The System Failed Again

When the system falls short, but God never does.

Author’s Note:

I hesitated to share this. It’s personal, painful, and honest. But I’m learning that faith sometimes means trusting God in the middle of systems that don’t work—and still believing He does.

Even when the world lets go, faith still holds — one fragile thread tied to the hem of Jesus’ garment.

My brother-in-law, David, got an unexpected visitor at their house—the relative who was supposed to be in care.

And upon their release, have a plan for housing and care. This person showed up in scrubs on crutches. The temperature at the time was 36 degrees. David didn’t let the person in and told them they weren’t welcome.

That may seem cruel and unusual punishment. Before you judge, the story is long. Bits and pieces have been told in many of my articles.

We, Connie, David, and I, are trying very hard to break the cycle of dependency. Unfortunately, the system isn’t working as it should. They are trying their darnest to put the responsibility back on the family.

We have repeatedly told the hospital, CSB, and APS that we’re not legally responsible and that we’re unable to take on that responsibility at this time.

None of us has room for this person to live. I live in my father’s house, taking care of him full-time. My sister and her husband also don’t have room. There are other pressing reasons—including serious safety concerns—why this is not a viable option.

Let me make this as clear as I can. We all love this person very much. But we have been repeatedly told that they are competent and that we have no legal rights regarding this person, as they are a legal adult.

We’ve spent over twenty years trying to get help for this person. The system does the bare necessities and then releases them with no set plan. This person has been twice released with no place to live. The parties all know that because they have been repeatedly told.

I’m not sure what kind of discharge plan they made. But as far as I can tell, none. This person’s life is in danger. They cannot care for themselves, and winter is closing in.

Trusting the Lord to take care of this person. Knowing that He has a plan for this person keeps me grounded. Jesus is asking me to trust Him totally and to believe that He has this person’s best interests at heart.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Some days, it feels like I’m holding on by a single thread. But as long as that thread is tied to the hem of Jesus’ garment, I know I’m still held. That’s enough.

This is one of the hardest things I have ever done. To let go completely. And fully trust God to keep His Word and promises. And He will.

If you have ever been in this place, I know you understand. If you haven’t, pray you never have to be.

I’m asking you to pray for this person—just one minute.

Please. I would be forever grateful.