Sissy Scroggins as shared with shELAH 

“Take that first step….”

When Taylor, a younger friend told me, “I want to write a cookbook but there are so many cookbooks out there already…,” I smiled and encouraged her to do it, to “just take that first step and start writing...” 

Instead of considering that thought, Taylor countered it with a frigid, faint-hearted frown. “Why—what would be the use?” she asked. 

“What if other cookbook authors thought that way?” I asked with a teasing “how dare you” look. “If more writers thought like you, we wouldn't have many books to read, would we, Taylor? And… last time I checked, Amazon did not feature any cookbooks by you on its website. 

 “What if artists thought they should not paint because the world already has too many works of art?  Everything has been done under the sun—but not by you.”    

I tell others thinking about writing, painting, or tackling any creative art to take that first step. That one step will lead to another step, then another, and another….”

In writing, just as in painting or any other challenging pursuits in life, that first step, one of the hardest, requires that you set aside time to write. Then you write, write, write during that time. Israelmore Ayivor, an inspirational writer, and LifeSkills entrepreneur, said: 

The most difficult step ever is the first step.

It comes with doubts, uncertainties, and all sort of fears.

If you defy all odd[s] and take it,

your confidence will replicate very fast

and you'll become a master!

Mastering that first step naturally leads to the next one and then another and another and another. Years ago, when Zachary, my son, three years old at the time, shoved my hand-written, stapled-together first edition of my book, ABC’s of Success…, into my lap and said, “Read it,” his words encouraged me.

I had written this book for Zachary before he was born, and as I told him later, “I wrote this for you while you were still in my belly.” I knew he could learn how to do just about anything from reading. 

At times, prior to yOur BackYard publishing and releasing ABC’s of Success…, I had felt like giving up on my dream to become a published author. One crisp fall day at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, however, God used Tony Robbins, a motivational speaker, and author, to strengthen my faltering resolve. 

Tony’s encouraging attitude and words throughout my day working as his personal assistant inspired me to continue with my writing career.  Tony said, “If you talk about it, it’s a dream. If you envision it, it’s possible. If you schedule it, it’s real.” From these and other of Tony’s encouraging words, I knew I had to not only envision and schedule steps to become a published author, but I also had to take that first step and start working with a professional editor and publisher. 

In addition to encouraging myself, today, I encourage Taylor and other aspiring writers to  “Just take that first step…” I also urge other “artists” to, “Read it…,” to learn as much as possible about what it takes to make your dream a reality… to never ever never give up on your dreams. 

“Just take that first step…” Even if, especially if you’re tempted to cave into the tempting thought, “Why? What’s the use?” 

Solomon, a wise king who lived hundreds of years ago, said, there’s “nothing new under the sun.” Nevertheless, however… but…. Remember, only you can do that something you do, the unique way you do it, even writing a cookbook…. 

shELAH’s Note:

Today, amidst a myriad of sad and depressing news reports, God’s Word, the Bible,  offers an immeasurable wealth of good. The best news, however, encompasses God’s gracious, gargantuous great love for us. As John 3:16 records, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 

Contrary to too many today who constantly fear, despair, and hesitate to step out and take that first step to do what they know they need to do, those who are “born again,” who believe in Jesus Christ, have hope; Heaven; help… As the Bible teaches, we do not have to fear. Philippians 1:6 encourages that we, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God has promised, recorded in Hebrews 13:5. that He will never abandon His children: “…‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” To know the promises and peace that believing in Jesus provides, pray, and ask God to save you. 

“Just take that first step…” God loves you… He longs for you to know Him.