“This is my concept of the Christ child, the solution, the answer for the world. It includes my favorite prayer, one that can be prayed in all situation–for everyone — even those we do not understand. The painting is mixed media, and the symbol in the background is the Ghanain Adinkra symbol Gye Nyame, the supremacy and omnipotence of God.”

Long before their daytime children’s television deal, Ron and Natalie were well-known as storytellers, singers, artists, historians, and cultural preservationists who helped to educate and celebrate the beauty of Gullah culture and the history of the entire African diaspora. I distinctly remember the stories they told, but one particular story was about the dangers and the terrors of a hag, and how a hag would terrorize you and “ride you at night.” As a child, I was entranced by the concept. I thought that the concept was unique to Gullah culture. Imagine my surprise when I learned that the mythic “hag” is an international belief-a flawed one, but a shared belief.

The concept of a hag has its roots in various cultures and mythologies around the world, with the term “hag” being used to describe an old, often unattractive woman with magical or supernatural powers. In many cultures, hags were believed to be connected to the supernatural world, with the ability to cast spells, curse people, and control the weather. In European folklore, hags were often depicted as witches, who would ride on broomsticks, have animal familiars, and engage in dark magic. In some cultures, hags were also associated with death and the afterlife, with the ability to communicate with the spirits of the dead.

In Celtic mythology, hags were known as Cailleach, a powerful supernatural being associated with the winter months and often depicted as an old woman with a staff. In Norse mythology, hags were known as “Norns,” three powerful beings who controlled the destiny of humans.

Specifically, hags and haints are believed to cause a range of negative effects, such as illness, bad luck, and even death. They are thought to be able to curse people, steal their souls, and cause them to have nightmares and other unpleasant experiences. In some cases, haints are believed to be able to possess people, leading to strange behaviors and actions.

There is also a widely held legend amongst Gullah people that part of a hag’s terroristic arsenal is that she “will ride you at night.” It is a common expression used to describe the experience of being visited, possessed, held down or suffocated by a malevolent spirit, particularly while sleeping.

The idea of being “ridden” by a hag is thought to have originated from West African spiritual traditions, where it is believed that certain supernatural beings, such as ancestral spirits or deities, can enter a person’s body and influence their behavior or emotions.

Traditionally, people believe painting their doors and windows blue would repel haints. This practice of painting doors and windows blue is believed to have originated from West African traditions, where the color blue is associated with protection and spirituality.

Also, a special tree sculpture made of blue glass bottles is a traditional folk-art form that has significance in Gullah culture and deep significance in the Geechee beliefs associated with evil spirits like haints. Known as a “bottle tree,” this sculpture is typically made by placing a collection of blue glass bottles onto the branches of a tree or onto a metal frame shaped like a tree. The bottle tree is believed to have the power to capture and trap evil spirits, particularly haints, which are malevolent spirits that are believed to cause harm and mischief.

The tradition was brought to the United States by enslaved Africans and has been passed down through generations in Gullah culture.

I distinctly remember Natalie telling the story about how it was believed that if you wanted to protect yourself against a hag that you should sprinkle salt around your house, pour it around your doorstep and throw a little over each shoulder. Beyond that, salt was seen as sacred. Bathing with salt water is believed to cleanse the body and protect against evil spirits. Also, adding a handful of salt to the bathwater is a common practice for spiritual cleansing. Gullah Geechee people might even carry salt in a pouch or amulet as a protective talisman. The salt is believed to absorb negative energy and ward off evil spirits. Salt is also believed to have healing properties and is used in some Gullah spiritual practices to promote physical and emotional well-being.

Through oral storytelling, Gullah Geechee elders passed down knowledge, beliefs, and related practices to younger generations. In Gullah culture, storytelling is seen as a way to connect with one’s ancestors and preserve cultural heritage. It’s important to recognize that many stories about hags and other evil spirits are rooted in West African spiritual traditions and are passed down through generations as a way of maintaining a connection to ancestral beliefs and practices.

There are so many stories that it’s hard to pick one, but they all have one thing in common. The common thread—in the word of God and the Christian experience—tells us, shows us, that there is no force in the universe, physical, spiritual, or otherwise, that is more powerful than Yahweh.

Recall how Balaam was commanded to pronounce a curse over the people of God, but only blessings came out of his mouth?

Think about the numerous direct encounters that Jesus had with the forces of darkness. Satan made a personal visit to Jesus as He fasted in the wilderness for 40 days.

Then there was the time when the disciples were perplexed about why they couldn’t cast the demon out of a little boy. The demon had tormented him and threw him violently to the ground. Then Jesus banished the evil spirit from the boy’s body. Or the time that the legion of demons begged Jesus to be sent into the herd of pigs.

The apostles had several encounters of their own after Jesus’ ascension. The one that stands out the most to me is when the seven sons of Sceva tried to emulate the spiritual authority of the apostles. The evil spirit made a harrowing reply.

“Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

With all of these stories, we are reminded that the confederation of the forces of darkness are vast. Nevertheless, our God is the sovereign authority of every power in the universe; whether they be “things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth…” (see Philippians 2:10).

We are surrounded by darkness, but Jesus teaches us that we are the light of the world.

Here’s the lesson: Evil is subordinate, even to the spiritual power that God has placed inside of us. What’s comforting is that while I have a very deep respect for the spiritual world, I have never been ridden by a hag. However, the wildest ride of my life has been sitting in the passenger seat every day with God holding the wheel. With every spiritual battle that I have faced, I have always been aware of the reality that my life is covered by the indomitable power of the Almighty Sovereign of the Universe.

The life of faith (in God) helps us to learn that living in fear is wasted energy. The healthy fear is reverence and respect for real spiritual power, but with that reverence, we have faith, and we depend on God for guidance, providence, and protection. I hope that you are having the ride of your life by trusting God in that very same way.

So yes, if you ask me, I’ll tell you that evil spirits are undoubtedly real. I am certain of this. Nevertheless, I am also certain (and was certain even as a child) that there is undeniable evidence of the power and providence of the almighty God all around me, working for my good.

It’s manifested (in part) as a result of my own prayers and the prayer warriors who cover me every single day. Satan has an army, but there is an army of fierce prayer warriors who pray for me daily, and even more so when I share a request.

I know that spiritual power is dispatched on my behalf in consistent answers to their prayers. Satan has an army, but God has an army of angels that excel in strength. They’re not just standing on the sideline, watching us get destroyed. The heavenly angels join the front lines of the fight every day to do God’s bidding. Furthermore, the word of God guides and guards my life. It’s the providence and protection of God that keeps me safe. And I am certain that if I am ever visited by a hag, God’s promises ensure that she will most certainly regret it.