I want to empower young girls

Dear Pastor,

This is my first time writing to you, even though I read your column regularly. I am writing regarding a story published on April 17 in THE STAR. It's about the young girl that feels that nobody loves her. While reading her article, I realised that it sounded exactly like how I felt while I was in her age group, as our story is quite similar.

My dad didn't own me, so we don't have any relationship, and my mother gave me away to my grandfather, so I hardly have a relationship with her. When my grandfather died, I was 11 years old. My life changed for the worse because my grandmother did not want to raise any grandchildren. That was when I started feeling like no one loved me. From ever since I have felt that way until in my late 20s.

I am now 32 and I am pregnant with my first child. I feel like this is the missing piece, and finally I will have someone to love me unconditionally. I have had to struggle for a long time on my own, especially after I migrated from Clarendon to Kingston.

What I did to overcome those feelings was to focus on my future. I went to teachers' college, followed by a degree, and now I am pursuing my master's after buying a house in St Catherine all by myself. I am currently a teacher at a prominent school. This is the first time I am sharing my story in its entirety like this. Over the years, I have tried hard to live a righteous life by being selective about how I chose my partner. What I am trying to say is that I think I can relate to this young lady and I would love to assist you in providing guidance for her.

I have been thinking for a while about giving back to society by empowering young girls from similar background as myself. I would appreciate it if you could connect me with this young lady. Thanks in advance.

T.M.

Dear T.M.,

I deeply appreciate your letter. Thank God that He has enabled you to gain victory over hard life, so to speak. You did not allow circumstances to prevent you from doing well in school. You say that education is the best way forward and you studied hard, went to teachers' college and then on to university. You are a good role model. And indeed you are the type of woman who can help to guide this young lady whose letter was published on April 17, 2020.

You are blessed. Not many young women could say that they have purchased a house on their own. I congratulate you. And I promise you that you will hear from me further very soon.

Pastor