Dear Pastor,

I am a single 20-year-old woman who was sexually abused by one of my brothers. I don't know what to do because my life has become chaotic and I have no family members who I can turn to for advice. My mother, who I could tell my story, is sick and suffers from many health problems. I used to teach at a church but I gave up the position out of frustration.

I am not a Christian but I try my best to live a Christian life. I am currently attending a training institution and have six more weeks to go before the course ends. I am experiencing financial difficulties because I am not working. I have other brothers and sisters but they offer me no financial assistance.

Also, I have started to hate men because my first lover broke my heart and I have been living with that pain ever since. Please pray for me and my family.

L. W., St Andrew, Jamaica

Dear L. W.,

I regret hearing you were sexually abused by your brother. Evidently, you have kept it a secret but the ordeal continues to haunt you. You need therapy. I am sorry your mother is ill and you fear if you were to confide in her she may fret and her condition worsen. I do understand why you would not want to burden her with your problem.

I suggest you meet with a family counsellor/psychologist as early as possible for professional help. Your attitude towards men is understandable. However, I beg you to bear in mind that not all men are beasts.

What your brother did to you is abominable and God will deal with him. The Bible condemns incest in every form. So God will bring him to judgement. In the meantime, you need help and if you don't get it, you may sink into a state of deep depression. Perhaps it is because of depression why you were forced to give up your job at the church.

I have tried to contact you on the phone and I have left a message and a number. I hope you will respond. If you do, I would recommend you to someone who will meet with you without charge. So, in the meantime, be assured of my prayers. God will provide for you. Don't give up. Keep hope alive. I believe you are a good young woman. Don't put your confidence in man, put it in God. He will never let you down.

Pastor