IN THE SHADOW OF HIS WINGS: WHERE DARKNESS TURNS TO LIGHT

By Lyris Figueroa

Join the journey of the life of Laura, now a young woman, as she continues to walk you through the dark pits of her life. Explore the spiritual battles and hardships she encounters, how Satan hates her and wants her soul, how his relentlessness will stop at nothing to end God’s perfect plan for her life.

Laura reveals the truth about the dark world, its cult, and its counterfeit mockery against God. Discover the reality about the world of spiritualism and its chaos.

Despite the hardships, abuse, fear, and shame she endures – Laura continues to search for the door that will lead to her freedom. Will she find it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496908704

Lyris Figueroa

Lyris Figueroa is a devout Christian and a retired Special Education Educator. She earned degrees and certificates as follows: Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, Certifications in Special Education and Manual Communication/ American Sign Language (ASL). She is the author of ENTER THE DARKNESS: GOING NOWHERE FAST and IN THE SHADOW OF HIS WINGS: WHERE DARKNESS TURNS TO LIGHT. Her writing is crisp and real. Presently, she is happily married to the love of her life, Dr. Eugene Figueroa and living in New York. Her new project is titled CRASHING WAVES: fIGHTING THROUGH THE STORMS. Lyris is sincere, enthusiastic, and authentic in her writing. Her heart's desires are to be obedient to God, inspire and encourage others, and give those suffering a sense of hope.

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2014 Lyris Figueroa. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. [Biblica]

Published by AuthorHouse 01/16/2023

ISBN: 978-1-4969-0871-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-0872-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-0870-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014907737

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Preface

Chapter 1 Fighting Back

Chapter 2 Gotta Go

Chapter 3 Nowhere To Turn

Chapter 4 Not Again

Chapter 5 Satan and His Demons

Chapter 6 Wrapped In Darkness

Chapter 7 Escape From Hell

Chapter 8 The Grip Tightens

Chapter 9 Hell Never Freezes

Chapter 10 Calling 9-1-1

Chapter 11 The Gift

Chapter 12 Angel Of Death

Chapter 13 Living in the Ghetto

Chapter 14 Closure

Chapter 15 Conviction of the Holy Spirit

Chapter 16 The Betrayal

Chapter 17 Bound and Shackled

Chapter 18 Outstretched Arms

Epilogue

Words from the Author:

Dedication

To God

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 91:4

"He will cover you with His feathers,

and under His wings you will find refuge;

His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

Acknowledgments

An artist does not rest until its masterpiece is complete. The timeless hours and days of labor are continuous until the work of art is finished. IN THE SHADOW OF HIS WINGS: WHERE DARKNESS TURNS TO LIGHT was created in this manner.

First, I thank my Heavenly Father for His patience, love, mercy, grace, and direction. This book could not have been written without Him.

AuthorHouse Staff, Thank you for your expertise and commitment to excellence.

Prayers knocked heavily on heavens doors during the creation of this book. A heartfelt thanks to my pastors, Reverend Michael A. Kelly and Reverend Donna L. Kelly. Thank you for your leadership, friendship, love, and prayers.

Much gratitude is expressed to my Sisters in Christ and Prayer Warriors who faithfully covered me in prayer during the writing of this book.

Alphabetical order:

Maria Clavelli-Presepe

Rosemary Collazo

Deborah Competello

Nydia Cruz

Angelina Hernandez

Norma Rosario

Linda Santiago

Marie Vanderhorne

Ivette Woods

Last but definitely not least, a special thanks to my children, Lyris M. Agosto-Garcia, Luis Agosto, Jose Agosto, Victor Agosto, Fernando Rivera, Jr., and Armando Rivera. Thank you for being loving, supportive, and patient with me. Thank you all once again. I love you.

Read the prayer below every time you read this book. May God’s angels surround you and protect you.

Almighty Father and Heavenly King,

Be with me as I continue on the journey with the venues in this book. Cover me and keep me safe from the Evil One. May Your light always shine where evil lurks. Remove the veil from my eyes that I may see, touch my heart that I may be sensitive to You, touch my mind, and help me understand the message conveyed in this book. Guide me in the direction that You want me to go. All for Your glory. In Jesus precious name, I pray. Amen.

Preface

After caring for her baby, Laura went to the bathroom and was afraid to look at her reflection in the mirror. She stood by the basin sink and replayed in her mind what had happened. Laura slowly raised her eyes and stared at her reflection. She wept as she looked at her bruised face covered with dry blood. Her body ached and her left eye was swollen almost closed. She took some aspirin and a hot shower to help ease the pain.

Then, she slowly walked into the kitchen and got an ice pack to apply to her eye. Laura worried about the bruises on her face. She had to go to work the next day and wondered if she would continue working. Filled with terror and confusion, she did not know what to do. They needed the money but she was in no condition to report to work. Roberto came home hours later. Laura was lying in her bed thinking, trying to make decisions. He sat on the bed next to her and tried to hold her in his arms. She pushed him away. He softly caressed her head. His touch no matter how gentle was painful and made her cringe.

Laura, I’m so sorry. I really am. I didn’t mean to hit you, but you wouldn’t give me any money and I needed a fix. Laura remained silent. He walked over to see his daughter who slept soundlessly in her crib.

Laura turned around and shouted, DON’T YOU DARE TOUCH HER!

What? I can’t touch my daughter?

I DON’T WANT YOU NEAR HER!

She’s my daughter too and I have every right.

PLEASE . . . DON’T . . . TOUCH HER!

Roberto turned on the light and gently turned Laura’s face, looked at her, and began to cry. My God, what did I do? Tears escaped Laura’s eyes. Roberto left again.

As the door slammed, Laura laid in bed with her thoughts. I’m Mami all over again. It’s a curse. Papi beat Mami all the time. She was a good wife and a good mother. I couldn’t understand why he mistreated her so much. How did she do it? I’m sure she thought about leaving him but didn’t have the courage. I’m so confused—I don’t know what to do. This is just the beginning of what awaits me. I can’t even begin to imagine what will happen next. Will I be able to get away from Roberto? What about Lila? Will I be able to do this alone? What will become of us? I have to prepare myself for what’s coming ahead . . . Hard times. Laura’s body shook at the thought of it.

Finally, she reached over to the lamp on the nightstand and turned off the light. Laura fluffed her pillow, covered herself with the blanket, and laid awake in the darkness of her bedroom. She pondered on the idea of leaving Roberto and asked herself, If I leave him, will he find me? What will he do to me? Will he kill me? Will I ever find the door that will lead to my freedom?

Chapter 1

Fighting Back

Laura laid in bed the next morning thinking about staying home from work. She was in no condition to be out in public. She felt ashamed and embarrassed, and contemplated quitting her job but they had no other means. Roberto squandered his entire savings and they were destitute. He laid next to her still dressed from when he arrived in the morning hours. As she got up to start her day, he reached out and held her closely to him.

Where are you going?

I have to get ready for work.

He let her go and she got up to prepare for the day. Laura covered her bruises with foundation and pressed powder. She dressed Lila warmly and packed her diaper bag.

The winter season was brutal and Laura forced herself to walk in the bitter cold. They dropped off Lila at the sitter’s and Roberto walked Laura to the train station. People passing in the street and on the train stared at her. Colleagues in huddles glanced at her in the workplace and murmured. She felt uncomfortable and wanted to leave. Despite how she felt, she convinced herself it was her fault that Roberto lost his temper and hit her. Laura was anxious for the day to end.

Finally, the loud buzzer sounded and it was the end of the workday. Laura could not wait to see her little girl. When she arrived at the sitter’s house, Elena told her Roberto picked up Lila early—Laura’s heart raced. She felt frantic and rushed home. She quickly entered the apartment. It was quiet. She stood under the threshold of the bedroom breathless. Roberto sat on the bed holding Lila in his arms. Laura entered the room and stared at him with fear.

He looked up at her and asked, How was your day?

Surprised that he asked, she replied, My day was overwhelming. Now, may I have my daughter? Roberto gently passed Lila to her mother.

I want to take you out to eat, Roberto said invitingly.

No, I don’t want to go out. I’m tired of people staring.

Why don’t you freshen up?

No, I’d rather not. You can’t begin to imagine what its been like, people staring at me all day, passing judgment, whispering, keeping thoughts to themselves. Roberto became upset and Laura quickly thought of an excuse.

We can’t afford it, anyway. Eating out is not in our budget.

Trust me, we can go out. I made some money today.

Huh?

I helped out a friend.

You helped out a friend? Doing what?

Don’t worry about it. I want to take out my two favorite girls. He reached for Laura’s foundation and gave it to her.

Here, touch up your face with make-up like you did this morning. She looked at Roberto and exhaled.

Please Laura, I want to take you out. She did as he asked and they went out as if nothing happened.

Two weeks later, Laura’s eye healed. It was payday again and she feared going home. Roberto waited for her as usual. She walked in quietly with Lila and found him pacing the kitchen floor. He had that look again and demanded twenty dollars.

Roberto, I don’t have money.

Are we going through this again? I don’t want to fight with you, Laura. So please, don’t push me, he pleaded.

Laura stood her ground. I don’t want to fight with you either, Roberto. And I’m not pushing you to do anything. All I’m saying is I don’t have money to give you. She entered the bedroom and placed her purse on the dresser, gently put Lila in her crib, and made her comfortable. Seconds later, Roberto followed her into the room.

Look, just give me some money.

No, Roberto. I’m not giving you money. So, stop asking. She walked out of the room and into the kitchen.

He came up from behind her, balled up his fist, bashed her face, and knocked her to the floor. She curled up into a fetal position and covered her face to protect it from being bruised again. He punched her on the head over and over again. GIVE ME SOME MONEY, LAURA! Then, he kicked her repeatedly. Brutally. She could not bear it any longer.

"MY BAG IS ON THE DRESSER, TAKE THE LOUSY TWENTY

DOLLARS! Lila began to cry. Roberto took the money and stormed out of the apartment. Laura tried to get on her feet but was not able, her lower back felt numb. She turned over and laid on the floor unable to move. Tears streamed from her eyes as she looked up and asked, WHY GOD? WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? She took a moment and regrouped. Then whispered, Please, help me." Almost immediately, she felt a tingling sensation in her lower back. Laura turned over and crawled on her stomach to the bedroom. She slowly reached for the bars of the crib; pulled herself up, and cared for her little girl the best she could. Her mind raced and she needed to come up with a plan.

Laura decided the following week would be her last on the job. Roberto would worsen and she refused to work to support his addiction. She looked in her purse and discovered Roberto took her pay, including the rent she stashed away in her top drawer. Laura worried for the bills were not paid, the rent was due, and the refrigerator was empty. Roberto grew heartless and vicious as his addiction of heroin increased each day. Each time her face was clearing up, Roberto would bruise it again.

It was Laura’s last week on the job and it was payday. She received her pay and left early. Lila was not feeling well and needed medical attention. When she arrived at the sitter’s, Elena said, Roberto left a stroller for the baby. He said something about a disability check he received today. Laura thought for a moment, Oh good, now we can pay the rent, buy some food, and pay the bills. She rushed Lila to the pediatrician, filled the prescription, and hurried home. As Laura climbed the stairs, Yesenia, the superintendent of the building walked the hall.

Well, look who’s here from work. Aren’t you early today?

Laura did not want to be rude; after all, the superintendent was an elderly woman. My daughter needed medical attention, so I left the job early.

Oh by the way, Roberto received a disability check today. He was very excited because it was for three thousand five hundred thirty-two dollars. I just thought you should know.

Laura panicked and asked, I’m sorry, could you repeat that?

I said Roberto received a disability check today in the amount of three thousand five hundred thirty-two dollars. Don’t tell him I told you. I don’t want him to think I’m a gossip.

Laura turned pale. Don’t worry Yesenia; your secret is safe with me. I won’t say a word. Thank you for telling me. She entered the apartment and locked the door. Then, Laura began to worry.

Where on earth is Roberto? He received an outrageous amount of money. It’s too dangerous for him to have that amount of money in his possession. I just pray he thinks about our needs and puts money to the side for the house. My God, help us. She looked at her daughter and kissed her forehead, laid her in the crib, and made her comfortable. Quickly, she gave her little girl the medicine prescribed by the pediatrician and hoped she would get-well soon.

Laura went to the kitchen and looked in the cabinets. The cabinets were bare. She felt like Old Mother Hubbard and shook her head with disappointment. She dressed Lila again and left to the corner bodega to purchase a few items for dinner. Laura ate dinner alone again.

Later, she got ready for bed and checked on Lila who was sound asleep. Roberto came in at 11 o’clock. He stood by the door with a cigarette in his mouth. The cigarette hung between his lips and his knees bent lower and lower. He appeared as though he was going to fall. Laura felt disgusted.

HEY! WAKE UP!

He slowly opened his eyes and stood up straight. Huh? What happened?

NOTHING YET! IT’S WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN!

Huh? Did you say something?

Laura was livid and tried to remain as calm as possible. Roberto, where have you been all day?

Oh, I was with my friends Andy and Charlie. We were hanging out.

Hanging out with your friends? Did you forget you have a family?

Roberto opened his eyes, pulled on his cigarette, and dragged himself over to her. He looked a mess. He slobbered all over her face with kisses. She pushed him away.

Stop, Roberto! Look at you! You’re stoned. Go take a shower. You smell.

But I love you. Why are you being so mean to me?

Where’s today’s mail?

Where’s today’s mail? Oh that, yeah well . . . I received a check today for a little over three thousand dollars. I have three hundred dollars left.

What did you say? Laura could not help but cry. What do you mean you have three hundred dollars left? What did you do with the money?

What are you talking about?

I’m talking about the check you received today. You said you have three hundred dollars left.

Oh, yeah. I was hanging out with my friends and I bought the baby a stroller so you wouldn’t have to carry her. I wanted to make it easier for you and more comfortable for Lila.

Laura tried to keep her composure but it was impossible and snapped.

WHAT ARE YOU CRAZY? THE RENT IS DUE, THE UTILITY BILLS AREN’T PAID, THE REFRIDGERATOR IS EMPTY, AND THE CABINETS ARE BARE. WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO? Laura broke out in a sweat.

WHAT DID YOU SPEND THE MONEY ON?

Speedballs.

SPEED, WHAT?

Speedballs. It’s a combination of heroin and cocaine.

Laura thought she was about to lose her mind. YOU MEAN TO TELL ME YOU SPENT OVER THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS ON DRUGS?

Laura, I was with my friends and we hung out. I treated them.

She was beside herself. She sat on the bed with her thoughts. Roberto sat next to her and put his arm around her. Laura got up and walked away from him. He remained on the bed and she stood under the threshold of the bedroom.

I have three hundred dollars in my pocket. He searched his pockets for the money. He stood up and walked over to her.

Look, you see? I didn’t spend it all.

Laura pushed his hand away, turned, and said, That’s not the point, Roberto. We have to pay the rent, the bills, and buy food. We have a baby to care for. Or did you forget?

He sat and thought for a few seconds and said, No, I didn’t forget. Besides, you’re working.

Oh no, I’m not. Today was my last day. I quit. My daughter needs me. Now what are we going to do?

We’ll apply for family assistance.

Laura became hysterical. What? Are you insane? I don’t know what it’s like to be on family assistance. My parents always worked and handled their responsibilities. We were never on family assistance. You need to stop shooting up drugs and be a man. At that moment, she entered the kitchen to warm a bottle of milk for Lila.

There was a loud sound of silence. Laura returned to the room and discovered Roberto snuck out. I don’t know why I didn’t take the money he had in his pocket. Now he’ll go and buy more drugs. My God, what am I going to do?

Roberto was out all night. He came in at 6 o’clock in the morning and went straight to the bathroom. Laura heard water running. Then, it grew quiet, too quiet. She waited a little while, got up, and knocked on the door. She put her ear to the door and listened. Laura knocked again. Still, there was no response. She waited a few seconds, slowly turned the doorknob, and quietly pushed the door open. Roberto? Roberto, are you okay? Laura was filled with horror. She found Roberto sitting on the toilet seat with his belt was wrapped around his arm and a syringe stuck in it. Laura got closer. He was not breathing. She called his name again.

Quickly, she grabbed him by his shirt and shook him fiercely. She slapped him a few times as hard as she could. Then, loosened the belt around his arm and pulled out the syringe. She shook him again. Roberto did not respond. Laura hurriedly dragged him over to the bathtub, turned on the cold water at full force, and stuck his head under the running water. She almost drowned him. Roberto came to. She slapped him around some more and cried hysterically. He opened his eyes and wrapped his arms around her. They cried together. Laura could not bear to carry the cross any longer. She released a cry from the pit of her stomach, MY GOD—WHY? I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING!

Laura left Roberto in the bathroom and went into the kitchen, sat on a chair, and slipped into a daze. He staggered into the kitchen behind her.

Are you leaving me? Laura, please don’t leave me. You and Lila are all I have in this world. I don’t know what I would do if you ever left me.

She slowly turned to him and thought, He looks so pathetic. I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t have money saved and I quit my job. Besides, I don’t have anywhere to go. Whatever I decide to do, I can’t do it now. She then replied, No, Roberto. I’m not leaving you. Your daughter and I will always be by your side. Then, she thought to herself, I have to be more than crazy to stay in this relationship. I have to find a way to get away from him. But, how? Where will I go?

Roberto stayed home that night. He looked at Laura and said, I’ve decided to kick this habit. I’m going cold turkey and I need your help. I can’t do this without you. Will you help me? She wanted to run out the door and not look back. She inhaled deeply and answered, Yes, Roberto. I’ll help you.

Thank you, Laura. Going cold turkey is not easy. I’ve heard horror stories.

She was uncertain of what to expect. She thought, Cold turkey? I don’t know what that is. I don’t know what to do. Well, there’s a first time for everything.

Day 1—The night hours ticked away. Roberto laid restless in bed. Laura watched over him and waited for something to happen. She turned on the television and watched it for a while. Slowly, Roberto began to twitch and his legs became restless. Laura jumped to her feet and hurried to turn on the light. When she returned to his side, he slowly curled into a fetal position. He broke out into a cold sweat and his body painfully ached. Roberto complained about his back and legs hurting. His nose was runny and started to develop a fever. Laura felt confused and did not know what to do. He screamed from the pain. She picked up Lila, rushed into the next bedroom on the opposite end of the apartment, and laid her daughter in her crib.

LAURA! HELP ME, PLEASE! MY STOMACH HURTS! His voice echoed throughout the bedroom. Laura ran in the room. I’m here! I’m right here!

MY SKIN FEELS LIKE IT’S CRAWLING. I CAN’T DO THIS. I NEED A HIT. LAURA, I NEED A HIT!

Laura’s heart wept for him. No! You don’t need a hit. You’ll pull through this, you’ll see. This is a nightmare and when you wake up it’ll be as though nothing happened.

His body shook uncontrollably. Laura reached out and put her arms around him. DON’T TOUCH ME! DON’T TOUCH ME! She let go of him immediately. He tried getting up. She pushed him down. They wrestled on the bed. I’m . . . not . . . letting . . . you . . . go. You’re going to stay here and . . . beat . . . this . . . addiction! All of a sudden, Roberto began to vomit. Laura ran to the bathroom and returned with a rag, the mop, and a bucket of water. Roberto turned colors. She tried to keep her composure between watching over Roberto and caring for Lila. Her head spun like a whirlpool.

Day 2—Roberto was irritable, sweating, nauseous, and suffered with stomach cramps. His bones ached and snapped as he squirmed in the bed. His body jerked and his system craved for the drug while he shivered wildly. Laura remembered she had a few chocolate bars and rushed to get them.

Here, eat some chocolate. She insisted as she passed him a piece of the chocolate bar. Maybe this will help. I read about it in a book. Laura continued to stay by his side. Roberto ate pieces of the candy bar slowly. She felt exhausted and had not slept in twenty-four hours.

Days 3-6 Roberto continued with cold sweats. He suffered with aches and pains, and weakness for the drug. Laura passed him a piece of chocolate to eat from time to time. All he could think about was the drug his system craved. He tried to leave a few times but Laura was stronger than him and held him down until he was exhausted.

Day 7—Roberto felt weak physically and the symptoms began to subside. He could barely get out of bed. Laura helped him up. She was his pillar of strength. He leaned on her as she sat him on a chair in the kitchen, head hanging down, and hands clasped between his legs. She went to the bathroom and filled the tub for him.

A nice hot bath will do you some good. Just soak in the tub and relax.

Where’s my daughter? I haven’t seen her in days.

Laura wondered if this was it for him. Was this the end of the drug abuse? Only God knew and time would tell.

She’s in the other room in her crib. After you take a bath, I’ll bring her to you.

Yeah, that sounds good. I miss her.

Come on Roberto, work with me. 1, 2, 3, up! She helped him up and into the tub. Call me when you’re ready to come out. I’m going to check on Lila and make you some chicken soup. Roberto nodded his head. He was completely drained. Meanwhile, as he soaked in the bathtub Laura sterilized the bedroom. She cracked open the window to air out the room and turned on the television.

Later, Roberto called out to her. I’m coming. She hurried to the bathroom. Laura gave him a towel and helped him out of the tub. Here step into your slippers. She helped him get dressed. Roberto had tears in his eyes.

My pajamas and robe feel good—Only you feel better. I love you, Laura. Do you believe me?

Yes, I believe you.

She tried to convince herself of a lie. By the end of the day, Roberto regained some of his strength and developed an appetite. His progress continued for several days.

After a month of being clean, Felix paid their bills and the rent they owed. His Uncle Ricky got him a welding job where he worked. Roberto was doing well and earning a decent pay. There was a rainbow after the storm after all. Laura could not complain. Several months went by and they were in total bliss. Lila was now seven months old and walking. Her silky dark hair and dark eyes sparkled, and complimented her olive complexion. People found her to be simply adorable everywhere they went. Laura called Lila her little papoose.

The birds chirped wildly and soared the blue skies like eagles while the sun caressed the flowers and the trees with its rays. It was a