Trusting Our Lady’s Guidance

By Joe Sullivan, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

A young woman climbed into my car for the half hour ride to her appointment. Two minutes into the ride, Maria asked if she could ask me a question. “Sure!”, I replied. She explained that she is not married, works in retail, and is in her late twenties. 

“OK …. I met this DJ at a concert, saw him a couple of times after that, and now he wants to stay at my place. He said he does not have a place to live. What should I do? I really like him.” I noticed this girl was confused and seemed desperate to start her life. She also said that this guy’s friend is a dealer. 

“What do YOU think is the best thing to do?” I asked her. 

Maria noticed that I had an image of Our Lady of Sorrows on the visor of my car. “I went to Mass last Sunday for the first time in my life.” Maria blurted out all excited. She said she wanted to keep going. “Great! If you want to do that, make sure you are going to meet Jesus, to be with Him in His sacrifice for us, to be close to Him.” I told her. I pointed to the image of Mary on my visor. “If there is anyone that understands you it is her. She suffered the most.” I told her. 

“Yes, her son died in front of her on the cross.” Maria said. “So, what should you do about this guy you met?” I asked. Maria seemed less confused now but still had some empathy for him. “I’ll tell him where he can get some help downtown,” she responded. “Yeah. Guys will tell girls almost anything to be with them. You deserve better,” I told her. 

Maria admitted that she wants to get married and is perhaps too overanxious to be with someone. “Listen,” I told her. “Pray to Mary and ask her to find someone for you and be patient. Make sure you have good criteria and ask for discernment. You want someone who will protect you, support you, provide for you, and love you selflessly.” 

As she got out of the car, she asked me if I had a copy of the image of Our Lady. I reached over and grabbed one in the glove box and handed it to her. Her eyes sparkled. I knew Our Lady would take care of her namesake child.