Dear Pastor,

I am currently having a problem with a man I have been going with for seven years. The thing is that he has been in the United States for the seven years we have been friends and I am at the point where I really want out.

I have prayed about it and I know that God is working. However, at the same time, I really need to move on with my life and leave this Jamaican man alone. He tried to suffocate me on numerous occasions and he verbally abuses me, sometimes physically and mentally.

I have had enough of this and I want to move on. He takes me nowhere and tells me he doesn't want to be seen with me. He also told me that he hates me and he will soon leave, but he is still here. Please help me. I am in dire need of an answer.

B. A., Maryland, USA

Dear B.A.,

At the risk of getting you angry, I must tell you that when you really want to get rid of this man, you will. I say that because no woman should allow a man to attempt to kill her and not do anything about it. Why haven't you gone to the police? Why isn't he behind bars? Why haven't you taken out a restraining order against this man?

Pastor

This man has told you that he hates you. He doesn't take you anywhere. He doesn't want to be seen with you. It is time for you to throw him out. Don't tell me that you are praying. You have to learn to put action to your prayers.

PastorI believe that you love this man more than you love yourself. Don't do that to yourself, darling. Throw him out. Don't give him the opportunity to kill you. Go and see a lawyer.

Pastor