A Child's Experience with a Con Artist: Lessons from Past Deceptions

Throughout my formative years, I encountered an individual who claimed to have a unique blend of beliefs and practices, which often involved occultic rituals. This person, whose name I refer to as Rev. Smalls, became deeply intertwined with my mother and, by extension, my own life. His activities, although initially seemed innocuous, eventually revealed themselves to be fraudulent and harmful.

Introduction and Background

Rev. Smalls presented himself as a figure who combined Christian principles with various occult practices. The environment around him was cloaked in secrecy and ritual, often involving the preparation of jars filled with strange concoctions to be placed under our beds, the distribution of oils and candles, and his involvement in what I now understand to be con games.

Role in Our Household

My mother, a devout believer, was increasingly drawn into Rev. Smalls' network. She would pay him substantial amounts of money for his services, often in the hundreds for what she believed to be "blessings" for our home or personal well-being. Even small amounts, like the fifty dollars spent on what she mistakenly purchased as a bottle of expensive cologne, were justifiable to her in terms of achieving desired outcomes. However, none of these supposed blessings ever materialized.

Suspicion and Insight

My initial suspicions about Rev. Smalls were often dismissed by my mother. When I questioned her about his activities, she would dismissively tell me to be quiet. As a child, I could sense that there was something amiss, but I had no clear way to articulate my feelings or concerns. However, when his small church was burned down, it provided a definitive turning point. The environment of the church, which was dimly lit and lacking in any sense of warmth or brightness, was already a red flag. The darkness in his private office, used for personal meetings, only fueled my doubts.

Personal Experience with Con Artist Practices

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of my experience with Rev. Smalls was his practice of laying hands on my head and applying pressure. He would close his eyes and mumble, seemingly praying for a cure or blessing. This ritual, which I witnessed firsthand, painted a vivid picture of a manipulative and deceptive act. The juxtaposition of spiritual words and physical pressure created a disturbing blend of healing and harm.

Conclusion and Lessons Learned

Looking back on my experience with Rev. Smalls, several lessons are clear. First, it is crucial to question claims of supernatural or divine intervention, especially when they involve financial or emotional investments. Second, the dim and oppressive atmosphere of his operations should have been a warning sign. Lastly, the invasive and intrusive physical rituals should have signaled a deeper manipulation and exploitation.

This story serves as a cautionary tale for others who may find themselves drawn into similar situations. It is essential to maintain critical thinking and trust our instincts, even when they are dismissed by those closest to us.