An Open Letter to Lady Gaga

Dear Stefani,

Earlier today, I realized something quite sad: Years ago, I would pray for you on a regular basis, but at some point I grew lax in that practice. Today, as I sat in my living room and thought about this, I said a prayer for you, not knowing what you've been up to (I don't keep up with celebrity news that much). Hours later, I got on social media and saw a post you made about your tour cancellation.  

I am truly, deeply sorry that I have neglected to keep you in my prayers as often as I should.  


I cannot imagine the physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional pain that you have undergone or are currently experiencing. To be perfectly honest, I don't even know much about you. I don't know what you've gone through, what you believe, or what greater purpose you strive for. All I know is that one fateful day, I heard your song, "Til It Happens to You," and I realized that I was not listening to the same Lady Gaga whose music I would groove to at high school dances. I heard the pain in your voice, and I also sensed strength and a lingering hope-a hope for healing and grace. 

Stefani, I will include you in my morning prayers tomorrow and as often as I remember (life while raising a toddler means that sometimes my brain is in a fog and I get forgetful, but I will try to remember you!). I pray that you will experience a deep outpouring of peace, healing, and grace from our merciful God who loves you so passionately. I hope that you are able to unite yourself more closely to God during this time, and that you are able to be open-even just a tiny bit-to God working in and through your sufferings. 

I read somewhere that you're Catholic, so I'm wondering...are you familiar with St. Faustina? She was a Polish nun in the 20th century who received visions of Jesus. She underwent some seriously intense suffering in her life, and there's part of her diary which I love to meditate on whenever I'm going through something difficult. I don't know if it'd benefit you at all, but if you're interested here's the quotation (the bold print is the words of Christ, the plain print is the words of St. Faustina): 

"Jesus was suddenly standing before me, stripped of His clothes, His body completely covered with wounds, His eyes flooded with tears and blood, His face disfigured and covered with spittle. The bride must resemble her Betrothed. I understood these words to their very depth. There is no room for doubt here. My likeness to Jesus must be through suffering and humility" (268). 

I'm praying for you, Stefani!

Your Sister in Christ,
AnneMarie