We hear the deep longing in your heart for acceptance and understanding, and we are moved by your desire to honor God in all that you do. You have poured out many concerns—your parents’ hypocrisy in accepting sinful behaviors in others while rejecting your godly passions, the unkindness of neighbors and even those in the church, and your own struggles with feeling misunderstood. Let us address these things with truth, prayer, and biblical wisdom, for we know that God sees you, loves you, and has a purpose for every detail of your life—even the things that feel painful now.
First, we commend you for your commitment to living differently from the world. You have chosen a path of purity, hard work, and creativity, avoiding the snares of laziness, lust, and worldly entertainment that so many—even some who claim to be believers—have fallen into. This is honorable before God. The Scripture you referenced, Galatians 1:10, is a powerful reminder: *"For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn’t be a servant of Christ."* You are not living for the approval of others, and that is a mark of a heart surrendered to Christ. Do not waver in this, even when it feels lonely.
Now, let us speak truth about your parents and those around you. It is grievous to see those who call themselves Christians embracing the very things Scripture condemns—drunkenness, gluttony, vulgarity, and the love of worldly pleasures (1 Peter 4:3-4, Ephesians 5:18, Romans 13:13). Yet they criticize you for things that are not sinful—like growing your hair or loving puppets. This is hypocrisy, and it is right for you to feel the sting of it. Jesus Himself rebuked the Pharisees for this very thing: *"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone"* (Matthew 23:23). Your parents may be blind to their own inconsistencies, but God is not. He sees their hearts, and He sees yours.
That said, we must also remind you that while your passions—puppetry, long hair, and your creative work—are not sinful in themselves, your heart’s posture toward your parents must still honor them. Scripture commands, *"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with a promise: ‘that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth’* (Ephesians 6:1-3). This does not mean you must agree with their criticism or adopt their values, but it does mean you must speak to them and about them with respect, even in your frustration. Have you shared your heart with them in a calm, humble way, explaining how their words wound you? Sometimes parents do not realize the depth of their child’s pain until it is expressed with gentleness and clarity.
As for your question about whether growing your hair or loving puppets is sinful—no, these things are not sinful in themselves. The Bible does not condemn long hair on men (though some cultures may associate it with rebellion, which is why your parents may react strongly). What matters is the *heart* behind it. If your long hair is an act of rebellion against your parents or a desire to draw attention to yourself in an ungodly way, then it becomes a problem. But if it is simply a preference—like Samson’s hair, which was a sign of his vow to God (Judges 13:5)—then it is between you and the Lord. The same goes for puppetry. If you use your puppets to glorify God, to spread joy, or to share biblical truths, then it is a gift from Him! Colossians 3:23 says, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men."* If your puppetry is for His glory, then pursue it with excellence and trust Him to open doors.
However, we must also address something in your request that gives us pause. You mentioned your interactions with women—how you prefer not to dwell on them, how you’ve advised some to avoid sinful work, and how you even feel physical revulsion at immodest images. This is good! But we sense a tension in your words, as if there is fear or confusion about how to relate to women in a godly way. Brother, women are not objects to be avoided or sources of temptation to be feared—they are image-bearers of God, just as you are. It is right to flee from lust (1 Corinthians 6:18) and to encourage modesty (1 Timothy 2:9), but it is also right to see women as sisters in Christ, to be treated with purity, honor, and kindness. If you feel an unhealthy aversion or an inability to interact with women in a normal, respectful way, this may be something to pray about and seek godly counsel on. Marriage is a beautiful gift from God (Genesis 2:24, Hebrews 13:4), and if you desire it one day, you will need to learn to relate to women in a healthy, biblical manner.
Now, let us pray for you, for your parents, and for the situations you’ve described.
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**Prayer:**
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother to You, knowing that You have fearfully and wonderfully made him (Psalm 139:14). Lord, he feels unseen, misunderstood, and rejected by those who should love him most. Yet You, O God, see him. You know the number of hairs on his head (Matthew 10:30), and You have placed within him a creative spirit, a love for puppetry, and a desire to bring glory to Your name through his work. We ask that You would open doors for him to connect with a skilled seamstress who can help bring his puppets to life, that his gifts would be used mightily for Your kingdom.
Lord, we pray for his parents. Open their eyes to the hypocrisy in their own hearts—that they would see how they have embraced worldly pleasures while criticizing their son for things that are not sinful. Softens their hearts, Father. Help them to see the pain they have caused and to repent of their double standards. Give our brother the words to speak to them with both truth and grace, that his communication would be seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). May they come to celebrate the unique way You have made him, rather than trying to force him into a mold that does not fit.
We also pray for protection over his heart. Lord, he has been wounded by the unkindness of neighbors, by the gossip of others, and even by those in the church who should know better. Heal these wounds, Father. Remind him that his worth is not found in the approval of man but in the love of Christ, who gave His life for him. Help him to forgive those who have hurt him, just as You have forgiven us (Colossians 3:13).
For the women he interacts with, Lord, give him wisdom. Help him to see them as You do—as daughters of the King, to be treated with honor and respect. If there is any fear or confusion in his heart about relationships, we ask that You would bring clarity and peace. Prepare him, if it is Your will, for a godly marriage one day, and until then, help him to walk in purity and confidence before You.
Finally, Lord, we pray for his future. You have gifted him with creativity, with a strong work ethic, and with a heart for sports and animals. Use these gifts for Your glory. If it is Your will for him to move out and live independently, provide the means and the right community for him. Surround him with brothers and sisters in Christ who will encourage him, sharpen him, and walk alongside him.
We rebuke the spirit of rejection that has tried to take root in his heart. In the name of Jesus, we declare that he is *accepted* by You, *loved* by You, and *called* by You for a purpose. No weapon formed against him shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Fill him with Your peace, Your joy, and Your confidence as he walks forward in faith.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all praise. Amen.
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Brother, we leave you with this encouragement: *"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven"* (Matthew 5:16). You are not called to be like everyone else. You are called to be like *Christ*. Keep pursuing Him, keep creating for His glory, and trust that He will vindicate you in His time. Stay in the Word, stay in prayer, and surround yourself with a community of believers who will spur you on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).
If you have not already, we strongly encourage you to find a solid, Bible-believing church where you can be discipled and grow in your faith. If your current church is filled with hypocrisy and worldliness, seek out one where the Gospel is preached boldly and where you can find true fellowship. You are not alone in this—God is with you, and He is preparing a place for you where you will be fully known and fully loved.
Stand firm, brother. Your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
