2>1

Two IS GREATER than one!

Yes, it is! But it is truth I forget!

Question: What is a favorite movie for you?

(Send a comment back to me below and let me know—I would love to hear!)

If it is a favorite, you know its story well. You probably know the scene that truly resonates with you. And I’m confident you could tell me the names of the actors who bring the tale to life.

The 2022 movie Top Gun: Maverick, starring Tom Cruise, is one of my favorites. I can tell you my favorite scenes and the action that moved me most. However, I cannot tell you who the technicians were who served as the Key Grip or the Dolly Grip.

Further…

I cannot tell you the name of the Motion Graphic Designer who created the opening sequences of that film. (I really love those opening sequences!) I do not know the name of that person! But the fact remains that… he or she faced the challenge of drawing the viewer tightly into the story that was about to unfold over the next 130 minutes! These professionals I just identified are just a few of the many amazing “creatives” on set and behind the scenes whose names roll down in the credits as we leave the theater or close our computers. Without them, Tom Cruise would not have been able to do his job!

Simply put: the pull of collective effort fosters a sense of community, collaboration, probably disagreement, and, hopefully, creative problem-solving. And in the struggle, often, amazing rises to the surface–because two is greater than one.

Let’s take a glimpse at the life of Moses. Yep, the Old Testament–Red Sea–Ten Commandment guy. He was God’s chosen leader to free the Hebrew people from slavery. Historians estimate that Moses led about 2 million Israelites in their exodus from Egypt! Talk about a BIG job. And Moses was only about 80 years old!!!

The people Moses led were beyond difficult. Their commitment to God and Moses was as unpredictable as a stormy sea. They grumbled and complained; they even considered killing Moses and his brother Aaron—several times!  But Moses kept on showing up day after day to do the job God asked him to do. It was hard! And often, it was harder still!

 

But here’s that math thing again: Two is greater than one. Like I already said, I can easily forget it. Why is something so simple so hard? Moses encourages me because he forgot this math, too—several times! God begins to show him quietly—in the background! In Exodus 17, Moses stands on a hill with both hands upraised, holding the staff of God. This is a “Hebrew understood” posture of prayer. Why was Moses in prayer? His people were engaged in battle. An enemy nation had attacked. With a select group of warriors, the Israelites were fighting for their freedom. The battle is taking place in a valley below. Moses observes from a hill above. All day, the battle continued, and Moses had to keep his hands raised, holding that staff. That’s hard. Really hard–but it was critical! When fatigue set in and Moses’ hands faltered, the adversary gained the upper hand. The sustained prayerful position was needed for the victory.

However, Moses was not alone. Aaron, his brother, and a man named Hur had walked up that hill with him. When they saw Moses’ fatigue, Aaron and Hur went to either side of their leader. They supported Moses’ hands! Aaron and Hur helped get the work done. Israel was victorious. What a battle plan!

We need leaders, but they need the committed people who faithfully back them up! And so it continues that two is greater than one. If we lead, let’s ask for help. Can you resonate? Moses had to learn this. In the very next chapter, Exodus 18, Moses’ father-in-law offers direct, wise counsel on this point! Moses listened.

Two weeks ago, I wrote: unevenness has power. It does! Again and again. Our unique, uneven strengths give endurance to those who are “out front” and visible. We become “Aaron and Hur” to them. Since April, this truth has been underscored in my life. So many people supported my book launch events, making them successful. I could not have done it without their unique strengths, which kept me moving forward. This was painfully true during my 12th-mile journey as well. Many were powerful prayer warriors. Quietly—in the background—they prayed. And they did so for years! Many in our church family provided frequent meals, cards, and calls of support. Some even ran with me in the rain. What a metaphor that was for my life at the time. Those running buddies affirmed that although I may be running in my storm, I was not running alone. 

All of them loved us well.

The Exodus account illustrates a powerful principle: Each of us has something to offer. We see the well-known actor in a movie, the pastor at the podium, or the sports team on the field.  The background talents we usually do not think about—like those who maintain restrooms with excellence—affect the success of those we do see. Every job. Every calling. Every work is important and needed in God’s economy. Do what you do! I will strive to do the same! 

Two really IS GREATER than one! And it ALL MATTERS!

With Love,

Louise Ann

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help….Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10 (NLT)