I don't leave my house much anymore. After getting stabbed investigating a child trafficking operation out west a few years back, I developed severe PTSD and became something of a hermit. But every now and then, I need to brave the great outdoors.
Today was one of those days. I bundled up against the freezing winter and zipped down to the local Dollar General on my e-scooter. The fluorescent lights hit me first. That harsh, institutional brightness that makes everything look slightly poisonous. Then the smell - plastic, cardboard, something vaguely chemical.
As I walked the aisles, I couldn't help but feel a darkness creeping in. This wasn't just a retail store, it was a soul-sucking void consuming the heart of our communities. Dollar General now outnumbers Walmart nationwide. Main Street is dying, one boarded-up shop at a time.
The Corporate Takeover of America's Heartland The rise of Dollar General is more than just an economic shift - it's a sinister spiritual battle for the very soul of our nation. These cheap, cookie-cutter stores are popping up in small towns across America, replacing the vibrant independent businesses that used to define our communities.
"When the Lord your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, and clears away many nations before you...and you begin to possess them and dwell in their land..." (Deuteronomy 7:1)
Just as God warned the Israelites about the pagan nations that would seek to corrupt them, we are now seeing a dark spiritual force consume the heart of our country. Every town becomes the same - every local shop, every family-owned restaurant, replaced by the fluorescent glow of corporate sameness.
The Principalities of This Dark World Make no mistake, this is a battle against the principalities and powers of this dark world. The Bible tells us our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). This corporate takeover has demonic influences at work.
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)
As these dollar stores spread like a plague, consuming the lifeblood of our communities, we must put on the full armor of God and fight this spiritual warfare. The future of our nation - our very souls - hang in the balance.
"The truth doesn't hide. It waits for those brave enough to look."
The Wise Wolf