I remember seeing this story on the news and on social media.

During the morning rush, a man slipped while boarding a stationary train to Perth at Stirling station, trapping his leg in the narrow gap between the carriage and platform. He couldn’t free himself, and nearby people were unable to help. Train staff asked passengers to move to the other side of the carriage to shift its weight away from him, but that didn’t work. They then ordered about 50 passengers off the train and lined them up alongside it. At the count of three, everyone worked together to push the carriage. The gap widened just enough for two passengers to pull the man’s leg free. Paramedics treated him for minor injuries, and he caught a later train.

I like this story because it shows how powerful people can be when they work together. The man couldn’t free his leg on his own, and a couple of people couldn’t help him either. But when everyone in the car joined forces and worked as one, they moved the subway car enough to free his trapped leg.

When life feels overwhelming, I get tired of hearing people say they’re only one person and can’t change the world. Yes, you’re one person—but by bringing people together and encouraging them to work alongside you, we can start making a difference. Collective action can bring about great good—and great harm.

Have you heard of Cycad National Monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota? Probably not. Established in 1922, it closed in 1957. Why? Many visitors took the Cycad fossils home, nearly stripping the site of them. The monument had to close to protect what little remained. Those visitors likely thought that taking one fossil would not cause harm, but hundreds, if not tens of thousands, thought the same, leaving the site stripped of its precious fossils. Here, the actions of many had a detrimental effect.

One person cannot move a subway car, but 50 can. One person taking a fossil does not harm a park, but when thousands do, it does. When one person complains to a government official about an injustice in the world, not much happens, but when tens of thousands do, officials begin to notice. Imagine if a million people could do it. This is the power of many.

Our church raised $7,000 to repair its broken stained-glass windows. Though the amount seemed large, everyone’s contributions—some more, some less—made it manageable. Together, we raised enough for the repairs—the power of many. Imagine thousands praying together. As James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Imagine the impact of many people doing this! 

Together, we can accomplish so much through work and prayer. Let’s remember that we’re not isolated islands in a vast sea, but an archipelago. With God’s help, we can make the world a better place by choosing to work together.

Take care,

Bill R