I have been talking a lot about coping skills, family support, medication, and supplements.  Its time to talk about my most important tool in coping with the fearsome foursome.

God

Talking about God can cause a lot of controversy.  To me, however, it is the most important part of my life.

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I have learned about God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit all my life.

This is where I get the strength that I need to face everyday with my broken brain.

I know that God:

• Loves us
• Knows us intimately
• Watches over us
• Listens to our prayers
• Answers prayers (though it may not be the answer we want)

My Relationship with Deity

I work daily to have a very personal relationship with God and my Savior, Jesus Christ.

I have studied the Bible and the Book of Mormon my whole life.  It is within these books that I have found my greatest comfort and increased my understanding of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

God is truly our Father in heaven.  He is kind, loving, and interested in each individual child (you and me).  Yes, he can be strict.  He will say “no”.  He will make us figure things out by ourselves.  It is a parent’s job to teach and guide their children.

Jesus Christ is our older brother.  Like any good big brother, he loves us and is there for us.  He intercedes for us with our Father in Heaven.  He has made it possible for us to return home to God, our Father.

The Holy Spirit is our guide and teacher.  He is that still small voice that whispers to us.  He will testify to us of the truthfulness of the scriptures we read.  He will prompt us (if we listen) to be of service to others.  He will warn us (if we listen) of dangers both spiritual and physical.

When I pray, I talk to them like any child talks to parents and loved older siblings:

• Respectfully
• Personally
• Gratefully
• Lovingly

I talk with God throughout my whole day.  Sometimes in my heart and sometimes out loud.

• I thank Him for blessings big and small as they appear in my life.
• I counsel with Him about how to handle different things in my day.
• I add prayers for others as I see the need.
• I ask for strength when I feel I cannot go another moment.

God and the Fearsome Foursome

With all the challenges my broken brain presents me with each day, I have found so much strength, peace, and understanding through my relationship with God.

When I feel overwhelmed, angry, depressed, and at the end of my rope, God is there.

• He lifts me when I fall.
• He carries me when I don’t have the strength to go another step.
• He sends the gentle hands of angels to guide mine in caring for others.
• He is the light in absolute darkness.
• He hands me more rope.

Without God as the center of my life, I would have no life at all.

With God, all things are possible.

Even living.