Macabre Holiday

In the US we spend $9+ Billion on Halloween. What does this macabre holiday offer in return? Find out in my free short story “The Occult.” It begins like this –

At a corner table in a coffee bar, Kim fidgeted nervously while waiting for Jason. It wasn’t a date, just a meeting of friends who survived college together and now worked in cities a hundred miles apart.  Now and then they exchanged e-mails, and whenever Kim’s job brought her to town, they would catch up on what was happening. Last time, she had reported good news about a new romantic flame. But now, as she spotted Jason opening the door, she numbly prayed, “Lord, don’t let Jason ask about Richie.”

“Kim,” Jason shouted loud enough to turn heads throughout the coffee bar, “I’ve discovered the secret to life!”

Kim swallowed her sorrow.  “You’re sure happy, Jason. What’s the secret?”

“You’ll probably think I’m crazy, but I’ve got to tell someone, and you’re the best listener I know.  So here’s the scoop: I’ve discovered we live in a fascinating world of knowledge, power, and spirits.”

“What do you mean?”

“I used to think magic, fortune telling, and seances were a crock of mumbo jumbo.”

“You used to think that?” Kim asked.

“That’s right, but I’ve been reading up on it. A month ago I met Cheryl, who casts horoscopes and reads tarot cards. Since then, you wouldn’t believe how well I’ve done at work. I’ve already been promoted once, and Cheryl sees another one down the road.”

Kim didn’t know how to respond.

“That’s not all,” Jason continued. “You know how I’ve struggled ever since my dad died. I’m over all that now, because he told me, “It’s okay!’”

“What do you mean? How could he tell you anything?”

“Last week in a seance!” Jason noted the shock on his friend’s face. “I know it sounds bizarre, Kim. I always thought seances were run by con artists, but with Cheryl’s help I really made contact with Dad. He sounded so peaceful. He said he was in a better place. He said death was natural, nothing to fear, just accept it. He promised that I’d be okay.” Jason wiped away a tear. 

Kim longed to talk some sense to him, but how could she burst his bubble?

“You know what’s best of all?” he continued. “Now I have proof God is for real. I know you’ve told me that before, Kim, but I never bought it until now. There’s gotta be a God, because I see him working through astrology and tarot cards and seances.”

Now that Jason had brought God into the conversation, Kim felt she had to speak out. “Jason, are you sure that God is the one at work in your experiences?”

“Indirectly he is. The seance leader explained it all to me. The Creator made the universe and then delegated control over the world to powerful spirits and angels. They run things for God. They help people like Cheryl tap the power that is there.”

“Jason, I’m sorry, but I’ve got to warn you. This stuff sounds dangerous.”

“How can it be dangerous, Kim? How many times have you told me God is good? If something is supernatural, it’s from God. And if God’s behind it, it must be good, right?”

Kim tried to remain calm, “You’re assuming there is only one supernatural realm in the world, consisting of God and his angels. But there is a second supernatural realm ruled by the devil and demons, who are actually fallen angels.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“The Bible says that long ago a group of angels rebelled against God. Their leader is called the devil or Satan. “Devil” means “accuser.” “Satan” means “enemy.” After the rebellion, he led Adam and Eve to disobey the Lord. I guess Satan wanted human beings as allies against God. Ever since then, God and the good angels have been at war with Satan and the demons.”

“That gives me the creeps! But I don’t feel creepy when my fortune is read or my dad’s spirit consoles me. Are you sure you’re right about this spiritual war thing?”

“Let me show you how serious God is about not dabbling in occult practices.” She pulled a small Bible from her purse. “God gave this warning to the Jews when they were about to move into the land of Canaan: ‘You must never… practice black magic, be a fortuneteller, witch, or sorcerer, cast spells, asks ghosts or spirits for help, or consult the dead. Whoever does these things is disgusting to the LORD (Deuteronomy 18:10-12, God’s Word Translation).’”

“That’s disgusting, narrow-minded crap! I don’t get you, Kim. For years you’ve told me about God. Now when I tell you I’m finding God, you badmouth everything that brings me hope. Thanks for the punch in the gut!”

Jason stomped out of the coffee bar in a rage. Kim sat there feeling like an idiot. But at least he hadn’t asked about Richie.

Read the rest of “The Occult.”