The Power of One

The Power of One — Then and Now

Many years ago, I sat in Mrs. Bergamini’s English class at Mt. Diablo High School. It was final presentation day. The Power of One.

I remember my hands shaking. My voice felt small. I wasn’t confident in myself yet. I looked around and thought, “I’m not good enough. Everyone else is better.” I was uncomfortable in my own skin, unsure of my features, unsure of my worth.

But God was already writing a different story.

I’m thankful for the other avenues He gave me — Global Teen Club International, a mother who helped me build it, and opportunities outside those high school walls that stretched me. They gave me wisdom year after year, drop by drop.

So when I finally stepped into alignment with the Holy Spirit, when I put God first, I could stand. Really stand. And tell my story.

Now I speak. I listen. On the bus, I ask the person next to me how their day is. At the local coffee shop, I don’t assume — I ask. I don’t judge — I connect. Because the first thing the Spirit teaches is how to meet people on a deeper level.

I don’t see “strangers up to no good.” I see souls. Stories. Scars that might look like mine.

The Power of One meant something different back then. I was scared of being the “one” at the front of the class. Today, I know: the power of one healed heart, one listening ear, one honest story… can change another life.

Mrs. Bergamini, if you could see me now — I’m still presenting. Only now, the subject is grace. The final isn’t graded. And I’m finally comfortable being me.

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