Eczema stopping me from living my best life

Dear Pastor,

I have a problem and I need your advice. I have a skin problem which is called eczema. It affects me badly; it is in places such as on my fingers, feet, back and leg.

First it appears as a rash and then it leaves dark spots/patches that are called hyper pigmentation. I have researched it and discovered that it tends to stay long on dark skin, and I am a dark-skinned person. This has been on my skin for almost three years and it is starting to irritate me.

I met a man who I really like at a party that my sister and I attended. During the party, we exchanged numbers and a couple of days after the party, he texted me. Everything was going great until he suggested that we meet again. Pastor, I am so embarrassed of my skin. How am I going to meet up with him with my skin looking so terrible? When we first met it was during the night so he was unable to see my skin. Sometimes I cry because I always think negative, saying that it may not go away. I am 20 years old and I feel like I am ready to date now, but I always asking myself who is going to want me with my skin looking like this.

Right now I have him on 'unread' because I am too afraid and embarrassed to tell him about my skin condition. Please, Pastor, I really need your advice.

S.C.

Dear S.C.,

You should not try to hide this problem from the man who likes you. Tell him the truth, and if the condition is being treated, let him know. If the man is not interested in you, it is unlikely that he will stop showing interest.

When I read your letter, my thoughts went on a young woman I got to know when I was in Bible school. She was a very beautiful girl, but she suffered from the same condition like you. Members of the faculty and students used to pray for her and their prayers were answered. Her condition disappeared. Her skin became beautiful to look at, and God provided a godly and handsome man for her and they got married. So my suggestion to you is, follow the advice of your doctor and ask your friends and your church brethren to pray for you. Do not give up. Do not think that all men will reject you. Don't limit the power of Almighty God. I will be remembering you in my prayers. And please keep in touch with me.

Pastor