages.

Who are these brave individuals, why do they take risks for others?

† I am reminded of King David who propelled a small rock at the weakest point on the strongest of giants.

† Of Martin Luther King Jr. who knew that his life might be cut short but moved forward with a nonviolent, yet confrontational message for the joining of hands across color, race, and creed.

† I am reminded of Moses who woke up a nation, parted a sea, and led forth a people whom had bowed their heads in submission and slavery to a hard task master for far too long.

† Of the anonymous student June 5, 1989, who stood in the way of army tanks, block their decent upon the city, standing up for democracy and crying out against communism.

† And even Roger Banister; warned that it would explode a human heart to run a mile in under 4 minutes, yet he did, now runners speed past this record he opened the door to.

I am reminded of Jesus who did too many great things to even recount in one book, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” (John21:25) Yet He said "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.” (John14:12)

I believe you and I have it inside of us. There is something we face today or tomorrow, or even months down the road. A challenge is awaiting us. Faith? Freedom? Money issues? Health? Relationships? Ministry? Business? Back to School with the Loans to Prove it? We may know exactly what it is, or it may come as a surprise. We have it in us to stand up and be counted, do the right thing, make the first move, or act on the behalf of others. It is a conscious choice.

So whether we are the first to stand, or the one inspired by someone else, just stand! You've won just by standing up.Your contribution may be that precious gift from God and the “greater works” the world needs to finally turn on the ignition for a necessary change.