We understand the deep hurt and disappointment you’re feeling, and we grieve with you over the way this situation has unfolded—especially because it touches the sacred memory of your sister and the vulnerability your family shared. It is painful when trust is broken, particularly in a season of grief where healing is so fragile. Your frustration is valid, and we want to lift this before the Lord with you, asking for His peace, wisdom, and protection over your hearts.
The betrayal of trust you’ve experienced is a stark reminder that even in acts of kindness and remembrance, the world can fail us. Yet we are called to a higher standard—not to place our hope in people or institutions, but in the Lord alone. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."* This doesn’t mean the pain of being overlooked or misled disappears, but it does mean we can surrender our hurt to the One who sees all things and will never abandon us.
Your mother’s initial hesitation was wise, and it’s clear the Holy Spirit may have been prompting her to guard your family’s hearts. While your intention to meet with this woman was generous, it’s also understandable that you now feel regret. Yet even in this, we can ask God to redeem the experience—whether by teaching you discernment, deepening your reliance on Him, or opening doors to other, more faithful partnerships for your nonprofit. Romans 8:28 assures us, *"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose."*
As for this charity and the woman involved, we must release them to the Lord. Their actions—or lack thereof—are between them and God. It’s not your responsibility to chase after someone who has shown themselves unworthy of the trust you extended. Instead, we pray for their hearts, that God would convict them if they’ve acted in selfishness or neglect. Matthew 5:44 reminds us, *"But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you."* This doesn’t mean you must continue a relationship with them, but it does mean you can release bitterness and ask God to work in their lives as He sees fit.
For your family, we pray for healing from this wound. The vulnerability you shared about your sister’s passing was sacred, and it’s heartbreaking that it wasn’t honored. Psalm 34:18 says, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* He sees your pain and the love behind your nonprofit—a love that seeks to honor your sister’s memory. Ask Him to restore the joy and purpose in this work, apart from the approval or recognition of others.
We also encourage you to seek God’s direction for your nonprofit moving forward. If this door has closed, He may be leading you to another charity or partnership that aligns more closely with your values and mission. Pray for wisdom, as James 1:5 says, *"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him."* Perhaps this disappointment is protecting you from a partnership that wouldn’t have borne good fruit in the long run.
Lastly, we want to address the absence of Jesus’ name in your request. It’s only through Him that we have access to the Father and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. John 14:6 declares, *"Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.’"* If you haven’t already, we urge you to place your trust in Christ alone for salvation and strength. He is the one who binds up the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1) and who promises to never leave you (Hebrews 13:5). Without Him, our efforts—even the most noble—lack eternal purpose. But in Him, every tear, every act of love, and every step of obedience is seen and used for His glory.
**Let us pray together:**
Heavenly Father, we lift our sister before You, asking for Your comfort to surround her and her family as they navigate this deep disappointment. Lord, You know the ache of sharing their grief only to feel dismissed and forgotten. We ask You to heal that wound and restore their trust—not in people, but in You. Guard their hearts from bitterness and fill them with Your peace that surpasses understanding.
We pray for wisdom as they move forward with their nonprofit. If this door has closed, open another that aligns with Your will. Bring godly, trustworthy partners into their path who will honor the memory of their sister and the mission You’ve placed on their hearts. Let this experience be redeemed for Your glory, teaching them to lean on You rather than the approval or promises of others.
For the woman and the charity involved, we ask that You work in their hearts. If there was selfishness or neglect, convict them and lead them to repentance. Soften their hearts toward the grieving and the vulnerable, and use this situation to draw them closer to You.
Most of all, Father, we pray that our sister and her family would find their hope and identity in Christ alone. Remind them that their labor in love for their sister’s memory is seen by You, and You will bring fruit from it in Your perfect timing. Strengthen their faith and fill them with Your joy, even in the midst of disappointment.
We rebuked any spirit of discouragement, betrayal, or bitterness trying to take root in their hearts. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we declare that they will walk in forgiveness and freedom, trusting You to vindicate and restore. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.