Evil Is Ugly

There are many amazing accounts of angels who astound onlookers with their glorious heavenly light. Yet my guardian angel never popped into view when rescuing me. But a demonic something or other did and, believe me, evil is as ugly as sin. Uglier.

My first awareness of angelic intervention happened on my way home from a church function for kids. As I walked along a partially wooded road bordering a ditch, falling snow lit the darkness of the winter evening. The wind howled as it stung my face with icy crystals, so I looked down.

I found a rabbit’s severed paw and thought, “Wow, a real rabbit’s foot! This will bring me luck.” Trust me, no drugs were coursing through my eleven-year-old body.

Suddenly, as if launched by NASA, I catapulted sideways over the ditch into a snow bank. At the same time, a car skidded along the berm where I’d been kicking my way through the snow. I hadn’t heard it behind me.

I wondered if the frozen good luck charm had flung me into orbit. My juvenile delusion fizzled as I peeled the furry little paw off my glove, eulogized it, and put it in an icy tomb. Then I praised God for the angelic flight assistance casting me away from Beelzebub’s evil intentions.

Nine years later I walked down a different street I’d been warned about. I’d traveled to Great Britain to spend six months as a happy wanderer. I rented a room from a former neighbor of a coworker who had immigrated to the United States from London.

The neighbor, Mrs. Carter, had lived in London for more than six decades and knew its splendors, its inhabitants, and it’s dangers. She worked on-call as a food preparer for state banquets at Buckingham Palace.

“You will want to see London properly, so it is best to take bus tours,” she said enunciating every letter of every word and even the air in-between each word.

I nodded.

“And you must not talk through your nose. Learn to speak proper English whilst you are here.”

I nodded.

“Wherever you go, take a bus. And stay away from Soho. It has alleyways and streets that are wretched and sordid. It is London’s most horrid red-light district. Girls are snatched up regularly there.” In the 1970s Soho did indeed take over as the primary hunting grounds for the sex slave trade.

I nodded.

So I took a bus tour to familiarize myself with the city and then walked everywhere to save money. One evening a gloomy covering of clouds quickly darkened the sky. While returning to my room on Lansdowne Road, I got confused in the web of streets and ended up in Soho. Oops.

As I headed north, it started to rain. The water blackened the streets until Soho resembled Jack the Ripper’s godforsaken stomping grounds. The Jezebels on corners and the guys pursuing their manwhore careers disappeared into sex shops and strip clubs of this Sodom and Gomorrah.

Even though I didn’t see a glow-in-the-dark heavenly being, I believed my Guardian Angel once again saved me from the Prince of Darkness by letting “…the skies rain down righteousness….” (Isaiah 45:8)

When I got back to my room, I unfolded a chair cot by the front window. The yellowish glow from the street lamps lit the room like a night light. I dried off and stretched out on the fun-sized bed.

The second floor window had no curtains, so I slept till the morning sun brightened the room. I heard the milk float (an electric milk truck) whine and its glass bottles rattle below the window. When the milkman set a few pints by the entranceway, they clinked.

I prepared to get up to fetch a bottle of the cream-topped milk so Mrs. Carter, who had arthritic knees, wouldn’t have to do it. When I opened my eyes, I sensed a presence in the room.

I lifted my head and blinked. A dark figure loomed over the foot of the cot.

Panic-stricken, I sprung onto my elbows and squinted hard. The entity glared. Like the snarl of a beast, its upper lip curled away from its yellow fanged teeth and dug into its blood red tongue.

The creature had a human shape with rough brownish-green skin like a toad. The corneas of its eyes were yellow. Its head had curved horns and a freakish halo of congealed bumps. When it arched foreword, my heart hammered against my breastbone.

Apparitions disappear. This hellhound didn’t.

I fell backwards and pressed my hands over my face. Yeah, like my whole body could hide behind my fingers. Breathless and ready to swallow my tongue, I couldn’t cry out to Jesus. But He must have heard my silent scream, because demon-face left and didn’t use the door.

“So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James4:7, NAB)

I perceived it as the devil. It looked nothing like the corny cartoon caricature of a red devil. According to Corinthians 11:14, Satan is more likely to disguise himself as an angel of light and not manifest as a hideous bogeyman like this thing.

The next day I fled to Swansea, Wales. I wanted to give the Proprietor of Hell time to go back to his barbecue grill and work on his snarling.

Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, NAB)

During my search for a room to let (rent), I went to the wrong house. An older lady named Mrs. Sweet answered the door. She gave me directions to the correct address then began to cry.

“My husband had a stroke yesterday and he’s in the hospital. I want to be with him. You can stay here if you’ll take care of my dog, Rookie.” The Good Lord had given me a safe haven.

I stayed a month. Rookie, a black Labrador, strolled through the parks with me-tail wagging. I painted walls, shopped for food, and helped however I could. In turn, Mrs. Sweet’s adult children took me and Rookie to the pubs and sightseeing. When Mr. Sweet came home, I left.

I then traveled to Naples, Italy to visit my maternal relatives-another safe haven. They fed me 24 hours a day for thirty days except when we visited the Vatican where it’s forbidden. I’m certain they funneled pasta fagioli down my throat while I slept.

Then I returned to London to my creepy room with the hellhole.

Thankfully, the beast didn’t reappear. Faith has a repulsive stench to these maggot sniffing serpents, and I smelled like the essence of Vatican.

I’m convinced a diabolical demon confronted me, a careless twenty-year-old who frolicked through the devil’s den. Encountering the demonic is traumatic, but it’s worse when they’re hidden and ambush minds, bodies, or emotions unguarded by faith.

The devil and his demons aren’t everywhere, but they’re always somewhere. So, “In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all (the) flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16, NAB)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God;”

Ephesians 2:8, NAB

Published by Nancy Homlitas

The stories and photographs I share are meant to brighten moods and spawn smiles. There's nothing more hilarious than a true experience, especially in hindsight! And there's nothing more uplifting than a pleasing picture, particularly if it enhances a story. As a feel good bonus, blog posts will include relevant bible verses.

58 thoughts on “Evil Is Ugly

  1. I had demonic attacks for three months before giving my life to Christ. I was an atheist before that. I really believe God allowed me to see what’s really going on “behind the curtain” so to speak, otherwise, I never would have submitted to Him. I’m so grateful for that act of kindness no matter how horrifying that part of my life was.

    Thank you for sharing, Nancy. Experiences like these remind us how vital it is to share the Gospel. Keep sharing your testimony, friend. You do it well! šŸ™‚

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Three months of demonic attacks must have been a nerve-racking nightmare. Praise God for His mercy and persistence. Your resulting acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ into your life after being an atheist is a wonderful testimony. Thank you, Ericka, for sharing your experience and your kind thoughts. šŸ™‚

      Like

    2. That’s wonderful, Ericka. I’m glad you’re in the family. šŸ™‚ ā¤ Yes, as they say, people aren’t interested in the cure until they know they are sick – or maybe I should say they aren’t interested in the rescue until they see what’s pursuing them!

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I agree, Pete. I truly believe that I was meant to be in Swansea, Wales at that time for Mrs. Sweet and that divine guidance led me to the wrong house-which turned out to be the right house for both of us! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Pete. šŸ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Nancy. When we pray the “Our Father,” we ask to be delivered from the evil one, and He does! Mrs. Sweet was a wonderful person who loved her dog, Rookie. She told me she usually walked her three times a day and would I mind taking her to the parks. That was a joy for me. Rookie and I went all over creation to Mrs. Sweet’s delight. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts, Nancy. šŸ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Thanks for sharing your experiences! Sadly, there are so many that don’t believe Satan is here living amongst us. My heart breaks for them.
    God is sooo good! I love getting your emails! Miss you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s a pleasure to hear from you, Cheri! It’s difficult to understand why so many don’t understand how Satan intermingles in the lives of those who are vulnerable due to lack of faith. As you know as a follower of Jesus, scripture tells us to put on the armor of God so that we’re able to resist the devil. Thanks, my friend, for taking the time to comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Nancy…thank you so much for sharing. It was a spine-tingling delight to read. Your writing is infused with so much feeling. Many things stand out…but I so enjoyed this: “I’m certain they funneled pasta fagioli down my throat while I slept” about your visit with family in Italy and this about your return to your scary London room: “I smelled like the essence of Vatican”. Thank you for taking me along. šŸ’•

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Victoria, for sharing your opinion. It’s good to know what is well-received when recounting an experience for others. I appreciate that you took the time to read my blog and comment. And, if you ever visit Italy, bring an appetite! šŸ™‚

      Like

  4. Never had a vision of the demonic. I have no reason to believe it is not possible. I believe Satan is real enough, and I have seen the unfettered ambition in some people. That seems awful enough, and it is more difficult to accept. Each of wants to believe, “I am a good person.” But it is not true.

    If we consider just the cost our country of our open border to the south, that is vile enough. Illegal drugs, human trafficking, terrorists, criminal, the increasing fragmentation of nation,… Yet the people we have elected opened that border, and they refuse to close it. All they do is deny that any problem exists.

    What makes this atrocious foolishness possible? It is the greed and ambitions of a great many people, much of our population, which eventually feeds into greed and ambitions of our leaders.

    Reality is what it is, not what we wish it to be. When we are not willing to accept things as they are, we cannot accept God as the source of truth. But that takes humility.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Power and the pursuit of money can be a mind-altering igniter of corruption. Satan, disguised as a serpent, convinced Eve to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree so that she’d be like God. Ever since, there’s been an endless loop of evil doings. Christians now appear to be scapegoats to further the cause of worldwide communism (the new world order?), which conflicts with religious faith. Without faith, one is more receptive to the devil’s deceptions.

      Thanks for voicing your concerns, Tom, and thanks also for your thought-provoking comments.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. What harrowing tales! I appreciate hearing about all these times that your guardian angel was watching over you. Thank you for yet another wonderful post! I truly enjoy reading your blog, Nancy!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Ann, for reading my blog and taking the time to comment. I have great respect for your opinion. I’m always thrilled to hear when my stories and their spiritual messages connect with someone. Good luck as you tackle your new position with your extraordinary organizational skills! šŸ™‚

      Like

    1. Yes, God has sent his angels many times to protect me. I know that He blesses me everyday with miracles big and little. Many who believe in Him or call upon Him experience rescues and miracles that aren’t apparent when it happens, but in hindsight it becomes obvious. Coincidences aren’t always coincidences. Thanks for reading my blog and taking the time to comment, Marla! šŸ™‚

      Like

  6. What harrowing encounters Nancy, bring chills!

    Your story of walking through Soho reminded me of Billy Grahm relating this. A woman had to close up her business after hours alone once. After she locked up and walked alone through the parking lot, she noticed two burly guys obviously up to no good leaning up against their car. She prayed for safety and thankfully was able to enter her car and return home safely.

    Sure enough, later that night, those two guys were arrested after attacking a young lady in that same parking lot. She heard about it and wanted to testify if those were the same 2 men. It was. One of the policemen was curious as to why then, they hadn’t attacked her. They separately stated, “How could we when she had those two huge guys walking on each side of her?” Tell me those weren’t angels too! Blessings back,

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’ve heard of that account before. I may have watched it on a tv series about encounters with angels. I’ve also read nonfiction books about angel interventions. “Proof of Heaven” by neurosurgeon Eben Alexander is one of them you’d enjoy. It is truly amazing how often angels intervene and we don’t recognize it as Heavenly help. Thank you for taking time to comment, Ellie!

      Like

    1. God and His army of angels are there for us, but we need to have faith and sometimes call upon them. I’m a strong believer in Guardian Angels-not coincidences or being a lucky duck. Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to comment, Manu. šŸ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Nancy! I noticed I haven’t seen you on my blog since a while and assume you have unfollowed my blog, which I totally understand. You live a Christian lifestyle and I am agnostic. Nevertheless, I thought I would come to your blog and make sure that you are ok. Life is short, things happen and if you are just busy…that’s good. I hope you are well and I wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday Season.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. How can I forget about you when I pray for you every day, Bridget? This morning I “liked” your Wednesday photo showing someone’s shoes under a dress. I review everything, but don’t comment if nothing occurs to me about the subject matter. Thanks for thinking of me and for visiting my blog. I appreciate your good wishes and hope all is well with you and your dear husband, Bridget. šŸ™‚

      Like

    1. Yes, it was quite a frightening experience and it is forever etched in my mind. But it’s comforting to know that God and His angels can overpower demonic mischief and will eventually be victorious over it. Thank you, Martha, for visiting my blog and taking the time to comment. I appreciate your interest. šŸ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Evil is ugly and that’s a fact because it stands no chance against loving divinity that’s why those who resonate with evil always have the hump and that’s the difference between stagnating and evolving. Those who hate simply stagnate and those who love, lovingly evolve. Thank you for your wonderful blog dear soul šŸ™

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You’re welcome. Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to check out several posts. If we are forgiving, kind, and patient with those who we encounter, we can repel evil. There’s no room in a loving heart for the demonic. I appreciate your comment and your interest. šŸ™‚

      Like

  9. What a wonderful story. I have found that the more I aggravate the devil, the more he’ll try sneak attacks with demons, and yes, it is hard to get the name of Jesus out. I found that I felt, like I couldn’t, but that was the fear, or sometimes just saying His Name inside, over and over, worked too. The devil is a fact, but he doesn’t hold a candle to the Royal Light of Jesus. I love your story, how God took care of you so tenderly.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. In Mathew 4:10 Jesus tells Satan to get away from him and he did. Our priest emphasized that the devil hates the name of Jesus so, if we feel he’s in our presence to shout, “In the name of Jesus Christ, go away, Satan!” Although when you’re scared half to death, that short little command is a mouthful. Praise the Lord for his guiding light! Thank you for visiting my blog and sharing your reflections on the evil one. I appreciate your kind words. šŸ™‚

      Liked by 2 people

  10. The enemy of our soul will not be happy until he steals all from us, kill’s us, and destroys any good we seek! The Lord is our only refuge!!!! (John10:10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.Ā 
    Gods Blessings Always.
    Julia

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree with you, Julia. The Evil One will take any unguarded opportunity to creep into your life. Praise the Lord for His goodness, His mercy, and His shadow of protection. God bless you! šŸ™‚

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I agree, Anna. Every day when I exit my car unscathed, I’m grateful to God for my safety. There’s so many wonderful and Godly people in the world-but there’s a handful of evil ones who put us all on guard. “There but for the grace of God go I” is probably a thought that’s often triggered in each of us. Thank you, Anna, for commenting. šŸ™‚

      Like

  11. Nancy, I believe you. I’ll never forget one very early morning, when I saw standing beside my bed a tall silhouette in a dark robe. I didn’t see it in as much detail as you did, because there was barely any light in the room, but I sensed (maybe from the body language) an intense hatred and a desire to harm me. The figure moved slightly, as if trying to strike me and being stopped by some invisible shield. Finally, he seemingly heaved a sigh of utter frustration and stormed out of the room. I have no doubt that the enemy of my soul would love to destroy me, but he can’t get past the hedge of protection my Shepherd has put around me. šŸ™‚ ā¤

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Praise the Lord that demons are repulsed by the name of Jesus. God’s army of angels surely protected you from that evil entity, Annie. Both our encounters were early in the morning. There must be a reason for that-surprise attack when we’re most vulnerable?

      Like

Leave a reply to Ann Amicucci Cancel reply