On an ordinary February morning, I awoke to an email from my publisher.
The email said, “While I’m thinking of it, can you please send me a recent hi-resolution photo of yourself, such as a professional headshot? Thanks!”
I read the email over and over as a wave of panic ran through my body. For the past several months, I had struggled to realize my dream of becoming an author. I was so close I could taste it. The stress of writing my first book had led to significant weight gain, especially in my face. Submitting a recent headshot was the last thing I wanted to do. I desperately searched for a way around sending the photo.
My anxiety over the author photo had deep roots. For as long as I could remember, I had worked overtime to avoid being negatively judged. To evade disapproval and rejection, I had tailored my life to fit others’ expectations. I had agreed to do things I didn’t want to do, hidden behind worldly accomplishments, and been afraid to say what I believed. In a society that glorifies thinness, I was sure the extra pounds would make me a magnet for criticism.
Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil. The writer reminds us of the importance of staying focused throughout our journey with Christ. The sole purpose of our existence is to glorify God. When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and the call to bring Him glory, we can enjoy the promise and security of His good plans for us. When we swerve to the right or left, hoping to gain worldly approval, we risk being distracted from our one true calling.
As we fix our eyes on Jesus, the things of earth—including other people’s approval—will pale in comparison to the joy and peace of knowing we are walking in our true calling and purpose.
Don’t miss out on your one true calling. Instead of looking to the right or to the left, choose to keep your eyes fixed on bringing Jesus glory.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Dr. Robyn L. Gobin is a wife, dog mom, and clinical psychologist who is passionate about encouraging mental wellness and self-care in Christian women. She enjoys facilitating retreats and workshops and speaking at women’s conferences about the intersection of faith and mental health. She is the author of The Self-Care Prescription: Powerful Solutions to Manage Stress, Reduce Anxiety, & Increase Well Being. When she’s not in therapy, on stage, writing, or teaching, you can find her snuggling with her four-legged son, reading for spiritual nourishment, having movie date nights with her husband, or engaging in her favorite sport: shopping.