Had to run from abusive boyfriend

Dear Pastor,

I am a 20-year-old woman with a beautiful baby girl who’s going to turn two in a couple of months. I am studying to become an architect and will be graduating next year.

I have always wanted to become a chef but my mom wouldn’t pay for it, so I chose the next best thing that I was good at.

I am not a very smart person, but I push myself no matter how many times I fail; I try over and over again.

If I didn’t have a strong mother behind me, I don’t know what my life would be like. Every day I give God thanks for her.

I want some advice from you, Pastor. I’ve been with a gentleman for the past four years now. The problem I have is that he is abusive. I feel ashamed, disgraced and embarrassed about it.

He almost killed me more than once. Whenever I said I was going to leave, he threatened my life. I am so afraid of this man.

Even though I looked past that, for some strange reason he makes me feel like a queen but less than a woman.

It has been more than a year now since everything else changed, but every time we have an argument I get really afraid. I am in the US staying with my dad and I ended things with him.

Pastor, this is the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. I am going home in a few weeks to my daughter and to start a new chapter in my life without this man.

He said that the US has changed me but, Pastor, I saw chances on my way out and I took it. I didn’t think twice.

I am taking things one step at a time and focusing on myself and my child. I will not let anyone let me feel less than a woman. Please, give me your advice.

L.M. Dear L.M.,

I believe that you have made the right decision. This man has threatened you on many occasions, and every threat should be taken seriously.

Therefore, you are correct in ending the relationship with him. Move on with your life and don’t look back.

Pastor