What Haunts You?

Hauntings are the stuff of legends and there are haunted houses, ghost walks and October movie marathons to prove it. In my mom's home, I grew up under strict religious guidelines that forbade any dabbling in the aforementioned activities, and my trick-or-treating was limited to the well-timed Saturday at dad's house with hush money offered in cash. (I usually settled for a treat bag and some ice cream). But creepy surroundings and movies from the dark side never summoned me. I have a healthy respect for the unknown with a comfort zone that lies somewhere between contemplation and tranquility.

As I write the October blog, the social tension is rising and the collective fear is palpable. Some rely on social media for reassurance that all is well. Others gain comfort from the fact that the holidays are just around the corner; this is a welcome diversion! This year, Halloween parties promise a reprieve from chronic isolation and a short-lived new identity for those who crave reinvention. Halloween is not all fun and games; we painstakingly warn our children to be on high alert and stay in groups. And yet, there is a far more insidious threat that we must each face alone. Unresolved pain, unanswered questions, regrets and memories that haunt the mind and soul-these internal conflicts are mortal enemies that threaten the future. For they hide behind a mask of indifference or, perhaps, feigned euphoria. Bitter gall brews from within and is often served in porcelain tea cups to those we love the most.

Regret has a sting that is not easily soothed. It can last for a lifetime, if left unchecked. It is important to tackle each painful moment, acknowledge it for what it is, pay your respects and work towards closure. Chronic emotional pain is more difficult to manage than acute pain because we often become numb and accept toxic patterns as normal. But we were created for so much more! I lost my sister unexpectedly many years ago. There were things I wish I'd never said and attitudes that I would give anything to take back. But I can't. Our relationship was always strained and she was fighting her own demons. Hauntings don't discriminate. The setting and spiritual atmosphere determine whether conditions are optimal, but neither power nor position keep emotional pain at bay.

What haunts you? The memories might resurface as painful reminders that you never felt good enough. Or a haunting voice might taunt you with tormenting accusations that you could have done more. The road you never took or a choice you were too afraid to make. Fear is often at the root of our most gut-wrenching moments. The unexpected outcome. The betrayal we never saw coming. Misunderstandings. Moments of powerlessness in the face of abuse. Devastating past disappointments. Fear of failure. The thoughts that circulate so freely through our minds must be taken captive. I am being transparent when I say that I fight this battle daily. Do you Google every symptom instead of praying first? Guilty. You are the landlord of your mind; identify the emotions that are illegal occupants! I definitely struggle with forgiveness, but today, let's choose to submit our hearts and minds to the authority of God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to replace the ghosts of the past.

Philippians 4:8-9 (The Message)

8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.