Shackled by Misfortune

Is it a Curse, Witchcraft, or God's Wrath on Me and My Siblings?

My name is David, and I am 26 years old. I live in Senegal, where misfortune seems to have befallen my family. Our lives are marked by failures in marriage, work, health, and education.

In my neighborhood, mothers considered me a role model. Everything was fine until I turned 7. That's when my life took a turn for the worse. I began to suffer from inexplicable illnesses: lung pain despite not smoking, heart pain, and migraines. Worse still, I felt an intense burning sensation in my foot after stepping on a remedy, a pain that spread to other parts of my body.

These health problems disrupted my studies. It was as if someone had stolen my mind. Despite everything, I continued to progress thanks to prayers and fasting. I obtained my BEPC after three attempts, despite receiving honors at the entrance to secondary school. I persevered until I earned a professional degree in banking and finance.

Since then, every attempt to get an internship or a job has failed. Even positions as a janitor were denied to me. Nothing works for me or my siblings. My sisters get married but always end up coming back home. We consulted witch doctors and Pentecostal churches, but to no avail. They only took the little money we had. Some say our souls are captive due to family witchcraft.

My nephews failed the probatory exam despite their intelligence, and my younger sister cannot validate her baccalaureate application. No matter the device or the hairstyle she uses, her photo never comes out. I have prayed every novena available, but nothing changes. No job, no respite.

Life has become a constant struggle, each day feeling heavier than the last. My family's persistent hardships make us wonder if we are under some kind of curse. Is it witchcraft, or are we facing divine retribution for unknown sins? The questions are endless, and the answers remain elusive.

Our plight is not just about bad luck; it feels like a relentless force pushing against us. My mother, in her desperation, has visited countless traditional healers and pastors. She clings to the hope that somewhere, someone will have the power to break this cycle. We've participated in numerous rituals and prayers, often at the cost of our meager savings. Each failed attempt leaves us more despondent, yet we continue, driven by the faint hope of change.

Despite these challenges, I try to remain a pillar of strength for my family. My siblings look up to me, hoping to see a glimmer of hope in my eyes. It’s painful to watch my sisters’ marriages crumble and my brothers' careers stagnate. We live in a cycle of temporary relief followed by deep despair.

Our community is supportive but also perplexed by our situation. Friends and neighbors offer their prayers and assistance, yet they too wonder about the source of our misfortune. Some speculate it is the result of envy or hidden curses cast by those who begrudge us.

Every night, I find myself questioning the purpose of our suffering. What lesson are we supposed to learn? Are we being tested? Despite my doubts, I hold on to faith. I believe that one day, our prayers will be answered, and we will emerge stronger and more resilient.

Sharing my story is both cathartic and necessary. It is a way to connect with others who may be experiencing similar trials. Through this narrative, I hope to find solidarity and perhaps, solutions that have eluded us. This journey is painful, but it is also a testament to our enduring spirit and unwavering hope for a better future.

Conclusion

David and his family’s situation is a deep tragedy touching on fundamental aspects of human life: health, education, employment, and family relationships. By sharing his story, David highlights the challenges many families face, desperately seeking solutions in a world where sometimes the answers seem out of reach.