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That One Person by Mike Ramey

by Mike Ramey
06/10/24
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     Welcome to the latest from Barnstorm Communications: “The Encourager.”  A monthly column dedicated to putting forward items and information designed to uplift those in need of refreshment in a dry and angry land.  There will be times that this column may seem to be out of place.  Rest assured, my friend, this is for the backpack; there WILL come a time when you may need this for yourself, or for someone close to you whom you have not met yet.

     A few years back, famed author, civil rights activist and commentator Tony Brown came to my home city of Indianapolis, Indiana to give a speech to some local leaders associated with the YMCA.  I was one of the fortunate few that had to cover the event.  I was a reporter for WTLC-FM at a time when few urban radio stations had more going for them other than wall-to-wall music.  My station had one of the top news departments in the state—and I was proud to be a part of that team.

     I was blessed to be able to record Mr. Brown.  I still have the original tape of the speech, which lasted about an hour.  It was an hour well spent, as Brown laid out a clear path for student achievement, African American history, and—above all things—the importance for each of us to have “that one person” in our lives; a teacher, a pastor, a historic figure, a parent or someone else who not only illustrated how to learn about the gifts that we had, but modeled their OWN gifts to help us understand our future importance to society.

     “Take that one person out of your lives,” noted Brown, “and you would not be here, nor would you have this speaker before you.”

     In our short time together this month, I just wanted to put forth that one question: Are YOU that one person?  Take your time, for the answer is not only critical for you, but for those around you.

    It is easy for many of us to cry about what we don’t have.  We don’t have the opportunity.  We don’t have the money.  We don’t have anyone in our corner cheering us onward through the battlefield of life.  These are, in some instances, important and soul-searching questions.  However, we often overlook one critical part of life’s equation: Are we willing to be THE one person who is known to pour themselves into the lives of others—without thinking about what we will ‘get back’ for our efforts?

     If you are willing to BE that one person, you will be amazed at the blessings you will reap!

     Mike Ramey is a Retired Minister, KJV Bible Teacher, syndicated columnist and Bible Prophecy Specialist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.  “The Encourager” is one of a variety of his columns appearing and abounding in print and cyberspace, written from a biblical, business, and common-sense perspective since 1996.  To drop him a line—or a whine—the address is still the same: [email protected].  ©2024 Barnstorm Communications International.