My husband and I were visiting my childhood home the other day. We were there to help my mother with an issue on her computer.
I don't remember how the conversation got started but I was describing to my husband how as a child I was aware of the spirit world around us. From a very young age, I sensed a demonic spirit in my bedroom (although I didn't know that's what it was at the time). I would be playing with a game or with my dolls and it would be "there", in front of my closet, "watching" me. For years, I had a recurring dream of a dark being coming from the closet area to hover over me as I lay in bed. It finally manifested itself when I was sixteen.
That was my introduction to spiritual warfare.
As I look back, I'm thankful I accepted Christ when I was six years old. I was a spiritually sensitive kid. God allowed me to sense both angels and demons (yes I have several angel stories as well).
But I never told anyone.
Except—maybe I did without realizing it.
My friends and I loved to play with our Barbies. We would take turns setting up our pink or yellow plastic cases (filled with clothes and accessories) as "houses" in each others bedroom. We would use the covers from our vinyl records as "walls" to build out until we had an elaborate "Barbie suburb" to play within for a week. We spent hours concocting one scenario after another, taking turns coming up with the "theme" for our play. Barbie and Ken meeting. Barbie and Ken getting married. Barbie and Ken having kids.
Barbie and Ken living in a haunted house.
I remember that game well. We created ghosts out of tissue paper to "dive bomb" our unsuspecting dolls until eventually they were so "scared" we had them pile up together (safety in numbers I guess) draping them in "blankets" (more tissues).
Because every kid knows if you want to be safe from spooky things you hide under the covers.
The ironic thing is I loved ghost stories and haunted houses from books and TV (hello—SCOOBY DOO!). Yet somehow I understood what was happening in my bedroom was different. Why did I keep it all to myself? Well, there was concern that people would think I was strange. I can't help but wonder if creating such an elaborate scenario was how I expressed what I had been experiencing for years. A situation I wouldn't truly come to understand until I was a teenager.
I think it's important that we listen to what kids are saying when they tell us about their lives. Watch how their games unfold or the stories which emerge from their imagination. Don't dismiss their dreams or nightmares as simple fears run amok. I'm not saying every kid who writes a ghost story or creates an elaborate game is communicating a spiritual or paranormal experience. But it's always important for us as adults (parent, grandparent, teacher, care-giver) to listen, watch, and be willing to dig a little deeper. Ask questions, find out what they are interested in. Talk to them about God. Share how much He loves and protects us. Children need to be guided through careful instruction of scripture every day.
God gives spiritual gifts to His church. I think we assume it's only adults who receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I am inclined to believe God doesn't ignore His little ones who accept Christ as Savior.
He certainly didn't with me.
Kristine – I totally get this. I was the same way. Very sensitive to the spirit world – God's protection – spiritual warfare. I don't remember playing with dolls that way, but I did wake up often and "feel" that in my bedroom. I often called for my parents and BEGGED them to pray, knowing it would ease the feeling away. I have since learned to read Scripture aloud or sing praise music when I get that feeling – and you're right! We CANNOT ignore children's comments, questions, even behaviors when it comes to spiritual welfare. Great post!
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Thank you. I think there are probably many Christians who can relate. My prayer is more people will be willing to listen to each other (and their kids).
How should a parent help a child who sees things that could be demonic?
Excellent question. Careful questioning, sharing scripture about God's gifts, grace, mercy, and protection. Pray for your child. Make sure your child hears and understands the gospel, how Jesus wants us to love God and others, etc. And when the child is an age/understanding to ask Jesus to be their Savior and Lord, teach your child to pray. Most importantly, help your child understand how much God loves him/her. Hope that helps.
I have had a similar experiance as a child, and recent events in my life (finding out that I am an empath), has made me search for answers. As a young girl I was terrified of my bedroom closet. I would have recurring nightmares of the door opening and the "closet" talking to me. I can't remember what it said, or even if it was "out loud", I think it might have been more something I sensed. Whichever the case, it was always a feeling of intense evil. I often woke up paralyzed with fear, just as in the dream. This went on for some time, and my parents to me to a therapist. It helped a little, as I learned some relaxation techniques. I did not like sleeping in there alone, and was sometimes even uncomfortable in there with other people. My early life, and most of my childhood was very emotionally abusive and degrading, even though my parents professed to be "Christians". I have always been a highly sensitive person, and very good at sensing people. I am curious as to if these were simple cases of sleep paralysis, or if I was under spiritual attack. I have had this experiance a couple of times as an adult, but in different places.
I have had this experiance a couple of times as an adult, but in different places. It is always the same feeling of intense evil along with an inability to move. When I wake, I HAVE to get out of that room, and am terrified to sleep in it again (wherever it is), this last time was at my grandmother's house. I really am at a loss for answers. I am also still (at 42) terrified of the dark, and have trouble sleeping alone. I feel as if the minute I shut my eyes that there are things that will come after me. Having animals around me greatly reduces this fear, and makes me feel protected. Does this make any sense to anyone?
I've had similar experiences throughout my life. Some of it may be sleep paralysis but I think it's primarily a spiritual attack. When I re-dedicated my life to Christ in 2007, I stopped having these experiences for the most part. I"m sorry you have been experiencing such fear. I don't know if your a Christian, but what I have done when experiencing such fear is pray, listen to quiet music which reflects my love of God, read scripture (or listen to an audio Bible). Call out to God for His protection and rescue from this fear. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear but power, love, and a sound mind".
And this is what eventually led you into Christian witchcraft? I'm asking because I've been there and am fighting what feels like a loosing battle.
I think my unwillingness to give up an interest in things which featured witchcraft, divination, the paranormal…I think this is what led me to embrace witchcraft. My desire to still “keep Jesus” and witchcraft is what led me to combine the two (despite what the Bible says). I am still gifted with discernment of spirits but I leave it strictly in God’s hands for His glory.
Feel free to contact me if you need some encouragement. Also you might consider joining the Big Fish Ministry message forum Former Witches Anonymous. You will find others who understand your struggle. It’s a private group so email info@bigfishministries.com with your request to join (please include a brief testimony or reason you feel the group could help).
Whatever you do…press in close to Jesus, get into the scripture, and stand firm in your faith.
I'd like to hear your angel stories.
I'll share one in a post.