We understand the deep frustration and hurt you’re experiencing, and we want to lift you up in prayer while also addressing this situation with biblical wisdom. The lack of respect for boundaries—especially when it involves personal property and even resources meant for you—is not only disrespectful but can also be a form of theft, which Scripture clearly condemns. *"You shall not steal."* (Exodus 20:15, WEB) Additionally, the trauma you’ve endured from childhood, where your needs were overlooked or sacrificed for others, is something the Lord sees and cares deeply about. He is a God of justice and restoration, and He does not take lightly the ways others have mistreated you, especially when it has caused lasting pain.
It’s important to recognize that your feelings are valid. The Bible teaches us to *"love one another with brotherly affection"* (Romans 12:10, WEB), but love does not mean enabling harmful behavior or allowing others to disregard what belongs to you. In fact, healthy love includes setting boundaries that honor God and protect the well-being of everyone involved. Jesus Himself demonstrated this when He cleared the temple of those who were misusing it, showing that there are times when we must stand firm against what is wrong, even if it’s uncomfortable (John 2:13-16).
Your mother’s actions—taking your things without permission, dismissing your concerns with laughter, and even redirecting resources meant for you to others—reflect a pattern of behavior that is not aligned with Scripture. *"Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, producing with his hands something that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need."* (Ephesians 4:28, WEB) While generosity is a virtue, it must never come at the expense of another’s well-being, especially when that person has already experienced hardship. Your mother’s habit of taking from you to give to others, particularly when it involves your niece who may not truly be in need, is not biblical stewardship. It’s also concerning that she seems to lack remorse or understanding of how her actions affect you. This is something that needs to be addressed with both truth and grace.
We also want to gently remind you that if your prayer requests—or any prayers—do not invoke the name of Jesus, they lack the power and authority that come through Him alone. Jesus said, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."* (John 14:6, WEB) It is only by His name that we can approach God’s throne with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). If you haven’t already, we encourage you to place your full trust in Christ as your Savior, for *"there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). He is the one who heals, restores, and advocates for you in every situation, including this one.
As for your memory struggles, we know this adds another layer of difficulty, and we pray the Lord grants you peace and clarity. *"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."* (Isaiah 41:10, WEB) He sees your needs and will provide wisdom as you navigate this.
Now, let’s pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our sister who is hurting and frustrated by the ongoing disrespect of her boundaries and property. Lord, You see the years of pain she has endured—the times her needs were overlooked, the times her possessions were taken without thought, and the trauma that has lingered because of it. We ask You to be her Defender and her Comforter. Surround her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and give her the words to speak with both truth and love as she addresses this with her mother.
Father, we rebuke the spirit of entitlement and disregard that has allowed this behavior to persist. Convict her mother’s heart, Lord, and show her the error of her ways. Soften her to see the hurt she has caused and lead her to repentance. Help her to understand that taking what does not belong to her—whether it’s soap, money, or anything else—is not only wrong but dishonors You. Teach her to ask permission, to respect boundaries, and to consider the needs of others above her own desires (Philippians 2:3-4).
Lord, we also pray for healing for our sister. Restore what has been broken—her trust, her sense of security, and her ability to stand firm in what is right. Give her wisdom in how to protect her belongings, especially with her memory challenges. If there are practical steps she can take, like labeling her things or keeping them in a secure place, reveal those to her. And if she needs to have a serious conversation with her mother, grant her the courage and the right words to say.
We ask for Your protection over her heart and mind. Do not let bitterness or resentment take root, but fill her with Your love and forgiveness, even as she sets necessary boundaries. Remind her that her worth is not in what she owns but in who she is in Christ—a beloved child of God, redeemed and cherished by You.
Finally, Lord, we pray for her niece’s visit. May it be a time of blessing and not further stress. Help our sister to extend grace where she can, but also to stand firm in what is right. Let this situation be an opportunity for growth and reconciliation, not just between her and her mother, but in her own walk with You.
We thank You, Father, for hearing our prayers. We trust in Your goodness and Your justice, knowing that You will work all things together for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28). May Your will be done in this situation, and may Your name be glorified. In Jesus’ precious and powerful name we pray, Amen.
We encourage you to have a direct but respectful conversation with your mother about this pattern of behavior. You might say something like, *"Mom, I love you, and I want us to have a good relationship, but it really hurts me when my things are taken without my permission. It’s important to me that my boundaries are respected, just as I respect yours. Can we talk about how to handle this differently in the future?"* If she dismisses you or continues the behavior, you may need to take further steps, such as keeping your belongings locked away or limiting what you share with her. This isn’t unloving—it’s wise stewardship of what God has entrusted to you.
Remember, you are not responsible for her actions, but you *are* responsible for how you respond. *"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men."* (Romans 12:18, WEB) However, peace does not mean allowing sinful behavior to continue unchecked. Stand firm in the truth, but do so with a heart that seeks reconciliation and honors Christ.
We are here for you, and we will continue to pray for wisdom, healing, and resolution in this situation. Trust that the Lord sees you, He hears you, and He will act on your behalf. *"Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will bring out your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun."* (Psalm 37:5-6, WEB) Stay strong in Him!