Ms. Ladybug's Faith

Once upon a time, Ms. Ladybug wasn’t having a great day today. She felt that something in her was missing and got the sense that she was always alone and felt that she didn't have any friends in her church community and at her job and school. She's a young woman in her 30’s; however, she was in for a real big miracle and blessing.

On Sunday morning, she started the day to attend church in her community in Castroville, called Our Lady of Refuge.

When she arrived, she was greeted by the parishioners, Daniel who was a retired U.S. Army Veteran, and an Usher, too. He was in his late 70’s and she would see her wife, Ruth too. They were a spiritual couple who have been married for over 50 years.

She also saw, Theresa, who was deaf, but could read lips, and her husband, Joseph. However, he was paralyzed from his waist to his feet, so he was in a wheelchair. But what Ms. Ladybug noticed about them was they always had a smile on their faces, They were in their 30’s. They sold bread and the pastries that was donated by a grocery store and they loved to sell.

Also, Ms. Ladybug went to the church gift shop and liked to look at the religious items. She also saw her friend Ester, whom she sees every Sunday. Ester was a Widow and a Grandmother, though she looks younger than her age in her 50’s.

Before, Mass started, the Eucharistic Ministers and Altar Servers started to come in and followed by Father Michael, and accompanied him by Deacon Mark, Ms. Ladybug also saw Sr. Mary who helped with the Religious Education.

Ms. Ladybug said, “Good morning.” She was greeted by each of them who gave her a hug. She appreciated them as people, but their actions also taught her to keep the faith, be happy, and not give up.

Ms. Ladybug went inside and sat down, During Mass, she also saw Jesus who was a part of the choir, and loves to sing. What was interesting about him is that he was blind and had a guide dog. He was in his late 40’s and also, just got married to a lovely lady named Elizabeth.

During the homily on 1 Samuel 17:45, Ms. Ladybug started to cry during Mass and was not sure where that came from. Afterwards, when Mass was completed, she went home, went into her room, and started to think about her life and what her purpose was on this planet. That was where she was feeling sorry for herself and realized no matter what the storm, Ms. Ladybug was going through, there would always be a light at the end of the tunnel. She needed to remind herself of this when she felt out of tuned with God. She got on her knees and started to pray the Rosary and wondered why she wasn’t having a great day today.

All of a sudden, Ms. Ladybug's phone was ringing. She answered, and said “Hello!” It was her coworker Barbara. Barbara was a self-employed real estate agent. She and her husband Matthew, owned a construction business.

Barbara asked what Ms. Ladybug was doing. Ms. Ladybug said, “Nothing.” Barbara asked, “Since, I’m in the area, may I pick you up?” “We can meet up for lunch and catch up.” Ms. Ladybug said, “OK.” and while she was waiting, she did some house chores, until Barbara came.

When Barbara arrived, she gave Ms. Ladybug a hug and during the drive up to Santa Cruz, Barbara asked Ms. Ladybug how she was feeling and how her day today was going. Ms. Ladybug was in tears, as she felt that she didn’t have a purpose on this planet and could not figure out what her gifts and talents were.

Barbara shared with Ms. Ladybug that:

“Things happen for a reason and God has a plan for each of us. He cares about everything. Big and small. Don't fight Him. He wants to bless you. Be still and listen. God has a purpose for your life even if sometimes we don't see it.”

Barbara mentioned,

“You will run into people, not by accident, but because God sent these people in your life, so they can show and share with you about their faith, so don’t give up on your faith. If you trust God, he will answer your prayers, but at the same time, you have to be patient, things just don’t happen overnight!”

When they arrived at a café called The Shrine, they continued with their conversation, ordered their meals, prayed, and then ate. Ms. Ladybug was very grateful to not only have Barbara as a coworker, but also a Sister-in-Christ. Barbara normally goes to Mass on Saturdays,and then she makes the time for Ms. Ladybug and her other friends.

Ms. Ladybug shared with Barbara about a silly dream she had, but was unsure about the dream. She said, "I would love to write a Children’s Faith Book or Sharing her Faith and experiences with others, but as a book or an article in a magazine."

Right away, Barbara's face lit up and she shared how many networks she knows off. She was blown away. She shared with Ms. Ladybug about a job she previously had and focused on a new path that she loves now. Ms. Ladybug was feeling unsure as she didn’t know where to start, besides her attending classes in the evening and working full-time at her job. Ms. Ladybug wanted to make this happen, but always had excuses of not pursing her dream.She also wanted to travel around the world with her someday future Catholic husband.

When they finished eating, they walked around leisurely and then Barbara took Ms. Ladybug home. When they arrived, they said a quick prayer and Barbara told Ms. Ladybug that if she needed to talk to anytime or needed encouragement,to please call her. Ms. Ladybug shook her head affirmatively.

Afterwards, Ms. Ladybug started to realize that her day got a little better and she felt that there was hope for her, but she needed to believe in herself first, pray and talk to God daily, and always thank him, before, she could start her project.

When it was time for her to get ready for bed, , Ms. Ladybug reflected on her day and was very grateful for the friends she saw at Mass every Sunday. These people who were in her life were no accident, there was a purpose for Ms. Ladybug.

5 years, later, Ms. Ladybug published her first religion book, but she didn’t tell anyone,except Barbara, whom she asked to not say anything.

Just before Mass ended, Father Michael asked Ms. Ladybug to come up. She looked embarrassed and was wondering what was going on. He said, “I have surprise for you!” Before, he gave me a blessing, he showed her this book and asked if she could read it to the community and also requested that Ms. Ladybug sign the book.

Ms. Ladybug read her book to the church community and then found out that the book she wrote was selling in the Gift Shop, but not just the church she attends, but the entire Catholic Community, including an other Catholic Publishing Company and iHeart. She started to become well-known, but didn’t know how to adjust.

If you’re wondering how she spent the earnings from her book, she donated the money to her Church Community (Hall, Community Center), Dioceses, Franciscans, Retreats, Shelters, Libraries, Non-profits, and of course, her spiritual friend, Barbara, who helped her on this journey, even though, Ms. Ladybug told her not to say anything.

What this lesson taught Ms. Ladybug was that she never took the time to see the big picture around her that there were people who loved her and prayed for her daily. At the same time, Ms. Ladybug didn’t believe her dreamcould came true, and she thanked God, too.

As the writer, this story taught me to have patience, strong belief, pray daily, and to let go of everything and to let God be in charge!