DEAR PASTOR,
I am a 17-year-old girl who is facing a major problem. There is a guy I have been talking to for about a year-and-a-half. I love him very much and I know he loves me too. My entire family knows about him. All of a sudden, they all thought he left me because I stopped talking on my cellphone often when they are around.
Sometimes I get the feeling that he doesn't love me. I met almost every one of his family members and they really appreciate me being here for him. My mother doesn't want me to date this guy. As far as I can see, she doesn't want me to be with anyone for now. It's good advice, but I don't feel comfortable.
I want to go out and have fun with him. He is even planning on getting married to me two years from now when I am older. Sometimes I can't sleep at night because I just can't get him out of my head. He feels the same way at nights. His relatives even told me that he doesn't stop calling out my name in his sleep. I just want to be free and have the fun I want. I am also afraid to introduce him to my mother.
S., St. Catherine, Jamaica
Dear S.,
Obey your mother. The time will come when you would be able to go on dates and your mother would not object. Right now you think you are in love and you cannot do without this young man. Some girls in your age group experience fire in their bodies and the desire for sex seems to be almost uncontrollable. But such desire can be controlled. Every normal person form time to time has sexual urges and sometimes parents who are observant know when their children are going through certain periods of change.
Your mother is trying to protect you. She does not want you to get into trouble. You are eager to have fun and that fun includes sex. Cool it, young one. The time will come when you are going to love your mother for doing her best to protect you from pitfalls.
Pastor
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