Dear Pastor,

Why is my life so messed up? I didn't do anything to anyone to get what's reaching me now.

My father was murdered. Now I'm struggling in America, trying to find a way out. But with no family or friends to talk to or even to call. I just want to end it all - meaning my life.

Pastor, I have a boyfriend here. He's the only one I have, but he beats me and treats me very badly. Pastor, please pray for me. I'm really losing it.

D.B., New York

Dear D.B.,

I am sorry to hear that your father was murdered and that no one around cares for you. Why do you allow your boyfriend to beat you up? You should report him and have him arrested. Are you in the country illegally and are afraid that if you were to report him, immigration would find out that you do not have permanent status? No woman should suffer such humiliation. No man has a right to beat a woman. Such men should be tried and receive the heavy penalty of the law.

May I suggest that you learn to make new friends. New York can be a very lonely place and yet it is one of the greatest places on earth to live. What you need to do is to get acquainted with people in the church. There are many churches in New York. Many Jamaicans are active in these churches and they are always eager to help each other. They'll help you to get jobs and to assist you in matters of permanent status, etc.. I guarantee you that if you were to begin to attend church and to move around with members you would not feel that no one cared for you.

Pastor.