Seed Time.
It is amazing what you and I can accomplish in this life when we’re willing to GIVE UP that which others struggle so much in order to KEEP.
For the past several weeks, my wife and I were tossing around some ideas as to what we could do in order to celebrate and generate some additional interest in my first book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing. Released just this past December, this self-published book has done quite well, so much so that a summer book tour with Barnes & Noble is now in the works.
Our initial plan was to purchase a few additional ads and press releases, along with sending a few copies to some notable leaders and media personalities with the hope of opening a few more doors to promote the book, and of course, accomplishing the primary goal every author has…
...which is to sell the book.
After taking a hard look at some costs, we discovered we had reached our limit. We just could not afford to pour any more additional (financial) resources into promoting this book at this time, a reality that perhaps every self-published author probably discovers after while. Slightly frustrated and seemingly out of options, I was reminded about the following passage of scripture over in John 12:24:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it produces much grain.”
As soon as I finished reading that passage, I knew EXACTLY what I was going to do. Something each of us as believers should strongly consider doing when we discover that what we currently have in our hands, is NOT ENOUGH to feed us for the day. I made a decision that for one day…
…I will plant my seed instead of trying to find new ways in order to eat my seed.
So on yesterday (Wednesday, March 24th), which happened to be the 83rd day of the year, I decided to give a FREE EBOOK / DOWNLOADABLE copy of 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing to everyone who completed a small survey. This giveaway (which I held over at http://Day83.com) lasted exactly twelve hours, the end result of which has completely blown me away.
Over 700 people filled out the survey and received a free copy of the book! 738 to be exact.
A close friend of mine who works at a very reputable publishing company emailed me late last night and told me that had that same number of people actually purchased the book on yesterday on Amazon.com or at Barnes & Noble, it would have easily reached the Top 10 in sales over all! Perhaps even #1.
I share this for one important reason.
If your desire is to use your gifts and talents to make your name great, please do not do what I did. However, if your desire is to use your gifts and talents to make the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ great, then I strongly encourage you to examine your seed. What do you have right now in your possession, that if kept, will only bless you…
…but if released, will perhaps bless hundreds of people you may never come in contact with?
Is this harvest time for you? Or is it seed time?
Knowing the difference is extremely important.
I can’t wait to see how much grain will be produced over the weeks to come from yesterday decision.
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Category: Creative Leadership, Life & Faith, Shameless Plugs
I am so glad to hear about yesterday’s success!!!! I posted it on my blog as well as on facebook and 2 twitter accounts. Best of luck with your upcoming tour!! Once you have the dates finalized and posted, I will again share them with everyone I know, friend, and follow!!!!
Congratulations to you and your family for the great things God is doing through you with your book. Your book 83 Things I Wish the Black Church Would Stop Doing should be called a “Revolutionary Centerpiece.”
Milan, your thinking blows my selfish outlooks away time and again. Great job, man, and I’m glad to see that your focus hasn’t changed as your methods evolve.
#84: Why do Black church ministers insist on using ‘on’ before the words tomorrow or today?
Praise God for Wisdom and direction. I did fill out the survey and browsed through the eBook without printing it. I to am wise and the cost of printer ink would far out weight just buying the book and Blessing a Brother, sewing a seed.
Keep Anchorage AK in mind when you do your tour. It is a very majestic place and plenty of folks that need to get the message of what needs to be put to rest in the Black Church. As a matter of fact since “We” Love to show up and out at funerals I say every Black Church that commits to laying aside those things that so easily identifies us and stifels true growth,have a Funeral to bury those things for good.
Many Blessings to you and Yours!
Wow, God’s got a way doesn’t He? Just give it and it will grow. Who else would have come up with that but HIM!!!!!!!!!