Seeing Things

I had an incredibly busy summer. I did a Marian consecration, got a new job with CCFM, went to a few conferences, took some classes, joined an orientation organization with A&M, sang for a wedding, and took on the role of music for a TeenACTS retreat. I know what you’re thinking. “Why would you spread yourself so thin?” But let me tell you, I don’t regret even a moment of it. It was absolutely amazing, and I was blessed beyond comprehension through everything.
When I started my Marian consecration, I experienced my first bout with spiritual warfare. Demons hate Mary, so I expected some warfare, but I told them to bring it on anyway. Little did I know what they were capable of. It started with nightmares – simple ones that were always different, yet shared a common theme. I was always the victim of some kind of bad guy, and I always made it out alive. I noticed this pattern and consciously realized they weren’t real. This allowed me to simply walk through the dream until it was over. That’s when the nightmares stopped. I recalled a blog I once read titled “If the Devil Can’t Get You to Settle, He Has a Plan B.” Realizing what the demons were doing, and refusing to settle for less than God’s will forced them to choose a different route.
Although it took a little longer, I soon spotted what attack was next. Demons messed with me physically. There were no marks, but it was definitely noticeable. It started right after I got my job with CCFM. I was home for a meeting and sitting in my living room when I first saw it: there was a demon in my kitchen. It wasn’t anything like they are in movies, but I was certain of it. Wherever the demon was, it looked like warped glass or cellophane. I knew what it was because of the overwhelming evil power it had emanating from it. It never moved, just stared at me. I saw more as time went on and I grew afraid. There was one standing in my brother’s bathroom whenever I walked by it. I didn’t want to tell my parents because I didn’t want to scare or worry them. Still, the demons never moved. Only watched. Waited.

As a child of God, I have the authority to make any evil thing leave simply be saying the name of Jesus

I didn’t know what they were waiting for – maybe a weakness of some sort that they would come in and use to trip me and make me stumble. There was one night in particular I remember more than anything else. I was lying in bed, finally ready to fall asleep, and the moment I closed my eyes, the air got so heavy it was hard to breathe. They had never moved before; only watched. There was more than one this time, and I was completely terrified. At this moment I started whispering the name of Jesus. They backed off immediately, and I could breathe again. I started opening up to some people about this warfare, and was given advice on how to handle it.
I realized that as a child of God, I have the authority to make any evil thing leave simply by saying His name. I also learned the power I have in a consecration to Mary. All I had to do was call on her and she came to my side to protect me. I found a new deep love for St. Michael, and saw the demons run away every time I so much as looked at them, and saw angels too, knowing that they were there to protect me. This gift was only temporary, but I am forever grateful for it. The night before I sang at the wedding, I was blessed enough to spend time in adoration. I spent time journaling and asked God what was going on. I realized the power I have in being His child. That simple fact alone terrifies the devil and his little minions. They have absolutely no power over me.
Next week I’ll talk about the rest of my summer, and how God has brought me through the biggest warfare I have ever experienced.