Tell Me Pastor

Gyal, kibba yuh mout'

Dear Pastor,

I am a 20-year-old black woman living Canada. I date guys a lot and am very happy with myself.

My friends think that I am mean and will never find a husband if I don't stop being the way I am. My friends think I am too straightforward, but to me that is the best way to be. If something is bothering me, why should I act as if the problem does not exist and bite my tongue? That is something that they would do and I would not, because I feel like if you have the heart to say certain things to me, then I have the right to tell you about yourself.

K.D.,

Canada

Dear K.D.,

The Bible says that a wise person keeps a still tongue. "Ole people sey a nuh everything good fi eat good fi talk". You have to learn that whenever yu speak you should weigh your words.

If your friends have told you things that you do not like, you should not respond to them when you are angry. You should give yourself time to cool off, consider what they have said before you decide whether or not you should say anything to them about it.

Learn to say kind things. Remember you can drive away people and destroy good friendship by your sharp words. Try not to make enemies.

Pastor.