strength. You'll also want to encourage and help facilitate her
seeking spiritual growth in God. When the focus is on her
strengths, positive attitudes and behaviors will result, and as all
the members of the family provide each other with support and
encouragement to maximize their potential, joy and fulfillment
will follow.
Be aware that messages about your daughter's weaknesses and
inadequacies could be continually running through her mind
like a broken record. She may think or feel that she does not
measure up to your expectations. You may have never spoken
negative words to her, but the enemy is focused on keeping your
daughter trapped in the eating disorder and he uses negative
thoughts or beliefs. These thoughts and beliefs may have varied
sources, but the results have led into disordered eating.
There is an enemy who wants to destroy your daughter and
your family. You will need to fight the enemy by speaking the
Word of God and affirmation into your daughter's life. Fighting
the enemy requires a relationship with God in order to stand
firm. Decide that you will fight for your family and yourself.
Keeping your own life healthy and whole will help as you assist
your daughter in her process of healing and wholeness.
An important aspect of effective communication is conflict
resolution. You will need to approach conflict with the
understanding that the fight is not with your daughter but with
the spiritual attack behind the eating disorder she struggles with.
Peaceful resolution involves honest, supportive confrontation.
Sometimes families expect everyone to play peacekeeper. As long
as everyone avoids confrontation, a kind of peace is present,
but this method of operating avoids ever addressing the issue.
Avoiding issues will not bring peace; facing issues head-on with
a peaceful disposition is what brings about lasting peace.
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