CAN ONE PERSON MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

CAN ONE PERSON MAKE A DIFFERENCE?A Japanese proverb states: "The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour." The actions of just one person have even changed the course of a nation. Edward Everett Hale wrote:
 

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.
Never underestimate the power of one person to make a difference. Long ago a woman named Esther saved the Jews from holocaust. She was the wife of a Persian king. The king was about to be tricked into a decision that would lead to the extermination of the Jews. Esther's predicament was that if she tried to save the Jewish nation, she would have to risk her life. Her adoptive father gave her this message: "For if you remain silent...your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this."¹⁰ She chose to risk her life. By doing so, one person helped save an entire nation. 
If you occupy a position of leadership then your actions profoundly influence those who follow your example. Considering the many qualities that are necessary for successful leadership, Desert storm hero General H. Norman Schwarzkopf said: "Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy."