My son who is now 20 years old desperately wanted to read Harry Potter when he was about 10 years old. The problem was, that I was taught by my religious community to keep my children away from the Harry Potter books and movies or they could open the door to witchcraft and he would turn away from Jesus. This teaching planted fear in my heart and I worked very hard to protect my children.
During the time that my son was asking to read Harry Potter, we were transitioning out of religion, therefore rather than to respond to him with a prideful, firm no, I asked God and he said “have him ask his dad!” His dad not being as fearful or religious as I was, to my shock and bewilderment said “yes!”
From that moment on my son became an avid fan of Harry Potter and since we had a very close relationship, he wanted me to be a part of what he loved. He asked me to just read the first book, so out of love for him and faith in God I did. What I found was that it was very much life a fairy tale. Nothing like what was told to me as being evil and pulling my son into witch craft.
After reading the book, there were times I would watch the movies with him or go to a Harry Potter premier. Those times brought us closer together, his love and trust for me grew and I believe helped set the stage for his teen and adult years, he knew he could confide in me, depend on me, knowing I wouldn’t judge or condemn him.
Mitch went on to go to Bethel Supernatural School of ministry. Rather than using magic, he uses the power of God to heal people and encourage them with prophetic words. He’s making it on earth as it is in heaven. If I knew 10 years ago what I know now, I would definitely let my children read Harry Potter and teach them that they have even more power than the magic of Harry Potter, they have the Holy Spirit, they don’t even need a wand, simply believe!
Now 10 years later, I don’t believe it was a coincidence that Harry Potter’s grand opening was the same week Mitch was in L.A. on a ministry trip! As we walked into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter I cried because it represented a journey out of religion, trusting Jesus, submitting to my husband and the bond we have!
Thank you J.K Rowling