Sharing God’s Mercy

By Joe Sullivan, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

While driving people to their doctor appointments, sometimes I run into someone whose circumstances remind me of the importance of praying for people who are authentically suffering and in need of prayers. 

Typically, I meet people who suffer from a physical ailment or substance addiction. 

This past month I ran into two people on the same day who were suffering from mental conditions. The first was a young man who got in and immediately started demanding things. He used unclear language, criticized me, asked if he had done anything wrong to offend me, said he was only trying to help, and asked why I was being so impatient and that I looked frustrated. It is true, this man really tried my patience. 

When he got out of the car, abruptly and with no consideration of where he was on the street, I was at first relieved but then felt terrible about my impatience. That is when I prayed for him. 

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is one of the most difficult conditions for people to deal with, and I found it much more difficult than the situation with my second passenger that day who suffered from a different mental condition. The ride began very normally. We confirmed the destination and got on our way. But then he said to me, “I forgot to tell you. I have Tourette’s.” I replied, “No problem.” “It is severe,” he said, and soon it began. 

Profane and vulgar blasphemes against God at the top of his lungs for most of the ten-minute ride. I prayed for this man most of the ride. When he got out at his destination, he thanked me for a pleasant ride and said “God Bless” and wished me a good day. Both of these passengers obviously have difficulties to overcome. Praying for them was really the best thing I could do for them. 

At the end of the day, we are all in need of God’s mercy.