There was a Gamble Folk song I loved in high school, based on the scripture, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing . . . “
I’ve been thinking lately about the way God values things differently than our society does. One lost sheep, tiny birds, lilies of the field — they are offered as metaphors for things that sometimes are considered of little value, or not productive. And He reassures us that even when we feel of little value, He treasures us.
Lately I’ve noticed several of my books are selling for one penny at amazon.
Initially it can be demoralizing. Years of effort – long days of writing all day, then rewriting, studying the craft, traveling to writing conferences, critiquing other manuscripts for writers in trade as they critique mine, working with editors, honing again. Rewriting again. Weeks, months, years of saying “no” to other activities in order to dedicate full time effort to creating a book. Then comes the joy of holding it in published form and hoping people will find it, enjoy it, be blessed by it.
And in only a year, stores pull it off the shelves. It didn’t become a best seller, so, like a sparrow, it’s sold for a farthing.
At first, it’s a depressing feeling. But I take to heart God’s reassurance. “Not one falls to the ground without the Father knowing.”
He knows where each copy of my books are. He can still steer them into the hands of those who might need a giggle, an encouragement, a bit of inspiration and courage.
So now I’m joyful and excited. I want to tell the world. Books for a penny!!! What a great deal!
Go to amazon.com and type in Sharon Hinck. It will list all my books. Find some that are selling for a penny and buy a few. Use them as door prizes at church events. Get some for friends (if you want them autographed, just email me and I”ll mail you an autographed bookplate).
And if you feel like your efforts are valued at a penny’s worth, celebrate the truth that in God’s kingdom, you are priceless and treasured. It’s the world that gets it upside down.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Sharon, I don’t know whether this will make you feel any better but I recently bought a Nelson’s New King James Bible (HC) for $1.00 of the shelf of my local library.
The Author and Finisher of our faith has had His word abused, refused and bargain discounted too.
I pray that the bubbling joy He has reached down and infused into your soul over your own works discount, will continue to be a strength in your bones.
As one sibling in Christ to another, I am very proud of you. And I will boast to my Abba Father about how I see His Son in you.
Thanks, Michelle!
God’s been giving me some good “attitude adjustments” like this lately…particularly with apt scripture to help me see things through His perspective instead of my own.
🙂
I’m also reminded of the Pharisee who made a great show of his great big offering. But yet, Jesus commended the poor woman who gave just a few pennies. Hers was the greater gift because it cost her so much. Your books are a greater gift too. How much they have cost you, time that you will never get back, emotional energy, physical stamina–and not one bit of any of it was wasted in the eyes of Heaven.
Never alone.
-WtB
It’s like casting your bread upon the water… maybe some ducklings will come by, be nourished and turn into beautiful swans.
Great post.
You have a lovely heart, Shazza that has been refined by a loving Father! In for a penny, in for a pound!
Love and hugs 🙂
Look at it this way, my dear sister of my heart….think of the souls who have little and now can AFFORD one of your treasures that have the power to change lives and set captives free through His message of hope and healing:-)
How’s that for POV??? LOL!!