It has been over two months since I announced a sabbatical on A Gaze Fixed Instagram account. I had every intention of sending a March monthly edition and blog post to explain my reasoning better and some more of what God is doing in my heart and mind, but good intentions were not enough, and this is the first I’ve written since February.
A Gaze Fixed and its community have been an immense blessing to me, and I hope it has positively impacted you, too.
Almost four years ago, I opened the A Gaze Fixed Instagram account. It has been a place to share grief, heartache, hope, and truth. I am grateful that God has grown a social media account into a blog, an online community, published books, and more. A Gaze Fixed and its community have been an immense blessing to me, and I hope it has positively impacted you, too.
For the last year or so, I have wrestled with what God wanted me to do with A Gaze Fixed. Bear with me as I try to share some of the things I have been processing and praying through.
The publishing world and the age of internet influencers are tricky paths to navigate. Promoting the Word of God and the gift of encouragement and edification is a joy and privilege, but that alone does not garner attention in algorithms. Is A Gaze Fixed a ministry, a business, or just a personal hobby? Do I niche down and only be known for writing about grief? These have been difficult and humbling questions to ask. I do not want to elevate my voice and self-promote.
Financial costs are also associated with having a website, sending a newsletter, and publishing books. The sale of books usually does not entirely compensate for financial expenses, and I’ve sought to keep other things free of charge. My husband and I want to be generous with our time and money, but it would be irresponsible never to consider the cost versus benefit of our finances.
While writing is an absolute joy, it also takes time to plan, write, edit, design, and publish. Time constraints between being a full-time wife, momma, and freelance writer for another publication began to get complicated when we moved to a new country. I was starting over in many aspects of life, and I’m still navigating a new way of doing many daily tasks. Cultivating meaningful relationships that are brand new also takes time, and I’m thankful for those opportunities.
I have loved writing for a long time, and I have loved Jesus much longer. That will never change. When my daughter died and the world seemingly shut down in 2020, writing was an incredible means of grace in my life. To grapple with private grief in a way that pointed many to Jesus was a beautiful gift, and I will always be grateful. Encouraging and equipping others to keep a gaze fixed on Jesus, especially in seasons of suffering, is still a passion God has given me. I enjoy writing and speaking to people worldwide, and I genuinely believe that God is not done with me or A Gaze Fixed yet.
I have loved writing for a long time, and I have loved Jesus much longer. That will never change.
As God continues to have days ordained for me, I want to ensure I am stewarding them well. I don’t know what God has in store for the future, but I’m asking Him for discernment as the following chapters unfold. Will you pray with me too?
Social media, the blog, and the newsletter will still be on sabbatical, at least through the summer months, but I hope to have news of plans to share this fall.
Thank you for walking with me this far.
-Casey Martin
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