Louise's Story

Read Louise's story of how Jesus set her free from claustrophobia........Sudden panic attacks and overwhelming fear were part of my whole life. From my earliest memories I experienced tears of panic springing up, a dread of being trapped or constrained, an irrational fear of not being able to breathe, and extreme claustrophobia. At times, my whole world would close in, and the darkness would come, leaving me sobbing, hyperventilating and shaking.

Over time I learnt my triggers and was able to avoid situations where I might embarrass myself. I hid this part of myself from others and mostly managed my emotions in public.  It was always the unexpected that caught me out.  Having a sweater snag as I pulled it over my head or getting a zip caught on a jacket would be enough to set me off. Using an elevator or entering a windowless room could mean breathlessness and fear would suddenly take hold of me.

On two occasions, while sitting waiting in a car, it automatically locked, and my world went black. I have no memory of the hammering on the window and crying and only remember finding myself down the street, sobbing and panting, my heart racing. My teenage grandson once witnessed it all from the back seat. I felt humiliated and ashamed of my weakness. Why was I like this?  Where did all this fear come from?  God created me to be courageous and strong in Him but I knew I needed help.

I have a heart to pray for others and to see freedom is their lives, so when I was introduced to the opportunity of meeting with the Freedom & Fire team for a session, I was nervously excited. Filling in the questionnaire helped me identify some of the possible contributing factors to my extreme claustrophobia and panic attacks, but it wasn't until my session that the origins of my fears were truly identified and dealt with.

How absolutely amazing Jesus is.  He met with me in my session in such a beautiful way, leading me away from the place of fear.  Thanks to the incredible wisdom, discernment and prayers of the Freedom & Fire team, I was able to be delivered of all that had held me captive for so long. The generational curse was gone. It was immediate.  I was so grateful but had to test it all out.  I sat nervously in my car while the Freedom & Fire team leader locked me in.  No reaction! It was hard to believe.  Over the next few months my husband and I tested out so many of my triggers. The panic and claustrophobia had gone completely.  It is miraculous.

Now, as I lie in a heap on the ground, buried underneath the giggling tangle of my grandkid's arms and legs, I feel no fear.  Much to my husband's amazement I can ride in a small lift and shower in a tiny windowless cubicle with no reaction.  I have truly been set free and I praise my Lord God and the faithful team at Freedom & Fire who operate in His authority to replace darkness with His light. No more panic attacks. I can breathe.