The Domineering Progenitor

Parents can seem horribly overbearing at times.
They ask numerous questions that seem immensely unnecessary and without reason.
They want to knoow where we are, who we are with, what we are doing, how we are getting to and from our destinations, and when we plan to return.
Questions that are dreadfully annoying.

But our parents merely ask them because they care and want to ensure we are safe.
Which as young people we usually dismiss as snooping or prying, or any other such word used when someone inconveniently wants to know things about you.

There are also times when parents will say that you cannot do something in which you've requested permission to do.
They may not explain their reason as to why they denied you your request.
The reason they give may not make sense or hold merit in your eyes.
But they are your parents and it is their job to protect you and raise you well.

Growing up in our household, we were not allowed to watch horror movies, which suited me just fine, as they are my least favorite of all film genres.
We were allowed to watch 'Family Friendly' films.
Which frankly, I thoroughly enjoyed.
Morals, happy endings, and family bonding makes for an all around wholesome film.

I never really understood why we were not permitted to view said things, I didn't fight it, but I never really understood why, beyond that they are terrifying.

Until August.
I had watched a film at my apartment that was completely horrifying.
Not something I usually watch.
I made it through the film, it ended, and that was it.
Never watched it again.

I later understood why my parents had sheltered me from them.
There is so much more to films like that than meets the eye.

I was sitting on my bed late one evening on skype with a dear friend of mine.
I was sitting with my back against the window and I was facing my bedroom door, which was open about six inches.
My griaffe-print purse hung on the doorknob.
The house was silent and all the doors and windows were closed.
In the middle of my conversation, my door moved.
It closed almost completely and then swung back open.
By itself!
Then it resumed placement where it had been before the door moved.
Then my purse, which had remained stationary during the move my door made, swung back and forth.
By itself!

I was petrified instantly.
I was so completely terrified, I could not move.

My friend saw my expression through our Skype video chat, and asked what was wrong.
I told him what had happened and it was apparent that I was scared.

He asked me if I had watched any films in my house that were demonic or of evil intent.
I answered no, completely forgetting the film from weeks previous.
Then it came to me.
I told him about this film, it being 'Insidious' and I told him I watched it in my house just weeks prior to the day.

By the way, the word 'Insidious' means:
Stealthy, subtle, cunning, or treacherous.

Working in a subtle or apparently innocuous way, but nevertheless deadly.

He then proceeded to tell me of the way that Satan uses things to get to us and harm us.

Things like horror movies about demons.

Seemingly harmless to most.

But the effects it has, wow.

I had been told this before by my parents, but had forgotten about it until this incident occurred.

Watching films and television shows about demons and evil spirits invites such things to dwell in your home, whether you're aware or not.

I had unintentionally invited demons into my home and they were tormenting me.

And all I had done was watch a film about demon possesion...

I did not know it was as big of a deal as it was.

We cannot see the spiritual realm of things.
We cannot see what evil lurks about.

But we can guard ourselves against it and protect our homes and our families.

God instructs is to guard ourselves and prepare for evil, so when faced with it, we know what to do to be prepared and safe.

 

*Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.* Ephesians 6: 10-18

 

When I realized what was lurking in my home and that I invited it there, I knew it was my job to get rid of it.

I prayed against it as the head of the house and demanded it to leave and never return.
I had faith that God would protect me and that my authority over my home would send these evil spirits away for good.
And it worked.
I felt at peace and no longer frightened.
I thanked God for giving me the courage to speak against it like I did, and I thanked him for being with me through it.

When casting evil spirits out of one's home, there is no magical formula in which you need to follow perfectly in order for it to work.
You need faith, and to ask for God's help, and to speak against it.

The Bible says this about it:

*The seventy-two returned with joy and said, 'Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.'
He replied, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.'*
Luke 10:17-20

*All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.*
I Peter 5:5-11
I now understand why my parents were sheltering me from these films as a child.
They only did it because they cared.
All those questions they pestered me with were to ensure my safety.
Protect me, and as my parents, it's their job.
We don't see the damage that can be done by film, novels, and television shows, but it is huge.
God helped me ward off my demons, and He can help you too, you need only ask.