My boyfriend is an atheist

Dear Pastor,

I am writing to you to help me with my problems. I have been reading your column for many years and I see how many people you have helped. Now, it is my turn.

I am 30 years old. I grew up in a very strict home. I was the only girl in the house with two brothers. I am the last child. When I was a baby, my mom and dad separated because my mother accused my father of getting one of her friends pregnant. He denied it. To spite my father, my mother started a relationship with one of the neighbours. This man used to go on farmwork and he always liked my mother, so he used to bring her gifts.

One day when my father had an argument with my mother, he told her that she should not take any more gifts from this man and she told him that he could not stop her. My father threatened the man and that made matters worse because the man told him that if he was doing his duty, my mother would not go astray. My father was very upset and my mother continued to be friendly with the man.

My mother got a visa and went away and she never returned. My father has never forgiven her. One of my aunts came to live with us and she took care of us. People say that my father has outside children, but my aunt said that is not true. My two brothers are now living in Canada. But I am still in Jamaica and my aunt has moved in because she does not have children.

HAVE TO TASTE 'COOKIE' FIRST

Pastor, I had a boyfriend. We were going together for three months and then he said it was time for us to have sex and I told him I could not have sex with him because the relationship was only three months old, and I don't know if he would marry me. He said he would marry me, but he has to taste the 'cookie' first. I did not want him to have it. I told my aunt and she said he is too bright and out of order.

I am a Christian and I am active in my church and one of the brethren and I became involved. We did not have sex, but we used to make out a lot. Then he told me that he met a girl online and she loves him. She visited Jamaica and they got married. I cried because I loved him. He is now living with her in America.

I am now in love with a man who is a medical doctor, but he does not believe in God. I love him but I don't know what to do. He has been very respectful and I told my father about him. My aunt knows him. Although he is a doctor, he does not pressure me for sex and I have not offered it to him. But he is not a Christian. So, I am asking you to give me your wise advice, please.

S.L.

Dear S.L.,

If you are a genuine Christian, a real born-again believer, you should not marry this doctor who is a non-believer. I know that you have had problems with relationships, but you should continue to trust the Lord until the right person comes your way. If you were to marry this doctor, you are likely to be very unhappy, so leave this doctor alone.

Some girls get married early. Others have had to wait and wait, but they end up marrying good men. Marriage is not something one should rush into. So, my suggestion to you is to wait until the right one comes.

Unfortunately, your father and mother broke up, but he did the right thing by having your aunt live at the house and help to take care of you. She seems to have done a very good job. Never put a man ahead of God. Always put God first and He will lead you into the right direction. You have my prayers.

Pastor