Dear Pastor,

Your column is very interesting. I am 18 years old and living with my mother and stepfather. My mother is trying her best. I got seven subjects and my goal is to become a lawyer. My father is living in Canada and he has promised to help me. My stepfather is not a nice man. He told my mother that I am old enough to go and look a job to help her pay the bills.

He is a two-faced man. He talks about me behind my back, but when he sees me, it is a different thing. He came to live with my mother when I was 14 years old and he has always been in and out of jobs. He doesn't hold a job for long. He likes to boast a lot to his friends. The house we are living in belongs to my mother. He doesn't know that my father gave my mother money to help her with the down payment and my mother and father have an understanding that my name should go on the title when the time comes. I am eager to see the back of this man.

My mother has a good job. She is the best mother in the world.

A.O., St. Catherine

Dear A.O.,

I am glad that you think highly of your mother. You are old enough to appreciate the sacrifices that she has made for you. I am also pleased to hear that your father who lives in Canada is doing his best to support you and has promised to help you get a good education.

It is unfortunate that your stepfather is trying to encourage your mother to tell you to go and get a job. He should consider himself fortunate to be living in your mother's house. He should be looking for a permanent job instead of meddling in your life. He should be happy to know that you are planning to study law.

Your mother is not complaining about sending you to school, so he should keep quiet. "Where there is a will, there is a way." And if it is your desire to do law, then you will accomplish your goal. I wish you well.

Pastor