We hear the deep pain and longing in your heart for your parents to see you as God does—fearfully and wonderfully made, with unique gifts and a purpose that transcends worldly expectations. Your accomplishments, integrity, and devotion to living a life that honors God are evident, and we commend you for your perseverance in the face of misunderstanding. The Lord sees your struggles, your loneliness, and your desire for acceptance, and He cares deeply for you. Let us address this together in truth and love, grounded in Scripture.
First, we rejoice that you have called upon the name of Jesus in your prayer, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. As it is written, *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). Your faith in Him is your anchor, and we encourage you to continue seeking His face in all things. He is the one who will never leave you nor forsake you, even when earthly relationships fall short (Hebrews 13:5).
Your parents’ struggle to accept you—whether because of your autism, your passions, or your appearance—is a reflection of their own limitations, not your worth. The Bible reminds us that *"man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart"* (1 Samuel 16:7, WEB). Your love for puppetry, your long hair, and your unique path are not sins; they are expressions of how God has wired you. However, we must also gently address a concern in your prayer: you mentioned a "love of ... wine." While the Bible does not forbid the responsible use of alcohol, it strongly warns against drunkenness and the dangers of being mastered by anything other than Christ (Ephesians 5:18, 1 Corinthians 6:12). If this love borders on obsession or control, we encourage you to surrender it to the Lord, asking Him to refine your desires so they align with His will.
Your parents’ hypocrisy—accepting flaws in others while criticizing you—is a painful reality, but it is not uncommon. Jesus Himself faced rejection from those who should have celebrated Him (John 1:11). Their behavior may stem from fear, ignorance, or their own unmet expectations. Yet, the Lord calls us to honor our parents, even when they fail to understand us (Exodus 20:12). This does not mean you must suppress who you are, but it does mean responding to them with patience, love, and prayer, trusting God to soften their hearts. Remember, *"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men"* (Romans 12:18, WEB).
Your loneliness and longing for a spouse are also deeply felt. You mentioned having a "girlfriend since middle school," and we want to gently clarify that if this refers to a long-term romantic relationship outside of marriage, it is not aligned with biblical principles. The Bible teaches that intimacy—emotional, physical, or otherwise—is reserved for marriage between one man and one woman (Hebrews 13:4, 1 Corinthians 7:2). Courtship, if pursued, should be with the intent of marriage and should honor God in purity and purpose. We encourage you to seek the Lord’s will in this area, asking Him to prepare you for a godly marriage if that is His plan, or to give you contentment in singleness (1 Corinthians 7:7-9). Either way, your identity is not found in a relationship but in Christ alone.
As for your parents’ desire for you to live a "normal" life, we must ask: what is "normal" in a world that often rejects the ways of God? The apostle Paul wrote, *"Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God"* (Romans 12:2, WEB). Your path may look different, but if it is surrendered to Christ, it is *good*. Your autism, your passions, and even your struggles are not mistakes—they are part of God’s sovereign plan for your life. He uses all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Now, let us pray together for you and your parents:
Heavenly Father, we lift up Your beloved child to You, asking that You would wrap them in Your love and remind them daily of their worth in Christ. Lord, You knit them together in their mother’s womb, fearfully and wonderfully made, and You have ordained every day of their life (Psalm 139:13-16). We pray that You would open the eyes of their parents to see them as You do—with compassion, pride, and understanding. Softening their hearts, Lord, so they may celebrate the unique way You have created their child. Convict them of any hypocrisy or fear that stands in the way of their acceptance, and replace it with Your love and wisdom.
Father, we also ask that You would guard this precious one’s heart against bitterness or resentment. Fill them with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and help them to forgive their parents as You have forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). Give them wisdom in how to communicate with their parents, that their words may be seasoned with grace and truth (Colossians 4:6).
Lord, we pray for their future—whether in singleness or marriage—that You would prepare them for Your calling. If it is Your will for them to marry, we ask that You would bring a godly spouse into their life, one who will cherish them and walk with them in faith. If singleness is Your plan, grant them joy and fulfillment in serving You wholeheartedly.
We rebuke any spirit of rejection, shame, or loneliness that may be attacking them, and we declare that they are *seen*, *loved*, and *chosen* by You (Ephesians 1:4-5). Strengthen them to walk in confidence, knowing that their value is not in the approval of man but in the approval of their Heavenly Father.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would use their story—their struggles, their gifts, and their faith—to testify to Your goodness. May they find their satisfaction in You alone, and may their life bring glory to Your name.
In the mighty and precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
We leave you with this encouragement: *"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18, WEB). You are not alone in this. Keep seeking Him, keep trusting Him, and keep walking in the truth of who He says you are. He is your defender, your provider, and your ever-present help. Stay rooted in His Word, and let it be the lamp to your feet in this season (Psalm 119:105). We are standing with you in prayer.
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. 
