"When did witchcraft become the new black?"

The woman was in her eighties and from the way she talked, she had been unhappy in her marriage for decades. She spoke of her husband with complete disdain, and they basically barked at one another, which was uncomfortable to watch and impossible to ignore. From what I could tell, there was mutual dislike that might cross over into hate. 

I often wondered why she married the man in the first place. What made this woman want to spend the rest of her life with him? Whatever that was, must surely be gone by now. 

One day I saw a photo of this woman’s husband as a young man. He was tall and surprisingly handsome with a strong jawline and thick, wavy hair. He was a star athlete at her high school and looked very strong and masculine in his football uniform. She was a beautiful girl, couple of years younger, hanging onto his arm with an adoring gaze. He, on the other hand, looked completely indifferent as if it would ruin his reputation to show her any affection. From the stories she shared, he was apparently what her generation would call a “hellion.” 

And then it hit me. She fell for the bad guy. And now she regrets it.

I could only imagine how exciting it must have been for her to snag this football star, especially as a younger high school student. No doubt any attention from the hard-to-get-guy must have made her feel very special. She knew the difference from right and wrong and it must have been absolutely intoxicating that he lived on the edge of that line with no remorse. When he asked her to marry him – over any other girl - she must have imagined a life of bliss that would end happily ever after. 

But apparently, through the years that rough, unapproachable exterior became less and less attractive. Perhaps all the self-serving sweet talk that lured her in the beginning turned to ugly control. Her values were constantly challenged as she found herself slowly lowering to his standards simply to avoid the conflict. And all the things about her that caught his attention in the beginning, became all the things he wanted to control or destroy.

In many ways I feel the incredible rise and popularity of witchcraft is no different than what happened to this woman. What begins as an enchanting promise of great fortune, opportunities, and happiness can eventually become a life of control and helplessness with what looks like no way out. 

No longer is witchcraft something only a few misguided people practice in the dark or in some faraway jungle. It is in our faces everywhere we turn. People with great influence in the entertainment industry, and even political realm, demonstrate elements of witchcraft, sometimes to unsuspecting audiences. It has somehow become fashionable and trendy in many circles and even a requirement in others. When did witchcraft become the new black? The outward expression of satanic worship is in places we would never expect, and parents are even teaching the practices to their children as if it is just another after school activity. The shock factor has become an unachievable high – there is a temptation to outdo the last revolting act, which is a contest that seems to have no limit.

Sometimes witchcraft masquerades as a sophisticated, more highly educated form of Christianity – beyond anything simple Christians can comprehend. It is even full of ideology that sounds good, designed to respect and help others. So, how could it possibly be bad? The line between good and bad gets very blurred.   

Witchcraft is nothing new at Blue Monarch and in fact, due to the rising acceptance of this practice, it is now a question on our application. Not for disqualification, but to alert us to the challenges the applicant will face in her recovery. I sometimes feel Blue Monarch has become a refugee camp for courageous women who have been able to escape witchcraft and run to us for help. 

For many years we have had women who regretfully participated in satanic rituals at some point. I have heard the disturbing, graphic stories (I will spare you the horrific details) and I have seen the resulting trauma. Thankfully, I have also witnessed the tremendous healing that can ultimately replace the regret and shame. 

Typically, they did not seek out this lifestyle. Individuals the women trusted lured them in with glamorous promises and before they knew it, they had fallen for the bad guy, which eventually caused them to suffer tremendous loss. The most common description I have heard is that witchcraft leaves an emptiness that can never be filled. They constantly reach deeper for more and more but never feel satisfied.

You see, witchcraft is not a game. It is not just a quirky practice. It opens a door that is often very difficult and even dangerous to close. And the bad guy is the one standing at the door saying, “Turn around sister. You’re here to stay.”

However, there truly is hope. In fact, the internet is full of videos by people who love to share “from witchcraft to Jesus” stories. I’ve noticed for many of them it took a rock bottom moment or even supernatural encounter with Jesus to realize how deceived they were. One thing that is consistent, though. When they finally asked for help, Jesus was already waiting at the door offering a way out.

You see, that is the distinction. The bad guy wants complete control, regardless of her cost. The good guy, on the other hand, gives her a choice, regardless of His cost. And it’s our responsibility to teach the difference.    

Lord, please give to those who have been deceived, eyes to see, ears to hear, and courage to reach for your hand.  Amen