As always, before sharing my music, I should mention that while I wrote all the words entirely, I had help from Suno AI with the music composition. I direct the styling, genre, and specific musical elements, but since I'm not a professional musician, barely even an amateur, I'm grateful for the technological assistance in seeing my ideas come to life!
Let me tell you the stories behind my song "Bounty." I wrote most of the lyrics several years ago, inspired by a remarkable experience. I was working with my best friend at a Panera Bread, hunched over our laptops as we planned our photography business (this was during my years as a photographer, before I turned to writing). Now, a supernatural encounter at Panera Bread might sound unlikely—but that's typically how these things happen to me! A man who appeared homeless walked in and sat at a table across from us, carrying a plastic bag with a few items, including a bottle of Gatorade. He watched us intently, though in Miami's bustling urban landscape, such scrutiny from strangers wasn't entirely unusual. We tried to continue our work while remaining cautiously aware of his persistent staring as he swigged his Gatorade.
What happened next terrified my best friend more than me. The man rose from his chair ceremoniously as it scraped across the floor, and fixed his stare laser-sharp on me, repeating: "What is your name?!" Though jarring, I reasoned I'd dealt with mentally unwell individuals before. But he kept asking, his eyes widening and locked onto mine: "What is your name?!" My best friend urged, "I think we need to get out of here," and began gathering our things. I hesitated, reluctant to abandon our workspace so soon. Then came the shocking part. After another "What is your name?!", he opened his mouth and , despite having only lime Gatorade, a black liquid began dripping from his lips and down his beard.
As it continues to flow out of his mouth, black and viscous, my best friend sharply says, "We have to go now!" She frantically threw our remaining belongings into our bags while I stood frozen, trying to analyze the situation. Grabbing my arm, she yanked me out of the seating area and through the door. As we exited, I glanced back to see him slowly following our path. Once outside, I heeded my friend's urgency and ran with her to her car, neither of us daring to look back again.
I asked myself many times what this encounter was about. Both then and now, I remain convinced that something beyond mental illness influenced that man's behavior. His seemingly ordinary question carried supernatural weigh; a deliberate attempt to identify a potential threat. While this wasn't my first or last supernatural encounter, it awakened something within me that became central to this song.
For years I've experienced intensely supernatural dreams. While dreams themselves could be considered supernatural, mine were consistently specific and very...dark.
Many people describe dreams where they fight for survival against demons and other entities. My dreams are different. I fight these beings not to protect myself, but to save others. In every scenario, regardless of what I'm facing, I feel this powerful drive to rescue and defend. Some might suggest this points to a career in law enforcement or other service professions. And while I deeply respect those who serve in these fields, and once considered such paths myself, this calling is something altogether different.
I remember telling one of my dearest pastors during a home group gathering about my dreams. His wife immediately cried out, "deliverance ministry!" At the time, I had no idea what that meant. Looking back, I was surprised that a church member would jump to that conclusion. Even now, I'm not entirely certain if that's my calling. While it may be part of it in some form, my primary mission today is to help others understand the nature of spiritual warfare. But I believe there are two types but both converge, where Paul says in Ephesians 6:11-12, "11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
For many, standing firm in God's Word, praying in the Spirit, and dispelling darkness with the gospel - the good news - is what spiritual warfare looks like. This foundation is essential; without it, nothing else bears fruit. Yet for some, the calling extends further. Some are called to confront actual spiritual entities and forces that manifest themselves (though never seeking such encounters without warrant). This will be a key topic we explore in this blog.
For those called to this deeper level of spiritual warfare, the cost is significant. In the supernatural realm, you become a marked person. The enemy sees you as a formidable threat once they recognize you can identify their presence and tactics. You must constantly maintain spiritual armor for yourself and your family, never growing complacent. The enemy WILL attempt to destroy you. Though this path isn't easy, you CAN walk in power and authority through deep, intimate communion with the Father. Yes, it comes with a profound weight and cost, but so was the cross, which far exceeded any burden we would ever carry.
And the other aspects of this song? An encounter with the Holy Spirit. The Ruach ha Kodesh. I cannot explain it any other way than as a nuclear power coursing through my flesh, making me feel as if I might literally explode. I hesitated to tell anyone because I feared they would think I was having a mental breakdown, lying, or maybe even demonically possessed. Most people think encountering the Holy Spirit is just a warm, fuzzy feeling or an emotional response. Simply feeling overwhelmed with God's love or receiving His communication, perhaps speaking in Tongues. While these can all be part of it, I've learned it can be so much more. It's an immeasurable power that is simultaneously terrifying and comforting, overwhelming yet peaceful. I felt myself almost lift out of the driver's seat of my car and I knew God was trying to show me something, maybe even take me somewhere in the spirit, but like Peter on the water, fear gripped me for a moment. In that instant, my own fears cut short the miraculous. This is something God continues to confront me about repeatedly.
Have you experienced anything similar to what I've described? I'd love to hear your story! Perhaps you've hesitated to share certain experiences with fellow Christians due to the limited supernatural perspective in modern Western Christianity. Or maybe you're grappling with accepting a calling in supernatural ministry or deliverance. Please share your thoughts in the comments section! And let me know your thoughts on the song!