Crazy Charismatics

Charismatic Christians have many good qualities. My first exposure to this spiritual crew was my freshman year of college in 1999. These strange creatures raised their hands in worship, and prayed for healing when I hurt my neck. I didn't understand their faith at that time, but I grew to respect and love them. My Charismatic friends made a lasting impression, and I now call myself a Charismatic!

Therefore, I want to proceed with caution because I don't wish to put Charismatics in a bad light. I only want to deal with the offenses and wounds within my own heart. I only wish to whine for a moment or two; I'll try not to step on people's toes.

The Charismatic church has the tendency of mixing mental illness, witchcraft, and demons. For many years, I believed I had a demon oppressing me. I had many Charismatic believers pray for my illness. I had many words spoken over me that I wish were never spoken. I was accused of having a friend in the occult who was cursing me. This was a word of knowledge given to me in the year 2005. Other Christians assumed that I had a dark past. They asked if I ever played with a Ouija Board. I indeed had not. They asked if I had any dealings with the occult. Again, I had not. Because I hadn't delved into witchcraft, they assumed my mother must have opened a door.

Is that fair? How bold to make such an accusations! My mother is extremely oppressed by a mysterious illness. They are suggesting that her current state, which is tragic and dark, was her fault. They assumed she practiced in the occult, and this gave demons permission to torture her and as a result, me. My mother was in seminary when she first was taken to the hospital! Even in her current state, she professes her hatred of witchcraft. She doesn't even like it when my dad watches Harry Potter. It hurts me that Christians, who know nothing about my mother's past, accuse her of opening the door to demon oppression.

I have wasted years of my life repenting for a sin I never committed. Countless Christian would ask me to research my past, and repent of any moment I opened myself up to the occult. I NEVER did. I have loved God, and have only tried my best to serve Him. I don't think I gave the enemy a foot hold. I don't think I have some hidden experience with the occult. I think I have an illness.

I still struggle with the mystery and confusion of my illness. I don't profess to understand where God is in all this. However, I know He is using my affliction to nurture my sensitivity for oppressed people everywhere. God is raising me up to be a deliver, and a voice for the afflicted. I believe my writing and singing gift will heal many! Especially my mother!