Dear Pastor,

Greetings to you and your staff, I am a Christian and a regular reader of your column. I also listen to your show every night. You are my inspiration. I need your help, pastor, please.

I have five children. I am 51 years old, but people say I don't look my age. To me, I look my age, even older. I am trying to take care of myself especially since most of my children have grown and left home.

Pastor, I struggle hard to support them and put food on the table. I did everything, including selling my body. I worked in clubs as a dancer and hardly had time for my children. I left them in the care of my mother. My mother knew what I was doing and told me to be careful.

I met a man who gave me money to lease a shop. He was the best man I ever had but the relationship only lasted for a year because he was married. Even now, if I have a need, like paying my light bill, if I ask, he will help me.

I became a Christian. I don't sell my body anymore. I don't smoke or drink anymore. I tell lies now and then.

My church had convention and delegates from abroad attended. I was one of the cooks for the convention. One of the delegates liked me. Before he left, he came to my house and met the two children living with me. He asked my children my background and about their fathers.

Pastor, one of my daughters told the man that I was a bad mother and how I used to 'run road', and all her friends know me as a retired prostitute. I didn't tell this man that I was a prostitute. I was ashamed because this man told me he was looking for a wife from Jamaica. I could see the surprise in him when she said certain things. She embarrassed me.

After the man left, I asked her why she told him those things. She said if the man loves me, that is nothing for him to know. Pastor, I am crying because I called this man and he said his mind has changed from me.

Please tell me what to do.

C.H.

Dear C.H.,

There are things that should never be divulged, if it is not necessary to do so. Nobody's life is an open book. You had a rough life. You are not proud of some of the things you did. However, these things are behind you.

Your daughter ignorantly divulged your past to this man, who was showing interest in you. She should have kept her mouth shut. She did not help by revealing your past to this man.

Not all men could deal with a woman who was a prostitute. Therefore, if this man has ceased showing interest in you, don't hang around, move on.

Pastor