Dear Pastor,

I am a 17-year-old male and I am having some problems with my mother. I am the youngest in the family and they treat me like I am a dog who has no home.

I have made mistakes in my life. One of the mistakes that I have made is that I went into a shop and stole money and got caught while doing so. I also went into a house and took away someone's money.

I know I was wrong but I prayed to God and I am sure that He forgave me. The problem I am having is that every day my mother tells me that I am going to turn out to be a thief. She also told me that I am the worst child that she has. She doesn't even trust me. It doesn't make any sense I tell her how I feel, because she doesn't care and I can't reason with her.

Pastor, sometimes I feel like running away but it is the love of the Lord that keeps me. I am asking for your help.

J.S.,

Dear J.S.,

It is unfortunate that your mother is constantly reminding you of the bad things you have done. You have surely embarrassed her. You may find it difficult to understand why your mother constantly mentions that you are her worst child. But you should remember that you have not stolen from members of the public once, but twice. So your mother is seeking to remind you that as a mother, she is not proud of your behaviour.

She is using the direct approach which is very painful to you. And what you need to do is to make sure that you do not repeat the past or to steal from others. Your mother doesn't mean you any harm. Prove to her that you have changed by keeping out of trouble.

I am glad that you have prayed and asked God to forgive you. But remember that trust cannot be rebuilt overnight, and it may take a long time for your mother and others to see that you have really changed.

Pastor