Yin-yang

Ying‑yang was an old high‑school friend. He always had a smile on his face and a joke up his sleeve. We lost touch after graduation, but we reconnected five years later. Despite his bright persona, Ying‑yang had a dark side that Ashley would encounter in church.

During service, Ashley began to preach after worship. I can’t recall the topic, but Ashley struck a wrong chord with Ying‑yang. “No! You’re wrong,” he shouted. Ashley kindly rebutted with Scripture and solidified her points.

Ying‑yang was speechless but still wanted to make his point. He leaped from the pew and ran toward Ashley with his fist curled. He had a wild gaze in his eyes, but Ashley wasn’t fazed. She boldly pointed at him. “Come out in the name of Jesus!” Ashley said.

Ying‑yang immediately stopped and slowly turned to the congregation. We were shocked by his behavior, and he appeared lost and confused. He apologized and calmly took his seat.

I later discovered he had become oppressed in his thoughts, and through that oppression, he had opened himself to deeper spiritual influence. Situations like this can be dangerous—not only physically, but spiritually, emotionally, and even financially. Scripture gives several examples of people under spiritual influence, including Judas, Mary Magdalene, and others in the book of Acts.

In LOTKS (Chapters 11–13), a giant spider wreaks havoc in Kindor. We discover Helena is the spider. She had become oppressed by her dreams and overtaken by Sahib’s deception.

The mutation represents spiritual influence, but also Satan’s real plans for our lives—misery. The battle with Andrius, Caedmon, and the spider represents the struggle one may encounter when trying to free someone under spiritual attack (Acts 19:11–20). The twins were being overtaken because they were missing a vital element needed to win the battle.