Spiritual attacks real or imaginary?

Tuesday, May 15. 2007

Spiritual attacks real or imaginary?

Et-tu Jen? has a great post on whether or not spiritual attacks are real or imaginary. I have heavily debated whether to discuss this topic here because it is very personal. But I think someone may find my experience interesting

Being science-minded I was never one for the idea that there were such things as spiritual attacks. I thought they were probably real, but really had no strong opinion either way.

If you would have told me 3 years ago that I would be a firm believer in spiritual warfare, I would have told you that you were crazy. But times have changed.

Ever since I started www.MaryMeetsDolly.com and this blog and especially since I have begun speaking about stem cell research and cloning, I have felt under attack.

Many, many things in my life that were previously fine, would fall apart right after I gave a great talk or had a story about me published in a local paper. My job that I normally enjoyed somedays became so unbearable with interpersonal problems that I have almost quit several times.

But I think the thing I find most disturbing is that I normally look forward to public speaking and really enjoyed my presentations. I have now become so anxious before I am scheduled to speak, I often have to talk myself out of turning the car around and going home. Minutes before one talk at a youth conference, I started to cry and nearly left the building. I cannot tell you how uncharacteristic that is for me.

I have a friend who is much more in the public eye on these matters than I am and I recently discussed my feelings with him. He immediately recognized what was surrounding me. Spiritual warfare. He told me if I was going to go out and speak the unpopular Truth, then I better put on my spiritual armor. Before his entrance into the life issues arena, his was not a strong believer. Now he never leaves home without his icons.

And now I never go to work or to a speaking engagement without prayer. So, I guess I am asking those who know of what it is I speak, to pray for me. I need all the protection I can get.

Posted by Rebecca Taylor in Science and Religion at 16:26 | Comments (7) | Trackbacks (0)

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I believe that spiritual warfare and spiritual attacks are very real. Spend some time on the mission field in a country heavily steeped in paganism, witchcraft of occultism, and the spiritual warfare becomes almost literally tangible. (Having spent a lot of time in Mexico, I am speaking from experience.)

Immerse yourself in the Word, and surround yourself with prayer support. In many ways, we are fighting the same fight; I will be praying!

#1 Chip Bennett (Homepage) on 2007-05-15 17:33 (Reply)

I hadn't thought about it for you, but knowing this I will keep you in my prayers. Got Scapular?

#2 Christine the Soccer Mom (Homepage) on 2007-05-16 08:21 (Reply)

You are most definitely in my prayers. I'm not surprised to hear you experience this. In fact, I've often wondered how you deal with the the pressure you must face -- some of our friends are in science circles and I know how very, very unpopular Catholic opinions are there. Whenever I've brought up my views among hardcore scientist types it reminds me of the situation described by one of the commentors to my post on this subject, like the air was being sucked out of the room and you could just feel a sort of heavy, oppressive feeling.

Anyway, what you do is so very valuable, and is something that very few people can do, so it makes sense that the bad forces out there would come down hard on you. You're in my prayers.

#3 Jennifer F. (Homepage) on 2007-05-16 14:22 (Reply)

Rebecca, you definitely are in my prayers - and now that I know, I will include you more!

See, this is an area that Old Scratch probably figured he'd won already. But you know what - he hasn't, and it's thanks to people like you.

Hmm, maybe we need to have Fr Tad have some masses said for you.

Thank for mentioning it -- Rebecca, because now we can help in whatever ways we can.

#4 Monica on 2007-05-16 15:38 (Reply)

I can second that! Every time I 'feel the pressure' I just pray a binding prayer and I can actually feel relief. Then I wait and see what great thing God is about to do in my life, that bothered the old man.
Monica and I are writing a pro-life book together, mayber you could all include us in your prayers?

#4.1 Leticia Velasquez on 2007-05-20 12:41 (Reply)

Add me to the list--I've been needing prayer incentives lately!

#5 cminor (Homepage) on 2007-05-19 19:17 (Reply)

I also experience spiritual attacks, especially when I witness or do anything approaching a public act based on my faith. Dr. Charles Kraft's book "Defeating Dark Angels," helped me to understand better Spiritual Warfare and how to wage it through the name, authority, love, and mandate of Jesus Christ. When I asked a friend how I could learn more about the subject, he recommended this excellent book, so I would like to recommend it to you.

#6 Guido Torius on 2007-06-23 01:05 (Reply)

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