From Pagan Witch to Lover of Christ: Jade’s Story
Jade, 21, Manchester, United Kingdom
I used to be a pagan witch. But earlier this year (and after a lifetime of hating God), I met Jesus Christ. Before Jesus, I tried just about everything. I spent years studying tarot cards, crystals, and all sorts of magic. I also put my trust in other people, hoping that maybe the “right” person could save me. But no matter how much I tried, the emptiness remained. And with time, things got worse.
The more I experimented, the more I suffered. I didn’t realise it, but I was experiencing spiritual oppression. The attacks worsened to the point of minute agoraphobia and severe anxiety. And at my lowest, I considered suicide. This carried on for three years, leading up to this summer.
I’d just moved home because of COVID and was trying to finish undergrad while dealing with family stressors. Eventually, the pressure led to a major panic attack. I usually turned to meditation or crystals, but for some strange reason, I start praying. I wasn’t even sure if God existed, but I prayed anyway. And when I did, I felt a wave of peace. Once the moment passed, I forgot about it and carried on. I later came across a Christian TikTok, but again, I thought little of it.
A week later, I had an even scarier panic attack. This time, I couldn’t breathe and was sure that I would either pass out or die. Desperate, I prayed again. This time, God’s power was undeniable. A huge wave of peace came; suddenly, I could breathe. As I got up off the floor, I felt this intense, foreign strength flow through my body. It was God. I bought a Bible that same day and began following Jesus!
It’s been almost 6 months and I have never looked back. Being the only Christian in my family is hard, but God has been so, so faithful. He’s replaced my emptiness with wholeness and has given me a godly group of friends to help me along this journey. He’s also given me a purpose: telling my story to those who lived like I used to, in the hope that they find Truth, too.
“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” -Matthew 5:15