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December 3, 2024Through suffering, Michelle Morris found her way to Mother Mary.
"Don't let your suffering go to waste," said Morris, a woman who, despite a life riddled with suffering, has found strength, comfort and joy through a special devotion to Mary.
Morris's story is an inspiring reminder to trust Jesus and lean on Mary's guidance. As Saint John Paul II said, "Mary teaches us to place our hope in God even when all hope seems gone."
Morris's life began with adversity. After surviving her biological mother's self-attempt to abort her, she spent the first two years of her life in a body cast, due to congenital hip problems. Although she grew up in an affluent environment, neglect, isolation and abuse surrounded her, creating a cycle that permeated her youth.
Morris suffered physical and verbal abuse from family members and caregivers. She also experienced bullying throughout her adolescence and said it was one of the worst times of her life.
In that darkness, even at a young age, Morris said she realized she was not alone. Amid a broken family life, an estranged relationship with her mother and her siblings, and a father whose alcohol dependency fueled his verbal abuse, she said Mary and her guardian angel were there to comfort her.
Morris's relationship with Mary became even more prevalent as she processed the loss of a sibling to abortion, a decision her mother made through a medical facility.
“I don't have a relationship with my earthly mother,” she said, “but that's not the case with my heavenly mother. Through Christ's saving love, I'm not a victim – I'm a survivor.”
Along the way, she has continued to face a litany of physical trials: brain and hip cancer, hip and shoulder replacements, and now an incurable cardiovascular disease.
Despite these hardships, Morris discovered solace in prayer, particularly in the Rosary.
“When I'm overwhelmed, I go to Mary and dive into the Rosary,” she said.
This devotion has not only helped her endure pain, but has also transformed her perspective.
“The Rosary teaches us to become more empathetic, to truly suffer with others as Mary suffered with Christ,” she said.
Morris's close friend and pastor, Father Christopher Brashears, said Morris, like the saints, has learned that no one is more intimate to the Sacred Heart of Jesus than his mother.
“Once in the Immaculate Heart, Michele was shown a small hidden path into the heart of Jesus,” Father Brashears said. “Now she can pray in earnest the words of the Anima Christi prayer: ‘and within Thy wounds hide me,’ for the Lord has taken her burden of pain and sanctified it by his Cross, returning to her a burden that is light.”
Said Morris, “Every time I go through this purification in my life, Our Lady is making me stronger for the next thing she wants me to do.”
Morris said her life experiences have given her the gift of compassion.
“Because of what I've endured, I've learned to listen, to be aware of others' needs,” she said.
While she earned a degree in psychology, she credits her rich prayer life and spiritual discipline as having the most significant impact on her and those around her.
Morris said those closest to her have helped bring light into an otherwise darkness in her world. Her husband, Eric, their daughter and multiple friends and community members she has connected with throughout the years have also uplifted her.
Morris said she sees Mary as a guide who helps her connect her pain to Christ.
“Don't let your suffering isolate you,” she advised. “Our Lady wants you to give it to her. She will untie your knots, smooth your wrinkles, and show you that your suffering is not for nothing.”
Morris said it is important to surrender suffering to the will of God. She connects her suffering to Christ through her service to others.
“I feel like a butterfly,” she said. “Wherever Mary calls me, I go. To food pantries, to people in need, delivering treats, or just being there for someone. Mary guides me to bring hope wherever I can.”
Her friend and former co-worker, George Rigazzi, has witnessed her unwavering faith.
“The essence of her life is trusting that God's plan is unfolding, even in suffering,” Rigazzi said. “She knows life is a pilgrimage, and she's open to what God asks of her.”
Now serving as the prayer coordinator at Saint Benedict Catholic Church in Shawnee, Morris sees her life as a gift, even in its most painful moments.
“I'm so grateful for all my life experiences,” she said, “They've allowed me to connect deeply with Our Lady and Christ.
“This world wants you to focus on how sad and terrible your pain is, but Mary wants you to see that it's not for nothing. Christ's suffering wasn't for nothing, and neither is yours. In Mary, we have hope in our suffering. And in Christ, we have eternal life.”
Eliana Tedrow is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Michelle Morris’s life experiences have given her the gift of compassion and a special relationship with Mother Mary. Photos provided.
