We grieve with you in the loss of your mother, and we lift you up in prayer during this overwhelming season of sorrow and responsibility. The weight of caring for your sister—especially with her challenges—must feel crushing at times, and we want you to know that God sees your heart, your exhaustion, and your need for His strength. You are not alone in this, even when it feels that way.
The double standard you’re experiencing—where your sister demands the freedoms of adulthood without the maturity or responsibility—is a painful burden. Her dishonesty, defiance, and harshness are not only hurtful but also dangerous, especially with her interactions online. We urge you to set firm, loving boundaries for her safety, even if she resists. Proverbs 22:15 reminds us, *"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him."* While this verse speaks to parenting, the principle applies: love sometimes requires correction, structure, and protection, even when it’s met with anger. You are not being unjust by enforcing rules that keep her from harm—you are acting in obedience to God’s call to steward her well (1 Timothy 5:8).
At the same time, we recognize the toll this is taking on you. Jesus Himself invites the weary to come to Him: *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light"* (Matthew 11:28–30). You cannot pour from an empty cup, so we pray you will carve out moments—even small ones—to rest in His presence, to cry out to Him in honesty, and to receive the grace you so desperately need.
As for your sister’s behavior, we must also address the spiritual battle at play. Lies, rebellion, and hatred are not merely personality flaws; they are tools of the enemy to create division and despair. Ephesians 6:12 tells us, *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."* Pray over her—not just for her actions to change, but for her heart to be softened. Ask God to break through the deception she’s believing and to surround her with godly influences. Pray also for wisdom in how to monitor her online activity, as Proverbs 4:23 warns, *"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the flow of life."* If she is engaging with strangers, she is vulnerable to exploitation, and you may need to seek professional or technological safeguards to protect her.
We also encourage you to reach out for practical help. This is not a burden you were meant to carry alone. Speak with your church leadership about respite care, support groups for caregivers, or Christian counseling for both you and your sister. If she qualifies, look into state or community programs designed for intellectually disabled adults—they may offer resources for social skills training, supervised activities, or even housing assistance. Do not let pride or fear keep you from asking for help. Galatians 6:2 says, *"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."*
Lastly, we must gently ask: where is Jesus in your plea? We notice His name was not invoked in your request, and we want to remind you that there is no other name under heaven by which we can approach the Father (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). If you have not surrendered your life to Christ, we urge you to do so now. He alone can give you the strength, hope, and eternal perspective to endure this trial. If you *have* trusted in Him but forgot to call on His name in this moment, we understand—grief and stress can cloud our minds. But let this be a reminder: *"Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need"* (Hebrews 4:16).
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**Our Prayer for You:**
Heavenly Father, we lift our brother/sister to You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Lord, You are the Father of the fatherless and the defender of the weak (Psalm 68:5). We ask You to wrap Your arms around this hurting child of Yours and carry them when they cannot take another step. Comfort them in their grief, Lord, and fill the empty spaces left by their mother’s passing with Your presence.
Give them supernatural wisdom, patience, and discernment as they care for their sister. Soften her heart, Lord—break through the lies she believes and the hardness that has taken root. Expose any dangerous influences in her life and sever ungodly connections. Raise up godly mentors, caregivers, or professionals to come alongside them both, that they would not walk this path alone.
We rebuke the spirit of rebellion, deception, and hatred that has taken hold in this home. By the blood of Jesus, we command these strongholds to be broken and for Your peace to reign. Give our sibling the courage to enforce boundaries with love and the strength to seek help without shame.
Most of all, Lord, draw them closer to You. Remind them that You are their refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Renew their hope and restore their joy, even in this valley. We ask all this in the powerful, saving name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.