Tell Me Pastor

16 years old and missing her man

Dear Pastor,

I am 16 years old. My boyfriend and I broke up and I am now depressed and lonely without him. I used to cut school to be with him, and my aunt found out.

Now he doesn't want to talk to me or even look at me. Sometimes he does, because I know he still has feelings for me. I asked my friend to ask him if we broke up or not, and he said he had no choice.

I think a parent should not tell their child whom he/she can date and who not to date. It should be the child's decision.

What should I do?

A.

Dear A.,

You are very wrong in believing that parents do not have the right to tell their children whom they can date and whom they should not date.

Caring parents love their children and do not want them to make mistakes that would destroy their future or cause them to lose their lives.

Parents are to train their children and that includes teaching discipline and guidance. Parents who fail to train their children may cause the children to bring shame and disgrace on the family.

You are only 16 and you need lots of parental guidance. Look what you were doing, skipping school and spending time with a man. When your parents expected you to be in school, you were with a man instead. This guy didn't even care. He should have discouraged you from doing so.

Now, listen to me, bury your head in your books. Your future is at stake. Put this boy out of your mind. You need an education. He can't give you that. You have to get that for yourself by studying hard.

Pastor