Teal L. Gray

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Christians can write Horror?

I have as a guest Rev. Teal L. Gray, N.D., who has recently released a new book, Spirited Tales. This book is an anthology of stories by several authors of whom I am honored to be included. I wanted to share the book with you all, but also share more about Teal and why she wrote and compiled this book.

What do you say to people who wonder how a Christian Minister writes in the genre of Horror and the Paranormal?

I explain that the Horror story defines good and evil very clearly for the reader, often as a cautionary tale. No other genre allows for spiritual and religious content more than horror. We all must navigate through this world and not everything or everyone is good or even honestly represented. You need to be knowledgeable about all the elements of the spirit world you are navigating through.

You wouldn’t go on a hike in unknown territory without familiarizing yourself with what type of animals, insects, snakes, and weather it has there would you?

I want people to put down their own masks and explore what they really believe. Not what they are supposed to or are told to believe. I hope you create a conversation with yourself, your study groups, friends, and family to discuss in a nonjudgmental way spiritual and theological questions. My books have been a way for some people to bring these conversations forward.

What are your thoughts on reincarnation?

The Latin meaning of the word “reincarnation”, means, “entering the flesh again.” I have an example I wrote for my book, Shades of Angels, using ice as a representation of the physical body.

Water can be changed, but it’s never really gone. Think of your physical body as the ice, which is solid and considered physically here. The physical components that are part of your body, are fluid in the sense of being a living, ever changing system, like the liquid that could be seen and touched. Therefore, the ice stands for your body, and the liquid represents everything that makes up your internal and external physical self.

Now, all that reality of form merely changes once more, not making it any less real when it becomes steam, or as your life force (soul), which leaves your body when you die. The difference now, is that it disappeared; we can’t see it. However, vapor or steam is very real. In fact, at the right temperature, it can power a train.

Reverse the steps to return to something you can hold in your hands and call real. How? Well, if you decided to capture the steam in a container, the steam will turn once again into water as it cools. Take a container of water, put it in the freezer, and you are right back where we started with solid, “real” ice. I think this metaphor is one way to think of the possibility of reincarnation.

Do you feel like your education in Theology aided you with writing Shades of Angels and Spirited Tales?

Yes, definitely! Spending years researching all the different belief systems, I have a world view, which I hope proves helpful to the reader.

Why did you write Shades of Angels?

I felt it was necessary to bring the dark angels to people’s attention. I had, especially over the last two years, had many people telling me they communicated with angels. This was wonderful, because the angels were all good and helped the people order their lives. This alarmed me because after speaking with them, I realized they believed only good, well-intentioned angels interact with us.

My hope in offering you my beliefs in the shades of life, is to bring understanding to an area where many only see the lighter side. In fact, there are two sides to everything – two points of view on any given situation, and two sides to every story. I look at life from both sides. Delving into the darker energies, which are around us every bit as much as the lighter. In understanding this balance, you are less likely to fall for a trap, or overlook a helpful intervention.

When did you become aware of Angels?

When I was, young I don’t remember making any distinction between angels and other spirits. I was always amazed by stories about Angels that people told me. Christmas angels and cherubs in my mind, were gentle helpers to humans. Only in adulthood, after encountering light and dark angels and spirits, did I begin to understand the complex and gentle balance we walk between the two worlds, as well as the shades of personalities and intentions of these powerful created beings.

You are also a paranormal investigator, what did you learn about spirits during your investigations?

Generally, they are curious and excited to be heard.

There are distinct types of hauntings: residual and intelligent. Everyone should know there are different entities that you could be in contact with that gives interspecies communication a whole new meaning.
• Departed humans, such as ancestors and loved ones
• Spirit guides, Saints, Ascended Masters and Intergalactic Entities
• Light Angels, who were never human but are created beings, operating on a very high vibration that protects and heals
• Dark Angels are powerful created beings that feed on the negative lower vibrations, and do not have your best interest as part of their plan
So, protecting yourself at the beginning and end of your investigations is essential.

Your new degree certification is in Eco-Art Therapy. What is Eco-psychology Nature-Connected Education? Why is this type of education important to you?

This degree is accredited through Portland State University and encompasses Art, Science, Counseling, and Healing with Nature, which works because it’s done with the consent of Nature, helping us create authentic moments that, at times, go neglected or have never fully been tapped into.

I have countless clients with stories of unfulfilling, hamster-wheel lives lived in office cubicles with no windows, 30-minute lunch breaks and the inability to even go to the bathroom if not within the 2 daily 15-minute breaks.

I know this first-hand. There was a time where my career in business consumed most of my energy. One particularly late evening as I came burned out, it hit me. As I reached the front gate, a voice asked, “How long has it been since you looked up?”

Wow! It had been so long that I could not remember. Weeks, maybe months! This was a major wake-up call for someone who spent their youth outdoors…everyday. This was also the beginning of repairing my connection to Nature in order to assist others.

Thanks, Teal for sharing your book and insights with us as well as the opportunity to be part of the process.

Blessings!

Visit Rev. Teal Gray at: https://tealgray.com/rev-teal-gray-n-d/ and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/revtealgray/

Spirited Tales is available on Amazon both in Kindle and paperback.
PHOTO: By Tui Snider

Building Your Multimedia Ministry

You felt moved to minister, now newly ordained nothing can bring you down. Announcing your achievement, you brace for the flood of offers to officiate area weddings, blessing services and funerals. Instead you spend a lot of time answering the question, “Where’s Your Church?”

Ministers without a brick and mortar building are often at a loss for how to begin. If you want to reach a global audience, the task seems even more out of reach without that building.

Unfortunately, there are not enough pastorless churches to accommodate the newly ordained. What option does this leave you? I used inexpensive creative solutions to solve my problem and get my message to the world. I created a multimedia ministry. Could this be your way to connect with your target audience too?

Now you have questions! Where do I start? Is it expensive? What skills do I need? Certainly, you need to develop your public speaking, and writing skills for sermons and scripts. Join a local club like the Rotary, or take continuing education courses at the area community college. Libraries are a great resource for free lectures and books to assist you. With faith and determination, you too can build a global audience that follows your blogs, podcasts and is an interested audience for your books and lectures.

My best tip is to blend trending topics, related historical facts or spiritual practices into your message, and then use social networks to promote your podcasts and build your audience. Also, the easiest guests to book for an interview are authors looking to promote their newest works.

If this seems too daunting, try joining an established ministry, group or charity that fits your message that has the leadership already in place. Early on I was an assistant youth minister with an established church in my area. I helped them grow their youth ministry and I was given the freedom to create a Youth Drama Group. It was a gift to me to see shy teenagers blossom into competitive performers winning competitions and perform plays and pageants that moved congregations to tears, and to place new importance on their spiritual life.

Blessings on your journey,

Rev. Teal L. Gray N.D.

Is My Saddle Considered A Carry On?

Is My Saddle Considered a Carry On

Is my saddle considered a carry on?
Equestrian based vacations are on the rise across the country and around the world.
There are numerous ranches and stables to quell your equestrian needs, but none I have found in the DFW area compare with Wildcatter Ranch Resort & Spa in Graham, Texas.
Safety was their number one priority and they are set up for beginner or experienced riders alike.
They had several trails with different levels of difficulty and rides all day and even at sunset.
If horseback riding is not for everyone in your group, try shooting sporting clays or Canoeing?
There are many activities for every interest and for those wanting just to relax; the Spa is one of the best I have visited in the world!
No need to drive to dinner. Try their onsite Steakhouse, best known for hand-cut steaks and their award winning wine list. I was amazed this jewel was in my own backyard.
Wildcatter Ranch is perfect for corporate meetings or weddings.
I stayed in the Buffalo Cabin. It is a mix of rugged charm and first class amenities.
If a cabin is not your style, stay in the onsite Hotel.
When you do venture out of the Ranch, head to the heart of Graham for a blast from the past and see a movie at the The National Theatre.
I loved the concession counter, seats; every bit of the Historic building will take you back to another time.
When you get back to the Ranch, they will have your smore making kit on your door handle with an invitation to meet up at the campfire before turning in to bed. Still not sleepy? Head over to the saloon for a nightcap. Sweet dreams and happy trails!

Teal Gray

Teal Answers Your Angel Questions

What you wanted to know!

Teal, When did you become aware of Angels?
When I was young I don’t remember making any distinction between angels and other spirits. I was always amazed by stories about Angels people told me. Christmas angels and cherubs in my mind, were gentle helpers to humans. Only in adulthood after encountering light and dark angels and spirits, did I begin to understand the complex and gentle balance we walk between the two worlds, as well as the shades of personalities and intentions of these powerful created beings.

Have you had interactions with Angels?
I have had three interactions with what were different types of, what I believe were angels. Two were very different death angels. One a natural death and the other a murder.
My third, was Archangel Metatron.

What were your experiences like?
I was seeking, and asking for guidance in my spiritual journey, wanting to discover new, fresh ways to use art and nature as a therapy, to teach a deeper level of spirituality and connection to my clients.
A flurry of energy ran through my body, and the words, ardent, peace, burning flame, and devoted, repeated very quickly through my mind. Then, a vision of an Angel with wings spinning fast like the hands on a clock., with rays of brilliant light behind the angel, that went on as far as I could see, making the illuminated background seem to spin. There were beautiful deep pinks turning into purples, with blue green spirals of light coming from this angel. In my mind I heard, “I am Metatron.’

The first Death Angel– My daughters couldn’t sleep so I made a pallet on the floor between their two beds and we all drifted quickly off to sleep.
My daughters were sleeping soundly when I awoke in terror to see a man sitting on the dresser across the room. Quickly trying to get up and yell for help to my parents sleeping just across the hall, I, to my horror, could not scream, speak or move at all!
I had never having experienced this before and was struggling. Was he going to kill us, rob us? Why was he just sitting there staring at me?
The man leaned forward out of the shadow and I could see there was a light beginning to glow all around him. What on earth was going on?
As the light grew, I could see he was dressed in beautiful deep purples and blues. His clothes were from another time. He was in robes or something. He had beautiful curls of hair to his shoulders and very light eyes that seemed to look right through me. I was no longer afraid, but I still could not speak or move. This was going on for such a long time. I could see by the clock twelve minutes had passed.
The man just kept staring, as if he was trying to make me understand something I was obviously not receiving. As quickly as he was there, he was gone.
What on earth was this?
I would find out less than an hour later. The phone rang, it was the hospital. My father had a massive heart attack just steps from his office and was dead. I now believe was an Angel of Death was trying to give me a warning of what was taking place.

The second Death Angel– Arrived on a sunny day, and I was washing up the last of the lunch dishes. My daughter Melanie, had told me she might be late getting home, and if the client coming over to have his photos taken got there before her, not to worry about it, he was going to go look around our property to see where he wanted to take the pictures.
So I wasn’t alarmed at first, when I saw a tall figure walking past the kitchen window. I quickly dried my hands, thinking it was the client. I was just going to be polite and say hello. I was about to move from the window above the sink to the sliding glass doors beside me when I paused, taking in how tall, slender and pale he was. He had very long black hair the shone like diamonds in the bright sun. His clothes were out of a rich black fabric I couldn’t place. I did historical costuming, so noticing fabric was normal for me. I couldn’t help it. Wow! I thought. He must have spent a fortune on his look for this photo session.
Things changed quickly. He walked with so little effort he seemed to glide, lightly swinging his arms. As he got his body even with mine, he tilted his head in my direction but kept looking forward, never looking directly at me.
As he too his third step he became less solid, I realized I could see my birdfeeders they were hanging on the back house right through him! One final stride and he vanished before my eyes. I really should know better, but I still rushed out the sliding glass door to call to him. But there was no one anywhere in sight. He was nowhere on the land and my eyes never left him. He just vanished.
My daughter called me just moments later to say the client had rescheduled for another day, and not to bother looking for anyone, there was no one coming over today.
But someone had just visited. A dark someone. Being part Irish and in my DNA is a fear of Banshees, who if they look right at you is an omen of death. Thankfully he had not, but he had turned my direction. I was so worried something was going to happen to my family.
My brother, Bruce, called two days later. He wasn’t feeling well. He had been trying to reach my nieces to talk to them but could never get anyone on the phone. He asked if I would call them and would I always keep a watch over them for him. I told him of course I would. And I had planned on calling them to say hello the next day anyway.
The next day I got a call. My brother Bruce was dead. That was the warning of what I believe was a dark angel of death because it was not a natural death, but a murder. So while yes, he shone in the light, he came from a dark place.

Teal, Why did you write Shades of Angels?
I felt it was necessary to bring the dark angels to people’s attention. I had especially over the last two years, had many people telling me they communicated with angels, and it was wonderful because they were all good and helped them order their lives. This alarmed me because after speaking with them I realized they believed only good, well intentioned angels interact with us.

Do you feel like your education in Theology assisted you with writing Shades of Angels?
Yes definitely, spending years researching all the different belief systems, I have a world view which I hope proves helpful to the reader.

What are your thoughts on reincarnation?
You know the Latin meaning of the word “reincarnation”, means, “entering the flesh again”. I have an example using ice as a representation of the physical body.
Water can be changed, but it’s never really gone.
Think of your physical body as the ice, which is solid and considered physically here. The physical components that are part of your body, are fluid in the sense of being a living, ever changing system, like the liquid that could be seen and touched.
The ice (your body), and the liquid (everything that makes up your internal and external physical self).
Now, all that reality of form merely changes once more. Not making it any less real when it becomes steam, or your life force, (soul) which leaves your body when you die. The difference now, is that it disappeared, and we can’t see it. However, vapor or steam is very real. At the right temperature it can power a train.
Reverse the steps to give you back something you can hold in your hands and call real.
How? Well, if you decided to capture the steam, take the container you captured it in, the steam will turn once again into water. Take the container of water, put it in the freezer, and you are right back where we started with solid, “real” ice. I think it’s also a way to think of the possibility of reincarnation.
Through the steps to becoming ice once again. It was reincarnated from steam, to a solid state once more.

Can you give us examples of Malevolent & Benevolent Angels?
Do they feel different?
They do feel different and communicate different thoughts. Some positive some not.
I have had a few encounters. One showed me they are waiting for us to drop our guard. It was a very cold deep winter day, I was in the back part of my front house that looks out over the acreage, and the fruit trees planted there. I had not been thinking about, or watching anything scary, dark, or paranormal. I was looking at the snow drifting peacefully over the land and as beautiful as it was, I hoped my fruit trees would survive the extended freeze we were in. All the sudden, I felt a heaviness to the room and a silence fell over everything. I could no longer hear the usual house noises of clocks ticking, street traffic passing by, nothing. Then, in my mind, a deep seductive male voice said, “You only believe in what you can prove these days.” The voice sent a chill through me when it ended in a sort of raspy hiss. I knew it was a dark energy. From that realization, before I could pray to God to protect me, I seemed to go into a sort of trance, frozen like my trees. The voice seemed amused. It said, “Humans are so easy to manipulate, you think you rule this world, but you don’t. And you can’t control what’s happening to you now. Don’t worry,” he exhaled deeply, “I just want to visit, to correct your thinking.” Whatever this entity was, unfortunately it was in control, and all I could do was listen. This was not something that happens to me. I stay very guarded most of the time. He went on to say, “You don’t believe people when they tell you a demon came a calling!” he laughed. “Well I am one. I want you to remember this visit, so I’m going to let you.” He continued in a deep throaty voice that was terrifying yet, inviting all at the same time. “Look outside again, what do you see, tell me?” I felt like I had snapped out of the trance, and looking outside, I thought what just happened must have been an awful daydream or something. I didn’t even care, my thoughts were only on the beautiful sunny day outside and where I could get enough containers to haul all the ripe pears in. I felt such an urgency to get the crops in before they rotted. The trees were so heavy with fruit, that the ground was blanketed with them! It was the best crop I had ever had, and I was so excited, imagining all the preserves and desserts I would make. Then right before I turned to go search for baskets or containers, I felt a light touch run down my face and neck. Then a voice said, “Look again. Do you see how we can make you see things that aren’t there, to feel things, and manipulate you with such ease?” Looking back toward the window, I was more chilled that the temperature outside. My mind was racing trying to make sense of what just happened. The trees were like I originally saw them. Everything was frozen and lifeless. The only thing blanketing the ground was snow!

Do you have advice about how to protect themselves from dark energies?
It is important people understand when they open themselves up to the spirit world, they do not know with certainty who they are dealing with, angel, demon, deceased human or a long list of other entities. It is crucial to protect yourself.
To surround yourself with white light and ask to only hear from messengers of God. While this is still not a guarantee, it is helpful. Angels are communicators and messengers. They work with your higher consciousness, or higher self, to relay those messages. It is your connection to the heavens and God, or a higher source or power depending on your belief system. Your Higher Self acts as a filter, so when you decide to open yourself to new teachings, or messages of inspiration, you can command your higher part of yourself to allow only that which is in your highest, greatest good to come to you, align with your soul’s purpose, and assist you in every area of your life.
One of the most powerful and called upon Archangels is Saint Michael. This prayer is often used by people before and after they go on paranormal investigations, but of course can be used for your request of protection at any time or situation.
Saint Michael the Archangel defend us in battle,
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil,
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
And do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
By the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits
Who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.
Amen

Shades of Angels written by Teal L. Gray Rev., N.D. – Available on Amazon Author page: http://bit.ly/teallgray

Shades of Angels – Angels of Light, Dark and Us in Between

Teal L. Gray’s new book on amazon.com

Shades of Angels – Angels of Light, Dark and Us in Between

Shades of Angels looks at angels throughout history and explores how they touch every area of our lives. The book features original illustrations, photographs and personal stories from Teal L. Gray, Mark Fults, Tui Snider, Beth Deering and more. The book’s contributors come from a variety of backgrounds and belief systems which creates added depth to this exploration of the widespread experience of the angelic realms.

Available in Kindle version and Paperback on amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/Shades-Angels-Light-Dark-Between/dp/153916585X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1475962804&sr=8-1

Here is a great interview by J.D. Ryan on NewsRadio 1080 KRLD AM with Teal L. Gray discussing one of the stories in the book called, “Jamie.”

https://soundcloud.com/jdjdryantv/teal-gray-psychic-texas-road-trippin-1

And then

Check out a prior interview with J.D. Ryan and Teal L. Gray here:

Must have reference book on Angels and Demons.

By Claudia H. Christian on October 14, 2016

Format: Paperback

I was given a copy of this book and this is my impartial review. I have read a number of books and even taken a few classes about angels and demons. I am fascinated by the topic.
I liked Shades of Angels for a few reasons.
* The first is that it has information about all levels of angels as well as demons. Ms. Gray went the extra mile by including other experts on the topic as well as adding in source material when necessary. I found the book to be a fabulous reference on angels and demons. I will keep the book close at hand to use as a reference in my other work.
* I also liked the variety of statues and cemetery angles presented in photo graphs throughout the book. The photos help to translate some of the more esoteric information into the real world if only by showing that humanity has interacted with these beings since the beginning of time.
* Finally, there’s a real sense that Ms. Gray and her experts did their research. Much of what is written about angels and demons is written from someone’s personal experience. It’s delightful to see the personal connect to the factual.
If you’re interested in angels and/or demons, this is a great book to add to your collection.

Insightful, Inspirational and Intriguing!

By Bambi J. Harris on October 7, 2016

Format: Kindle Edition

A book that will please all! A beautiful cover and includes illustrations from a talented artist as long as many beautiful photographs of angel statues!
The author, Teal Gray, not only has experience with angels and discusses these occurrences, but also includes poetry and great history.
A psychically connected Christian, she discusses the history of angels and their roles in varying religions. This book includes how to realistically connect with them as authentic beings and how important their roles are in our lives.
While being skeptic in many cases, the author details how certain angelic events have shaped her life and made her understand the importance of being open to what the angels are trying to convey to us.
A wonderful read, full of fascinating details and stories as well as lovely pictures and photographs, I recommend; Shades of Angels, for dreamers, readers, the spiritually awaken and the genuinely curious.

Beautiful Read

By Jen Devillier on October 11, 2016

Format: Kindle Edition

Teal not only takes us through her own personal journey and experiences but she express others as well. Her knowledge about Angels, Spirits, and otherwise are far and wide. This book is a wonderful read if you have any curiosity about life, death, and transition is concerned. She also has many beautiful poems that she wrote herself. I recommend this book to anyone who is getting into the study of other realms. Excellent!
~Jen Devillier~
Author of “Dark Night Haunting”

Engaging and Fun Read

ByAmazon Customeron October 8, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

The stories were engaging and fun to read, even the scary ones. I liked learning about the different world views too. I used to think of only the light Angels, but I won’t anymore!

The Granbury Doll House – Preserving Memories

The Granbury Doll House resides in an enchanting, two story historic beauty built in 1905. You will find it nestled behind a charming little fence, on a tree lined street, right off the square in Granbury, Texas.
Cradled within its walls is a magnificent collection of dolls from around the world. Even with over 2500 adoptions, I mean donations, there is still plenty of love available for future arrivals. This museum is a must see for all ages. Men, women and children will find some treasure to interest them in this vast collection. The Granbury Doll House resides in an enchanting, two story historic beauty built in 1905. You will find it nestled behind a charming little fence, on a tree lined street, right off the square in Granbury, Texas.

As you make your way through the rooms, you will see everything from Madame Alexander collections, to glorious antique dolls of all types. Turn your head, and G.I. Joe is ready for action. Look in another direction to see Girl Scout and Brownie dolls that bring back a flood of happy memories to many. Your heart will melt at the sight of baby dolls blissfully sleeping in delicate lace. Another room brings Thai dancers, ballerinas, beautiful brides, and even a rare blonde 1922 Dolly Reckord doll. Most of them had brown hair. The voice is heard through a miniature phonograph activated by a crank sticking out of the doll’s back, which was invented by Thomas Edison. I will never forget the lovely child’s voice reciting a nursery rhyme to me, that was recorded over 94 years ago!

If you admire or collect miniatures, spend some time in the back room just past the kitchen. There, you will find several Dollhouses filled with tiny delights. One beauty that was my favorite, has the maker’s ancestors gazing back at you from tiny frames in each room.

Many are grateful the museum opened four years ago on November 22, which happens to be my mother’s birthday. I was fortunate to visit with founders and sisters, Barbara Williams and Jane Sharp recently. The ladies told me many touching stories of people who have donated to the museum. The ladies told me, “They carry them like a living child, one by one, from the car into the museum.”
Donors are comforted, knowing their cherished dolls will continue to stay in the little family groups they built through a lifetime of collecting. Happy in the knowledge they will not be sold or discarded after they pass away.

It is definitely worth your time and donation to visit, haunted or not. But it is! I never felt anything negative, but there was a lot of activity the night I was invited to join Texas RIP Team to investigate. For me, the highest concentration of energy was located near the stairs and the rooms to each side of the kitchen. There is a beautiful blonde, green-eyed doll standing guard at the kitchen entrance. A mischievous boy doll on top of the refrigerator with a big smile on his face, seemed delighted we were there. We received many confirmations to our questions, using various paranormal equipment. The spirits seem to be very happy with Barbara and Jane running the museum. I can’t wait to go back and spend time looking at the many doll filled rooms. One visit is just not enough!

The Granbury Doll House museum located at 421 Bridge Street, Granbury, Tx 76048, is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 4:00 and Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00. If you see the American flag flying from the porch, they are ready to greet you!
Private tours are also available by calling (817)-894-5194.
Follow them on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/TheGranburyDollHouse

Teal L. Gray

Where Do Monsters Go To Fit In

Where can a Monster go to fit in if they are afraid of the dark?
When they feel uncomfortable in tight places, so never sleep under the bed but on top with a nightlight instead?
Where can a Monster find friends to play in the sunshine and pick pretty flowers to wear in their hair?
When everyone they know throws rocks and breaks things instead.
It’s hard to fit in at home when you paint your room with rainbows and butterflies instead of lightning bolts and flames.
It’s hard to fit in when you like clothes nobody else is wearing.
Sometimes when you feel very odd and very alone, you stumble upon someone who feels just the same as you and they have more friends like you too!
You discover you wasted a lot of time trying to fit in, and you weren’t a Monster like you were told.
Just you, unique, wonderful, beautiful you!
By: Teal L. Gray

There’s a Spirit in my Spirituality Aligning The Para Into My Normal

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

We have entered a time of increased power and abilities in our God given gifts. There are more individuals who are “knowing” the future or catching a glimpse of the unseen world. Along with this, is the increase of questioning; “Is this real, is this of God, am I crazy?”

To begin let’s look at what we are really talking about. Someone who defines themselves as religious may also define themselves as being spiritual, while to be sure, someone who is spiritual does not have to be religious. In the United States, those who identify themselves as religious are the least likely to hold paranormal beliefs. Whereas a person operating from the identity of Spiritual, is very open to the idea.

Most major religious faiths in the world scope, do have a belief in the existence of ghosts of some type or definition. The doctrinal teachings may not say the word “ghost,” but spirits that behave like ghosts are well known within the theologies of most other world cultures.

I understand this questioning and yearning to make sense of what is referred to as a paranormal event of prophecy, and seeing spirits and other entities. I have struggled with it since my earliest memories can recall. I have “known” things that come to pass. I have seen what I believe were Angels. One was of light the other darkness. I have seen ghosts. I have been given messages from the dead that I could not have known myself, and many were for complete strangers. But all the messages were not only true but detailed and some were deep hidden family secrets. Who was I really seeing? Who was I getting these prophecies and all this knowledge from? I don’t know, is the true answer. I still do not know. I pray to God and ask mostly not to know or see, but it persists. I ask only to interact with God or his good Angels or messengers. But can I tell you who, no. So when I say I understand it can be a confusing and frightening to experience and that is compounded by not feeling able to share for fear of judgement, I am telling you my truth.

So why all the judgement? Well as a society we are taught if not by our families, certainly in the earlier decades in school that there is good and evil and things are black and white and there is no in between. If you experience knowing something that comes to pass, you must be some sort of witch. If you see a ghost, it must be a demon because

So even those seeking answers in the Bible are confused by the different versions and terminology. They are referred to as spirits, fantasmas, ghosts, familiar spirits, which are not one in the same. For example, let’s examine Luke 24:37-39.

In Luke 24:37, 39 King James Version, the Lord appears to his disciples after his resurrection. It’s recorded that they were terrified and supposed that they had seen a spirit. Jesus said “Handle me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have.” The New International Version and Holman say: “thinking they saw a ghost, and Jesus then says “a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” In other bible versions the vary in the usage of ghost or spirit.

Another passage concerning ghosts, is when Christ was walking on the water. His disciples thought he was a ghost stated in Matthew 14:26. Suggesting even Christ’s disciple’s experiences and teachings allowed for ghosts. Christ never corrected this in any following passages. In Matthew 14:26 it says: When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. Commentary from Adam Clarke states, it is a spirit – That the spirits of the dead might and did appear, was a doctrine held by the greatest and holiest of men that ever existed; and a doctrine which the cavaliers, free-thinkers and bound-thinkers, of different ages, have never been able to disprove. Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible that, they were troubled – They were afraid. The sight was remarkable. It was sufficient to awe them. In the dark night, amid the tumultuous billows appeared the form of a man. They thought it was a spirit an apparition. It was a common belief among the ancients that the spirits of people after death frequently appeared to the living.

Now that being said, the term familiar spirit is completely different in perceived origin. The word familiar is from the Latin familiaris, meaning a “household servant,” and is intended to express the idea that sorcerers had spirits as their servants ready to obey their commands. Those attempting to contact the dead, even to this day, usually have some sort of spirit guide who communicates with them.

Every instance of prophecy and visions of the dead or other entities must be answered by discernment. First Thessalonians 5:21-22 tells us of our responsibility to be discerning: “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” The apostle John issues a similar warning when he says, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world”, and in 1 John 4:1 from the New Testament, discernment is not optional for the believer-it is required.

I have known very credible Christian people that have experienced what is referred to as paranormal encounters with spirits in person, on film and through hearing voices or receiving messages. Each has made their own conclusion about the experience. Some believe the message was directly from God to them. Some believe the spirit they saw was not a demon or lost soul, but actually their beloved family member or loved one. Others think a spirit captured on film was a glimpse into a parallel universe just a thin veil between us. I believe for my part that is has been a mixture of divine interaction with messengers of God. Other experienced I firmly believe were low level energies or possibly demons. Interestingly enough, I have never seen the spirit of any of my family members that have crossed over. None. Several ghosts that I have seen appeared to be going about their business without even knowing I was there. The Angels I encountered, I believe came from different sources due to the fact that one passing was natural and happened the morning of the appearance, the other was foretold a murder that came to pass three days later.

It is a vast subject and we only lightly touched on several possibilities here. I wish you peace and I hope this has helped you make sense of what you have possibly encountered.

Blessings, Teal L. Gray