Rayla Stewart Hogue is a native of Dexter. She is a wife, mother, and minister of the UCC (United Church of Christ). She seeks to recognize and embrace the unending hues of God's ethne and religion, and commits herself to living and expressing this inclusive diversity through Sacrament and the spoken, written, and sung Word of God.

Night Terror

Posted Sunday, August 21, 2011, at 9:50 AM

NIGHT TERRORS

By Rayla Stewart Hogue

Special to the Daily Statesman

She woke with overwhelming panic--her heart racing, bile in her throat, every muscle primed for action or reaction. Her mind raced as she tried to remember where she was and why she was so afraid. Adrenaline continued to pump through her body as she slowly realized she was in her own home. There was no imminent danger. It was only a dream.

Her mind was still in panic mode as she rose from the chair and took in the comforting surroundings of her home. Things were as they should be--the fireplace and mantle covered with family photos; comfortable recliners; the couch she had spent hours on with her cat resting on her hip or her head resting on her mother's lap. Memories overcame the panic and wrapped her like a warm, comforting hug.

As she continued to look around the room she noted items missing and the general disarray. Warm fuzzy memories evaporated as the terrors of the nightmare returned--this time as grief. Her family was gone. It was time to let go of the family home. The weight of the reality was almost more than she could bear.

The themes of the nightmare became clear--abandonment, loss, the unknown, fear of failure, longing for approval . . . and on the list continued. She was afraid that she would fail her family. Her fears filled her dreams until they took on a life of their own.

As her mind cleared, she felt comfort flow into her . . . slowly filling her being with loving, calming assurance that she would survive the coming days. She was not alone. God was with her. Her family had taught her how to walk through the hard times--by taking it one step at a time while holding tightly to God's hand.

There are many times in our lives when we must face hard times. We are afraid--even terrified of what lies ahead. We do not want to go where our path is leading. We want to avoid the pain . . . the trials . . . the embarrassment . . . it is not our choosing.

Life is not fair at all times. Hard times come to everyone. Sometimes they are the consequence of our actions--other times not. How we deal with our night terrors--our hard times is our choice. God is always there, waiting to hold our hand and steady us over through the storms of life as well as the terrors of the night.

God help us to clear the fog from our minds, hearts, and spirits by embracing you. You are our comfort, refuge, and strength. So be it. Amen.

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.....this describes well a time in my own life when I was feeling so alone and frightened for my future...terrified of the unknown...feeling betrayed, abandoned and emotions that I thought would be too difficult to bear....I fought it alone for awhile but when I allowed God to step in and lead me through everything changed and when those old hurts and heartaches creep in I know with His help I am fine and so thankful that He opened my eyes to the wonderful life He has given to each of us....

-- Posted by sunnydaze on Mon, Aug 22, 2011, at 9:09 AM
Our God is rather amazing. My sister and I used to remind ourselves that when old fears resurface they are just "Egyptians." Meaning the Egyptian army followed the Israelites into the parted Red Sea, but the sea drowned the army. However, every once in a while one of those dead foes will pop to the surface and scare us again. That's when we remind ourselves of God's providence.

-- Posted by raykayh on Wed, Aug 24, 2011, at 11:51 AM
im 15 and i always have night terrors. it can have up to 3 times a month. its been constant . happens every month. no stop. its been going on since i was 3. i havent gone through any trama.In them im either falling, almost being killed, or have a feeling of being followed and watched. its always the same. i wake up heart pounding and crying non stop. terrified to move i lay there and try to calm down. ive had times were my night terror happens more than once a night. i dont know if its a disorder. i need to know what is wrong. i cant take them anymore. i have so many sleepless night. Anyone have any idea what is going on. Ive read that its uncommon for someone over the age of 6 to have it and i past that age long ago.i have no triggers that ive found. it could happen at anytime. i can go to sleep super happy and freeling secure than 3 hours later wake up absolutly terrified. Ideas? if you can help me, here is my e-mail: mcstephburger@ymail.com

-- Posted by McSteph on Thu, Oct 6, 2011, at 2:25 PM

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