Dear Pastor,

I am a regular reader of your column and I need your help. I am 15 and my father and mother are ganging up against me. They don't want me to go anywhere, not even on school trips. My brother planned an excursion and a beach party and told me he wanted me to come. His girlfriend bought me a bathing suit and I asked my parents if I could go and they said yes.

On the day when I was supposed to go, my mother asked me to put on the bathing suit so that she could see me in it. When I did, she said I should not wear it. I started to cry. My father did not see me in the bathing suite but she went out in the yard and told him that I am crying because she told me that I should wear that bathing suit. My father said since I was crying, I am not going anywhere.

My mother said I am a Christian. since I am a Christian, I cannot expose my body like that to the world. When my friends didn't see me at the beach party, they asked me why I had to lie and told them that I was menstruating and had cramps.

Every time my mother is making me a dress, she makes the skirt long. my father doesn't allow me to wear shorts in the house or pants on the road. He is a deacon of a church. he behaves like he is in charge. I am dying to turn 18 and get out of this place. I wish I could leave now.

When I read your column, I am encouraged. Thanks for the advice you give to us young people.

E., St James

Dear E.,

I am sorry that your parents didn't make you attend the beach party that was put on by your brother. I understand it was an excursion and the party was held on the beach. I am sure your parents mean well, but they are being over-protective.

I doubt your brother's girlfriend would have bought a very revealing swim suite. if your mother had concerns, she shouldn't have waited for the very day to ask you put it on so she could have a look. That was wrong. she could have made suggestions that you can cover up and not show a lot of skin, so to speak. So, again, I say I am very sorry you were not given permission to go out and have fun that day.

I hope you love your parents. Parents are not always right. And at times when they discipline their children, they are too harsh. That doesn't mean you should stop listening to or obey them. Keep strong and try to cooperate with your parents as much as possible.

Pastor