Dear Pastor,

I have a problem and hope you can give me your fatherly advice. I became a Christian at age 17. Since that day, my life has been a complete wreck.

My mother didn't want me to get baptised but I insisted because I was an old-enough young miss to make decisions of my own. Since then, she curses me for anything and everything. Even when there is not a problem, she creates one.

I tried to stay as far from home as possible and stick closer to my friends. Most weekends, I would visit my friends. During that time, I got a call to go to HEART in Junction. I wasn't working and needed money to attend school. I was scared to ask my mother because I knew how she would have reacted, so I asked a friend for the money and he told me to borrow it. I borrowed it from my mother. That was the worst I could have done.

The interesting part is that she complains about the food she provided and called me names such as dog and John crow. She curses me about the pimples I have on my face, etc.

I knew I was making her life miserable and unhappy and her stomach sick. I knew she couldn't stand me, so my only option was to leave home for good. I didn't have any close family to stay with so I moved in with, a male friend. We decided to start a relationship and became sexually active.

I didn't have any feelings for him so we called off the relationship and he gave me the permission to stay at his house until I could manage. I got a job which didn't pay well. I met another guy and he told me he would help me go back to school and would assist me financially if I became his girl. I told him what was happening in my life and he said if I wanted to move he could rent a place and put me up. I told him I would have stayed at my friend's place.He said ok.

I am now going school and he is supporting me. Do you believe this man will keep his word? Please tell me if you think I should rent a house and move, or stay at my friend's house where I am ok and free to do what pleases me. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

S.C, St Elizabeth

Dear S.C,

Many readers of this column will blame you for the predicament in which you have found yourself. However those who read with understanding would observe that your mother is equally to be blamed because she has not shown you much love. She has cursed and abused you and has made life very uncomfortable for you. You have been trying to face life on your own and, in doing have made mistakes.

You moved in with a man but soon realised the relationship could not work. I am glad he did not throw you out when you decided to end the intimate relationship with him. You are with another man and he is assisting you financially.

When you got baptised, your mother was against it. I believe you meant well. I want to encourage you to see your pastor and his wife. Tell them about your struggles and ask them to help you. You need a place to live. It is not a man that you need in your life at this time. You need an education and a stable home. Somebody has to help you. Your mother will not. Tell your pastor you have made a mistake but need his help. I hope you will take my suggestion. Please let me know of any development.

Pastor.