Small Beginnings by Sharron K. Cosby

Small Beginnings

by Sharron K. Cosby

“Who dares despise the day of small things . . .”

(Zechariah 4:10, NIV)

Ping. Gmail alerts me to new mail. The monthly statement for my book sales teases me. I open the message and find an impressive total—$1.18. At least it wasn’t a zero. Some months the sales are $34 or more. I receive an annual check from Amazon with a larger total. I don’t rely on book sales to pay our bills and I cannot quit my day job.

In 2013 I self-published a ninety-day devotional for families who love an addict, Praying for Your Addicted Loved One: 90 in 90. The motivation to write sprang from desperation over the lack of resources for me, the mother of an addict.

My sales are miniscule but consistent. I don’t grumble at the small return because that $1.18 represents a promise of helping a family during troubled times. I know their suffering all too well.

When Israel rebuilt the Temple in 515 BC, many complained it fell short of the size and grandeur of King Solomon’s original structure. It wasn’t as magnificent. Not as majestic. Zechariah reminded the people that bigger didn’t equal better. God would manifest in the smaller version and miracles would still abound.

Most writers may dream of huge advances or ginormous royalty checks. Visions of publicity tours and television interviews fill our heads. We long to hit the New York Times Bestseller’s list. But even those who are fortunate to rank in the industry lists sell one book at a time.

Whether or not royalty checks arrive, recall the spark of an idea that swelled into a book. Rejoice in the small beginnings of your writing career and watch what God does with it. A young boy once offered what he had to Jesus—two fish and some bread—he multiplied it and fed the multitudes.

He can do the same with our book sales.

Father, grant me the courage to place my meager beginnings in your hands, ever mindful of your plan for my writing. Amen.

Sharron Cosby is a proud Alabama native transplanted to the sands of Florida. She is an award-winning author and loves speaking about her family’s journey through addiction and other hope-filled topics. Her book, Praying for Your Addicted Loved One: 90 in 90, is a devotional for families who love an addict. Connect with Sharron at www.SharronCosby.com

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