Tell Me Pastor

Women, empower yourselves!

Dear Pastor,

I have been reading your column for sometime now. I just wonder why these women live in abusive and degrading relationships and have kids with these no-good worthless men. For the life of me, I have no idea why women should degrade themselves like that.

What is wrong with you women? Be independent; don't let these men take advantage of you. Please have some self-respect and don't loose your self-esteem!

I get so mad when I read these letters from these women!

M.D., Laurelton, New York

Dear M.D.,

Women have different reasons why they remain with abusive men. Some say that they do not have any where to go and they are not educated or have skills that would enable them to earn enough money to support themselves.

Some remain because they say they love the men and are always hoping that the men will change and stop abusing them. Others remain because they have young children with these men and they do not want to walk away and leave their children at the mercy of these men.

I understand what you are saying, but every case has to be considered individually. You are in a better position than these women and from where you sit it may be easy for you to make sweeping statements and question why these women remain in abusive relationships.

I believe that we ought to continue to tell our young women that they ought to protect themselves from pregnancy, limit the number of children that they have and try to empower themselves by learning skills and educating themselves.

Thanks for your letter.

Pastor