As a descendant from a long line of farmers, I have it woven into my DNA that people should not be "stupid"! I look at the situation and I KNOW that if I could just sit down with the judge, the lawyers, the offender and anyone else, I could sort it out in next to no time! Why? Because...

Let's be honest, here. I don't know exactly how our judicial system works. I really don't understand how charges are brought, processed or dropped. I don't understand the pressures that our legal representatives face. I don't know what it's like to be a judge, DA or even a defendant. I know next-to-nothing about any of it. I just see a friend who is hurting and I am reacting to my concern for her.

In reality, if I had my way, my actions wouldn't bring justice or healing; the defense wouldn't be fair; and I know that I wouldn't want that situation if I ever found myself in court.

As I listen to her describe the legal maneuverings, the attempts to delay the 

So what do we do in a case like this where someone we love is hurting? We be there for those who are in need. We serve them. We get them help, if they want it. We encourage them and let them know that they are loved, wanted and important.

And, most important, we realize that the circumstances they are facing are NOT ours to control. Instead of focusing on what is causing their pain - the things that are beyond our ability to control - we spend our time focusing on the person who is struggling.

Just like I plan on doing with my friend...