January 2, 2026
| Valerie Hayes
| Health & Wellness, My Story, Thoughts & Ideas, Valerie Hayes, View All Articles & Photos
Some of the top concerns this past year have been around land claims, the Israel conflict, rising cost of living, rising government debt, deteriorating health care, and the increasing use of AI.
None of these things have easy answers, other than to let us know there seems to be increasing instability in many areas. World peace is not happening. In fact there are now twice as many armed conflicts compared to fifteen years ago. Recent stats show there are 130 armed conflicts throughout the world.
Things we once thought were secure investments such as owning a home, are no longer certain. Some pundits are predicting financial crisis and banking collapses.
In Canada, for many years we could rely on our health care system. Now there is a sobering realization that we may not be able to get health care at all. At least 30% of people in BC, Canada do not have a family doctor.
For those who go to the ER for health related issues, the wait list can be many hours, even for serious health concerns. People are relying on ER visits for cancer diagnostics. We can no longer rely on the systems we once took for granted.
Instead of health care, people are being offered MAID for chronic pain, terminal illnesses, and a variety of other reasons. I have been following a woman who is documenting her stage 4 cancer diagnosis on YouTube. She is from the US, and travels between New York, Seattle and Alaska.
She has done several videos on being palliative, and gets state of the art treatment in New York. Yet as a palliative patient, she is travelling, driving, and returns to Alaska in the summers to go cycling, hiking, kayaking, and believe it or not – axe throwing.
I have never heard of axe throwing, but that is exactly what it means. You throw an axe at a target, getting it to stick into the wood. I don’t think I could have done that when I was in my twenties, let alone as an end of life cancer patient.
After watching one of her videos about her end of life, palliative cancer situation, I thought she looked very healthy in spite of it all. She talked about doing a lot of strenuous outdoor activities, which is difficult to do if you are sick.
So I skipped ahead eight months to a more recent video, and she looked much the same. She was still doing all the activities she loved to do. Most of her end of life scenarios were based on what could happen, or what might happen. She became very emotional when she talked about the possibility of a painful death. She described all these potential scenarios in graphic detail. But they were not happening “yet”.
Fortunately for her, none of those horrific death stories were on her doorstep. She continues to do well. She also continues to go for multiple diagnostics, and selective treatments. In Canada, this would not be an option.
In the US though, they are likely to keep a person on the hook until their insurance, their money, or their life runs out. I know it sounds cynical, but cancer treatment is big business. It is also filled with uncertainty. Listening to this woman, every nuance is a potential spread of the cancer. In many cases, she goes through several scans that really don’t give any definitive results.
The tumour markers are up one day, and down two weeks later. Every change is monitored and discussed at length. She spends a few months in New York getting the best care, and then goes back to Alaska to enjoy the summer. I really do hope she continues to lead an active life, and maybe even is cured. But I would not describe any of what she is experiencing as being palliative, or end of life care. It is more like ongoing monitoring.
In Canada though, our systems are failing us. Not entirely. Hopefully we will see some improvements, but overall there are some valid concerns. If there is a continuing deterioration of the health care system, we will have to accept that it cannot be relied upon at all. We will have to go back to the days of the wagon train. Pioneers, and pilgrims looking for cures in old fashioned remedies.
Was all the land in Canada really stolen from the Indigenous people? Then why did they sell farms, and properties to people, leading them to believe they were actually purchasing a house or land? Why did they develop land title registries, and mortgages for houses and land, if it was stolen land? How many countries in the world do not have legitimate land, and property ownership? The answer is very few.
How many countries have extremely lax euthanasia laws? Again, the answer is – very few.
All of these negative trajectories are beyond our control. We can lean on certain elements of self care, and home remedies. But we have no control over the systems we once relied upon.
Perhaps the increase in AI is one of the biggest threats. On one hand it is a useful tool. If you want to look up certain stats, or gardening information, or how to clean a certain textile, it is useful. If you need quick information, it beats the old fashioned library research.
If you prefer self check-outs instead of real cashiers, the automation is easily accepted. But when it comes to doctors appointments, how can AI replace human interaction, or in-person examinations?
We need to sharpen our discernment. This applies to everything from phishing emails, to scam phone calls, to what we are seeing in the media, and on YouTube. A high percentage of it is deception, often geared toward creating a subtle change in our perception. It is almost like a test run to ascertain levels of gullibility.
On YouTube there has been a marked rise in AI generated videos. The common ones are of children and babies talking like miniature adults. A one year old might tell an airline stewardess that his dad is single. There are many AI generated videos of small children scolding dogs for eating their snack.
They crop up in batches. Suddenly there is an influx of twins. Twins going to meet newborn siblings who are also twins. Toddlers crying about the arrival of twins. We see toddlers talking about sex education. We also see a disproportionate number of triplets, as if they are commonly seen.
In reality, the chance of having one set of twins is around 3%. Two sets of fraternal twins is less than 1% chance. Two sets of identical twins is very rare. Triplet births are also very rare at around 0.1% So it does not ring true to suddenly see non-stop videos showing twin births, triplets, and double sets of identical twins. Children under the age of two, do not speak like adults. In fact, children do not start using full sentences until they are two or older.
Why are they doing this? Children are cuter without the contrived fictional images of them. Before all of this, there were real kids who gained 80-100 million views over something a parent filmed.
One was a situation where a little girl about three years old, was trying to explain to her dad why she was not a princess. She told him she did not look like a princess, and did not have shoes, bangles or a crown like a princess did. Nor did she have a chariot, or live in a castle.
Basically, she was telling her dad to stop calling her a princess, which was priceless in how she went about it. She was patiently explaining the contradiction as she saw it, with the insight, and candid expressions of an innocent child.
Other common recent AI themes, are of wild animals attacking people. You know these are AI generated because they will show a woman loading groceries into a hatchback car. A lion, pack of wolves, tiger, or a bear shows up out of nowhere, and the woman, at the last second jumps into the open hatchback, and closes the door in the nick of time.
We know these are memes because they show the same hatchback idea, with attacks by various different animals. In one of them it is a tiger. The next one is an elephant, then a pack of wolves. It is like the hatchback urban jungle horror series of AI clickbait.
If something like that actually happened, it would be a one time event, not the same event depicting attacks by a variety of animals.
These videos themes also centre around the elderly, and infants encountering wild animals. Why so much focus on animal encounters? I think most of it could be viewed as innocuous entertainment. Or it could be fear mongering, because people who are fearful, are easier to control.
But overall, it could mean we are being prepared to accept false imagery, and memes as reality. Even more disturbing, is the blurring of lines between what is real, and what is fiction. Did that really happen? Who knows?
Will they start showing miraculous wonders from the sky? Or massive AI generated sink holes? Or riots, fires, and war images that are totally fake? It is certainly possible.
If you transfer these same concepts to what we are being told about many other topics, the need for discernment is even more obvious. It is almost at the point where we have to filter everything we see, or read. Deception is rising faster than inflation.
Do we really believe the ultra rich became rich because they never went to Starbucks for a coffee? Or that Warren Buffet bought a forty acre farm at the age of fourteen by selling chewing gum during the Great Depression?
I just don’t buy it. After listening to many of his videos, I do agree that he has a vast amount of knowledge about investing in the stock market. In some of those videos, he spoke of his father losing his job as a stockbroker during the depression. However, his father was a US Congressman until 1952, and started his own brokerage firm. So it does not make sense to me that Warren Buffet went through hard times as a child.
Not all people have a mind, or the motivation to seek riches. Some try for years, and lose it all. Others make great gains. The stock market is volatile. Timing is everything. Those who built large portfolios in the eighties, compared to those who are starting to invest now, face very different circumstances.
In fact, some of the large portfolios so carefully constructed in previous decades, may not be safe in today’s markets. I listened to a famous Canadian investment adviser, and wondered. He starts his videos with scathing comments toward the poor. He goes on to make grandiose claims about his prowess, brilliance, wisdom, and all knowing scope of financial planning. The arrogance is so beyond the pale, it is impossible to listen to.
We have to be discerning, skeptical and downright cynical of some of this hubris. The lessons to take away may not be what people truly want to hear.
As Christians, we are told about the perils surrounding the love of money, and pride.
1 Timothy 6:10
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Notice it says it is the love of money, not money itself, or the accumulation of wealth, that is the root of all evil. Not only do we see examples of this around us in the present day, but history is full of examples to reinforce this concept.
We are also instructed to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Matthew 10:16
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
We are all guilty of having pride, myself included. We can only examine ourselves honestly, repent, and ask for forgiveness. Pride comes in many forms, to include the way we treat others. It is human nature to seek superiority, often as a defensive measure, or to cover feelings of inferiority.
If we think this way, there is always someone above us, and someone else who is below us. We envy those who we perceive to be above us, and look down upon the lesser human beings.
Yet the bible warns us about pride. Pride will cause our downfall if we do not repent and change our attitudes.
Proverbs 16:18-19
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
James 4:5-6
5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Some of the most damning hierarchies are found within prisons. The drug dealer sees himself as superior to the murderer. The murderer is above the child molester. Those with more muscle and brawn, can dominate, and protect their peers. Weakness is a trait that no one wants to achieve.
The bible, in the words of Jesus, tells us the opposite of what our carnal world has conditioned us to believe.
Matthew 5:3-9
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
When we read the words “the meek shall inherit the earth” it is almost incomprehensible. Here we are with a government that is claiming the Indigenous people own most of the land.
The 1% of the corporate elite own more than 40% of the world’s wealth. Yet God is telling us the meek shall inherit the earth! He is also telling us the last shall be first.
Matthew 20:16
16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Matthew 19:30
30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
Just as the bible warns us about pride, it also has a great deal to say about deception and lying.
Proverbs 6:16-19
16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
According to these instructions we are to forsake the love of money, pride, and deception. We are to pray for, and exercise discernment. The bible contains many warnings about being deceived.
Once we recognize all these things, and repent of our own false pride, deception and whatever else drags us down, we have hope. Not just for the upcoming year, but hope for all eternity, and a foundation of faith to take us through whatever troubled waters are ahead of us.
The just shall live by faith. Every time I feel uncertain or anxious, I remind myself of these words.
Romans 1:17
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Hebrews 10:38
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
It seems to be increasingly obvious that we cannot place our faith, or hope in what is happening in the world. Nor do we know the full extent of God’s plan, and how the events will unfold. Faith is believing in what we cannot see, or even prove.
As a result of our faith in God’s word, and in our belief in what Jesus did when He came to save us from our sin, we have hope. We do not have hope based on tangible things or wealth. We have hope based upon our faith.
Hebrews 11:1
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Isaiah 40:31
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Romans 15:13
13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 5:2-6
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
For believers, these are just some of the amazing promises of God. We are recipients of these promises based on God’s grace, not anything we can do to deserve His grace.
We do not need to strive for money, prestige, dominance, or even justice. We just need to humble ourselves, believe in Jesus, repent, and forgive others as we have been forgiven.
The harms arising from the complexities and deceptions of this world, is not our battle to fight, other than what God gives to us to do, as humble servants. His word is far more valuable than any earthly treasure.
Copyright Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West (2026). Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
November 14, 2025
| Valerie Hayes
| Health & Wellness, My Story, Thoughts & Ideas, Valerie Hayes, View All Articles & Photos
Grief is probably the most heart wrenching, depressing and deeply felt emotion most of us will ever experience. Yet we all do experience it at some point.
From my own experience, I now know how ill-equipped I was to handle the emotional roller coaster brought on by grief. I did things to make it worse and more chaotic, instead of stabilizing my emotions.
The worst thing we can do is turn to alcohol or drugs of any sort. Sometimes a short period of a prescribed drug might help people get past a crisis. We are all different. Many people can manage a brief time of using medication, without it turning into a full blown addiction. But since we are at our most vulnerable, we are very susceptible to using some form of crutch, or escapism to cope with overwhelming grief.
The more stable our childhood foundation, the more likely we can maintain some stability while grieving, because we have something to fall back on. But if we are lacking a strong foundation, we are at risk of turning to addiction.
If the death was unexpected, a young person, traumatic, accidental, and especially if it was a suicide, the grief is much more difficult to manage. It is a time when we must be kind to ourself, yet we are inclined to do the opposite.
Self destructive behaviours are the opposite of being kind to yourself. There is a difference between wallowing in pity, self destruction, addiction, and escapism, versus being kind enough to actually take care of yourself, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
When we lose a loved one unexpectedly, the rug is torn out from under us. We desperately want to go back to normal, and then realize, there is no more normal. Perhaps there never was.
Grief comes in waves. It settles for awhile, and then recurs with a vengeance, threatening to drown us in another onslaught of despair. One of the most difficult emotions associated with grief is guilt.
We reminisce, and because we are all flawed in some ways, lose patience, have conflicts, get fed up, or just become absorbed in the day to day activities that keeps us so busy – suddenly none of those things matter. We feel guilty over things we said, and over what we didn’t say. We might feel guilt because we did not recognize or have empathy for what was going on with the person who died.
But here’s the thing. The person who has died, will always be with us. Everyone leaves an indelible mark in this world. Often it is in a small way they probably never realized. I remember years ago, asking my niece, who was a terrific gourmet cook, what kind of knife she would recommend.
She told me that in her opinion Shun made the absolute best knives. I really had no idea, but I took her advice and bought a Shun utility knife. That was probably twenty years ago at least. She was right. It is the best knife, and I still use it every single day. It reminds me of her, and what a great cook she was.
There are countless ways a person stays with us. Yet at the same time, they are gone from this world. As Christians we have the assurance we will be resurrected when Christ returns.
In 1 Corinthians the Apostle Paul gave reassurance and comfort to those who were grieving loved ones who had died. He knew how much heartache it caused, and he wanted to offer hope and the promise of seeing them again. 1 Corinthians 15:26
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:42-47 and 50-55
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
These verses tell us we are far from perfect while we live on this earth. It does not give us an excuse to sin, or continue in our sin. But it does give us an honest appraisal of our own weakness and corruption.
But more so, it gives us hope to have the trials and tribulations of this world overcome by the grace of God, and what Christ did for us on the cross. Only Christ can overcome death on our behalf.
The bible tells us God knows the beginning from the end, and the end from the beginning. He knows His people long before we are born. He knows when we will die long before we actually die.
Therefore all our guilt is in vain. We do not control when another person will die. Up until MAID people had no control over when they would die. For most of us, we still don’t really know. But God knows.
Christ had tremendous compassion for those who were grieving. The bible talks about widows, understanding the loss and lifelong struggles to follow. Jesus grieved when people died, and he saw the grief others experienced. When He was here on this earth, there were times he intervened, and raised people from the dead, or healed people who were about to die.
Christ’s resurrection is central to our belief and hope in the gospel. His resurrection is a promise of our own resurrection. In 1 Corinthians Paul made it clear that we cannot deny the resurrection of Christ, nor can we deny what it means for us, and those who died before us.
If I could go back and change my own dysfunctional reaction to grief, I would. The main thing I would do is read the bible, and trust God, instead of wallowing in emotional despair, without a foundation. Even though I was a believer, I was not reading the bible, and was not well grounded or stable.
All the daily routines that help keep us stable, such as diet, fresh air, and most importantly sleep, can help. I find the Scourby KJV bible reading to be an exceptional way to help with sleeplessness, guilt, and not knowing the future. I wish I would have started listening to the audio bible years ago.
I know there are many audio bible readers, and versions. I have listened to portions of some others, but I like the tone and cadence of Scourby’s voice. It has just enough intonational patterns to make it come alive, without losing the lower cadence in the more mellow verses.
You can keep the audio bible handy on your desktop, laptop or phone, and turn it on quietly at night if you wake up, and can’t sleep.
You can also listen to certain books of the bible read by Alexander Scourby on YouTube. For a period of time, I listened to the YouTube versions, but some of the readings had ads, so I decided to buy the audio KJV version read by Scourby, so I don’t have to search YouTube for it, or deal with ads, which almost seems sacrilegious depending on the ad.
Grief is not always about losing a loved one to death. Sometimes it is about the loss of the use of a limb, or ability to communicate. Sometimes it is the loss of relationships, or the hardening of hearts against us.
It can be major financial losses, or the realization that all we strived for was in vain. It is in the recognition of how we wasted not only money, and real estate, but more so, how we wasted years of our life.
These regrets come about from wallowing in grief, or circumstances of the past, or the fickle foolishness of chasing a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow that disappears every time you get near it.
We cannot realistically say that none of it matters. As long as we are alive we do have responsibilities, to ourselves, our neighbours and our community. We have to cook, clean, take the garbage out, and plan our days to be productive. We are supposed to be thankful, and praise God as we go about our days.
If we focus on the future God has promised those who trust in Him, and if we count our blessings, knowing He knows all things. If we listen to and read His word, and pray for those we love, for their well being, and salvation, we will be okay.
Each morning I pray for each and every member of my family, my children, grandchildren, my siblings, nieces and nephews, and all the extended family. With regards to family, I know the hardships, and misfortunes they have faced. I pray God will heal all wounds. We all have different coping mechanisms, and sometimes we cannot understand ourselves, let alone each other.
I also pray for my neighbours, and ask God to keep the peace among us. The second commandment is to love our neighbour as ourself. When the power of these words sink in, we realize how important it is to love our neighbours, even though it might seem impossible at times. Matthew 22:36-40
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
All the self-help books, or prescription medication in the world, will not solve our spiritual emptiness. Only Christ can do that for us. It is a gift, and is not based on our own merit. The more self shrinks, the more room there is for the gospel of Christ, and the Holy Spirit to help us live our lives in peace. Tribulation makes us more patient.
Romans 5:1-6
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
In Hebrews the bible tells us we all have an appointment with death. To me, this confirms God knows when we will die, probably before we are even born. So as far as feeling guilty about a loved one who has died, it is an emotion to let go of, because we have no control over the appointment for another person’s death.
We can and should repent of sins, and take responsibility for what we did do, and what we did have control over. But as far as the untimely, accidental, sickness, and ultimate death of a loved one – we have no control. We have to give it to God, and trust Him with all our heart and soul. He will make it better, and teach us patience in the process.
For all those who are grieving, trust in Jesus, and He will help you through it. May God in his mercy, give you peace, love, and hope, during dark and difficult times.
Copyright Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West (2025). Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
July 29, 2025
| Valerie Hayes
| Health & Wellness, Thoughts & Ideas, Valerie Hayes, View All Articles & Photos
All people are spiritual beings. We consist of body, soul, and spirit. The breath of life from God, is what gives us a spirit, and is what returns to God when we die.
For those who believe in, and accept Jesus Christ as Saviour, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit. We are helped, comforted, and assured of salvation, as we traverse the often difficult journey of life.
The greatest, and central hope for all Christians is not that of a secret rapture, but rather, it is the promise of resurrection to eternal life when Christ returns. It is the greatest gift of all, and is not something we can earn. It comes from a sincere belief in Jesus, and repentance of sins.
When the resurrection happens, we will be given new bodies. It is hard for us to imagine having a body without pain, without feeling dragged down physically, and emotionally, without sickness, and without the concept of impending death.
In addition to the resurrected healthy body, we will be given a safe, and beautiful place to live. We will eat fruit from the tree of life, and drink living water. We cannot begin to grasp what God has in store for those of us who love, and place their trust in Him.
Although we still live in the flesh, and cannot be totally free of sin, there is a difference, a renewal, a change of heart, a thirst for God’s word, a sanctification, and a cleansing. Our Spirit begins to show the fruits of the Spirit.
We learn patience and self-control. We love, even if those we love do not love us in return. We begin to understand the power of forgiveness. We have faith that Christ will get us through our darkest moments, right up to when we die, and take our last breath.
God is Spirit. We must have His Spirit in order to know him.
In addition to God’s Spirit, we also know there are evil spirits. Christ immediately recognized evil spirits in people, and frequently cast out demons. Mary Magdalene was afflicted with seven demonic spirits. Once she was healed, she became a devout follower of Christ. She was the first person to see Christ after he arose from the tomb.
Luke 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
Mark 16: 9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
Another very graphic example is that of the frightening, crazy men who hung around the tombs. They were violent and tormented, to the extent no one could go near them, or pass by.
Matthew 8:28-32
28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
It seems clear that we all have a spirit, and without the Holy Spirit, there is a risk of having several tormenting spirits.
In this modern era, we tend to think of all anguish, and torment, as stemming from mental health issues. We cannot assume that all mental health issues are based on evil spirits. Nor should we assume that evil spirits do not exist.
Personally I don’t think anyone should attempt to cast out evil spirits, or engage in exorcisms, or even make the judgment to claim someone is possessed.
I think we should leave it to prayer, and encourage the person to read the bible, accept Jesus, and place their trust in Him. With the acceptance of Christ, there is a renewal of the mind. There is a promise of forgiveness, and sanctification.
People are far too prone to error, and the very people who are setting up an exorcism might be more off-base than the person they are targeting. This kind of thing opens too many doors for cult-like practices.
Some people call themselves prophets and Apostles, and believe they are ordained to cast out evil spirits. I personally believe the Apostles and prophets were those specifically chosen by God to preach the gospel, and write the bible. I do not believe we have Apostles in this era. People can have the gift of prophecy, but must be very careful, and be sure it is from God, or they risk being a false prophet.
I do believe Christians should pray for healing, and for others to be healed. I believe the Holy Spirit guides us in a gentle, loving manner. The key verses telling us about God’s Spirit, and the Holy Spirit:
Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Psalm 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Job 33:4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
As Christians we struggle with sin, and are called upon to repent. Prior to believing, and being sanctified, we did, and thought many awful things. We have no piety, or deity outside of the grace of God.
The bible tells us to love one another, to love our brother, to forgive, and to love our neighbour. To love our neighbour is the second greatest commandment.
Matthew 22: 36-40:
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Recently in the news, there is a tragic story about a neighbourhood dispute in Maple Ridge, which is a city of about 100,000 people, an hour and a half outside of Vancouver.
There had been a longstanding dispute between neighbours over parking, and a dog. Police were called in the late pm, but did not make any arrests. Later that evening, the disgruntled neighbour went and smashed in the door of his neighbours, and shot the couple and their dog.
Two cars were started on fire, and then the man went back to his own house and killed himself.
The traumatized neighbours could hardly believe it. The murdered couple were well liked, pleasant, and active in the community. The murderer was also well liked, although he was not as outgoing.
This is an example of what can happen to ordinary people, if they harbour animosity toward a neighbour. Most of us know that 99% of people who are murdered, are killed by someone they know.
For those who watch or follow true crime, next to intimate partner violence, with the exception of gangs, and drugs – people are most likely to be killed by a neighbour.
When we live in close proximity to people, we are forced to see them, listen to them, and put up with annoying behaviours.
Sometimes the annoyances are serious violations. If someone gets heavy duty equipment to cut into a hillside, without getting the proper geotechnical studies, it can destabilize all the surrounding homes, to the point where those properties have zero value, due to landslide risks.
If a neighbour speeds through a quiet street where young children are playing, it can endanger their lives.
If someone is screaming, cursing, and making threats, it can escalate to violence. It is difficult to avoid a problem neighbour.
Some people are very particular. If you walk on their grass, they might get very angry. Apparently part of the problem with the neighbours in Maple Ridge, was that they would walk their dog on a long leash. When they walked past the neighbour, the dog would veer onto his property.
For the majority of people, they would probably ignore it. Or they might talk to the neighbour, and ask them to keep the dog off their property.
If it kept happening, in spite of the fact the neighbour got angered because of it, each time they walked their dog, there would be a cumulative rage. If the man was a quiet, withdrawn person, he might have bottled up the rage, making a minor annoyance into a simmering volcano, waiting to erupt.
Often it is not a single incident that leads to explosive violence, but rather a series of events. If taken one at a time, it would not seem significant.
This is why the police do not see the whole saga, and how it is unfolding. With each call, they only see a snippet of the events leading up to the grand finale. In fact, like the rest of the people in the neighbourhood, the police had no way of knowing there would be a final murderous showdown.
If the perpetrator had told the police what he was planning to do, and if they knew he had a gun, they would have taken him into custody. Who knows what he said to the police, but whatever it was, he did not tip them off to his state of mind, or his plans. From the time they were called out earlier that day, until he committed the murders, was only a few hours.
Similar to domestic disputes, neighbourhood conflicts are very difficult for the police to sort out. After all, they don’t know the people, and it all seems quite petty, until it becomes violent.
God has told us to love one another, because He knows we will be put in some very trying circumstances.
Surely a person who would do such a thing, had many other unseen problems. His spiritual life was one of torment. We never truly know what another person is going through.
Why couldn’t he simply move?
No matter how angry we become, or how unjust something seems to be, we have to forgive, for our own sake, as well as for those around us.
The Spirit of God gives us the capacity to forgive, and to love, even if we ourselves do not have the capacity to handle it well. God will loosen those binds of indignation, and anger, and set us free.
Nothing can buy peace of mind. One man’s rage destroyed the lives of his neighbours, as well as himself, leaving grieving families, and a stunned community.
If anything, it should be a cautionary tale, when it comes to disputes that are ongoing, and escalating. A long leash, and a wandering dog, or disputes over parking spots, are not worth losing lives over. It is not a war zone. It is a lovely looking neighbourhood with beautiful homes.
People will always say the person should have got help. Clearly he was unhinged, and suffering a breakdown. The problem is, when people hold onto grievances, one after another, they don’t tend to see it as their problem. They believe the annoyances must stop, before they can get peace. They internalize long before they externalize the seething fury.
We will never know what went on in this man’s mind. But it was enough for what appeared to be a sane person to do the unthinkable. He also shot the dog, which tells us he saw the dog as being part of the problem.
The fact he broke into a neighbour’s home late at night, and shot two people, and their dog – means he was not acting in self defence in any way, shape or form.
The fact he went home after that and shot himself means he was prepared to sacrifice his own life, in order to exact vengeance on his neighbours.
In addition to being told the second commandment is to love our neighbours, the sixth commandment is “thou shalt not murder”.
The spirit of rage, and hatred burned within this man, for many known, and even more unknown reasons. There will be no trial, because he is now dead.
But he will face Christ on judgement day. Hebrews 9:27:
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
The tragedy is multi-dimensional. The murderer has no more chances for repentance and healing. When the time comes, he must face judgement for what he did.
It is of the utmost importance to know what Spirit dwells within us, and governs our lives. The Spirit of God is a loving, healing Spirit without any darkness at all. Only the Holy Spirit can set us free from all that plagues us.
God’s word advises us, and warns us about spiritual wickedness, and how to protect ourselves.
Ephesians 6:12-17:
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Every single day, we would be wise to put on the whole armour of God. We do not know what kind of rage might be smouldering in our midst.
Copyright Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West (2025). Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
