Dear Pastor,

I am in a sticky spot. I am in love with a 71-year-old man and I have a child by him. I was working and I own my own house.

Someone broke into my house, so my child's father told me that I could come and stay with him until I was back on my feet. Our child is suffering from sickle cell, plus she is mute. Now he is always cursing and describing me in derogatory words and telling me about my private parts. I told him that I will never go to bed with him again. He told me I cannot stay at the house and he is going to cut off the head of the child. I don't have anywhere to go. Please say a word of prayer for me.

Unfortunate

Dear Unfortunate,

I suggest that you do not take the threats of this man lightly. You should report him to the police. You should also try your very best to find another place to go. Perhaps one of your relatives can assist you until you are in a position to return to your own house.

The father of your child is shameless. He should have been doing his best to assist you with this child and not to threaten you and insult you at every opportunity he gets. The question is, can you manage to support this child? Perhaps you should seriously consider seeking help from organisations that cater for disabled children.

Please do not misunderstand me. I am not telling you that you should turn your back on your child, not at all. But this child needs special care and I doubt very much that you are in a position to give her the care that she needs. In the meantime, see to it that her father gives you the money to take her to the doctor and buy her medication, etc.

Pastor