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I faced a terminal diagnosis for my infant daughter.

When facing this crisis, I knew I had to be vocal and share what God was doing through it all.

I kept an online journal throughout my pregnancy and beyond to keep friends and family updated on her story. As more and more people followed the journal, I realized God had given me a platform to share about His love. I made it a point to include some truth God highlighted for me in each post. It was my way of giving my baby girl a legacy.

Since that time, I've realized even more the impact this had on me and on my grief during the worst of that storm. Looking back, I realize I established healthy thinking habits. I processed what was in front of me while challenging the temptation to give in to fear, anxiety, defeat, and depression.

When we face painful life circumstances, such as grieving the death of a loved one, we are more susceptible to our spiritual enemy. Making a conscious effort to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy may not come naturally at first, but incredible value comes when we train ourselves to do so. As a therapist, I've shared this verse with clients as we work to correct unhealthy thinking habits. The negative, fearful, discouraging thoughts will come, but we can choose where our thoughts dwell. Whatever thinking patterns we indulge will be strengthened.

Think about your own struggles, and take a few moments to write down thoughts that leave you fearful or defeated. Then, seek scriptural truths to combat each of those thoughts. Think about what will help you grow from where you are now. You can choose what line of thinking you will indulge.

Be sure your thinking points you back to the peace and love your heavenly Father has for you.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)