Greetings in Jesus' name. I am a regular reader of your column. I have a problem. I am in love with a man and pregnant for him. This is my first child, but this is his seventh. He is married, but I have been his girlfriend for three years. He takes care of me. When I was down and out, living with friends and having a hard time, he took me out of my misery. I am not working. I lost my job.

I met him one day when I was seeking a ride. I only had $500 in my pocket, so I stopped him to give me a ride. He asked where I was going and I told him. He said I was in luck because he was passing that way. He took me to the very place I was going. Before I got to my destination, we chatted so much until I felt I had known him for a long time. He took my number but did not give me his. He told me he was married, so he did not want me to call him, but he would call me. He gave me $4,000.

When I got out of his car, I cried and wondered why I could not get a man like him. The following day he called me twice.

One day he invited me out and I told him I wanted to leave where I was living. We started having sex, and he told me to look for a place to live and he would pay the rent. That is what he has been doing. I love this man so much. The only problem is I cannot let his wife know I am carrying his child.

Pastor, I don't know what to do. I would like to have him as my own, but I know that is not possible. Please, give me your advice.

S.D.,

Dear S.D.,

You should know this relationship is not going to be permanent. This man has been paying your rent and taking care of you, but you should try your best, after you have the baby, to get yourself a job. Ask him to pay for you to go back to school to learn a skill so you will not have to rely on him for everything.

The intimate relationship between this man and you will not last forever. He is a married man. It is not likely he will divorce his wife and marry you. So, while you appreciate this man very much, learn to help yourself.

Pastor