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The Power of One

After leaving a store in a little strip mall, I sat in my car shuffling through my purse. I jumped when a woman knocked on my window.

β€œI’m sorry to frighten you,” she said sobbing. β€œMay I take a photo of your license plate?”

I stepped out of my car, and the woman explained that she was in her car on the phone with her husband’s heart surgeon. She was very sad and frightened about the upcoming surgery and her husband’s fragile health when she looked up and saw my car adjacent to hers and my plate, which reads, β€œPEACE.” The woman said she believed the plate was a message for her not to worry, that all will be well. We hugged, and I promised to remember her husband in my prayers.

Sometimes, I wonder if I’ve done enough in my life, if my words, my actionsβ€”if Iβ€”matter. No doubt, many of us feel the same way. But really, we don’t have to accomplish extraordinary achievements to make a difference. It’s the little things that are powerful enough to change someone’s day, and possibly their whole thought process.

***Are you sad, troubled? Ask our heavenly mother, Mary, to pray with you. Learn more about this in my book, Grieving with Mary.

Β©2022, Mary K. Doyle

Responses to “The Power of One”

  1. Susie

    What an inspiring message!
    As someone lucky enough to call you my friend for so many years, I can assure you … you matter! This is a beautiful story, Mary, and certainly makes me realize how God works through all of us … often times without us even knowing it. How wonderful that the woman let you know the difference you made in her life.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Susie. You are dear to me, my friend.

  2. sandyroybessandbugzy

    How creative to have “peace” as your number plate. Glad the lady shared her story . I am sure there are many more you would be surprised to hear. Lovely to read something from you Mary.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Sandy.

  3. marie

    it truly is amazing the difference we make in people’s lives everyday without even trying or sometimes even knowing it happened.
    yes, you matter, mary.
    every being on this planet matters.
    blessings and love to you.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Marie. I appreciate you taking the time to comment and for your kindness.

      1. marie

        i should probably tell you how much i enjoy your posts more often!!
        we share a love of nature and kindness, and i appreciate you sharing yourself with us.
        like i said, you make more of a difference than you will ever know.
        many blessings to you, sweetie.

        1. Mary K. Doyle

          I’m humbled. Thank you.

  4. Paul Grossart

    Not only does Mary’s license plate say “PEACE” but so many of the things she says and does conveys that same message.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ahhhhh, thank you, Paul.

  5. rothpoetry

    Words do make a difference… can change the world. Your word was simple yet moving and encouraging. Good for you.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you

      1. rothpoetry

        You are welcome!

  6. Cindy Georgakas

    I love this Mary and that was a beautiful story that says it all! I love it! πŸ’—

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Cindy.

  7. 100 Country Trek

    This is such an amazing story. Anita

  8. windowcolquhoun810

    This is a touching account Mary. It’s also a wonderful idea to have this message on your number plate. πŸ’ Bouquets to you!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! Happiest of holidays to you.

  9. Poem/Haiku and Excerpt–Spirituality for Health – Midwest Mary

    […] been answered than I can count, some of which were absolutely incredible. I’ve written on the power of prayer (see also, Winning Prayers) in past […]

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