What I do know is that our legal system is unfair because those with enough finances to keep fighting usually pervail over those with lesser monies to spend on attorney fees.  I know this NOT to be the intent of our Executive Branch of the federal government as it was created to be by our forefathers, yet we find ourselves here today.

I know that parents of children with disabilities do NOT usually prevail at fair hearing in Special Education these days, and that, in fact, they only prevail in approximately 4% of all cases presented.  Is this fair?  Is this the intent of the law?

I submit that it is not.  Our legal system is very, very broken.  It has become the playing field of the well-heeled rather than the system for righting wrongs it was originally conceived of to be.

I can't stand it; As a Quaker I basically abstain from initiating law suits as long as I practically can.  Yet even I find myself in two legal matters today.  How on earth did I get to a place where I have to actually hire attorneys when I wouldn't even date them?  I, the party who got accepted to law school and then didn't bother to attend?  Something is seriously wrong here.

I am being sued. Yes, it is true.  Me.  Conservative Evangelical Christian that I am, I am shocked as I read a brief accusing me of fraud and of depleting monies erroneously.  I am stunned like a deer in the headlights.  All my handknit shawls and good deeds cannot save me from this one.  I am forced to defend myself...forced to find someone to advocate on my behalf.  I am hurt and angry and my stomach cannot seem to untie its knots even though I may well resort to medication to assist me in this.  Oh, and did I mention that I do not have the financial resources to fight this?

I am, in a word, undone.

How do I handle this?  With constant prayer for protection in my financial and legal circumstances.  I handle this with gratefulness to God for this opportunity for Him to teach me whatever it is I need to learn, and clearly that must be a whole lot.

My brother and my husband seem to be conspiring against me in secret conversations which they then turn my way, telling me what I should do.  I don't remember asking for their advice.  I wonder why it is that men think women who can cook and clean and keep homes organized for men who never lift a finger suddenly become helpless outside the home?  What is it about testosterone that makes them think women are only able to handle pairing socks?

I am not that old fashioned.  I come from a pioneer family wherein men and women had their respective but complimentary roles, and respect for each abounded.  Farmers knew men and women needed each other, like hand to glove.  These days, everyone seems to be confused.  People no longer think they need one another in a culture which screams that you can have it all and you can do it all.

I've got news for them.  Everything comes at a price, and putting yourself before God has serious consequences.  This is not a price I am ready to pay. 

One needs to be cautious with one's advice, using few words and much listening along with it.  Instead, I was double teamed by two men telling me what I should do when I never asked them for advice.

As a relatively strong-willed woman, I dont' take that very well.  What woman with a head on her shoulder and good grey matter inside would? 

So I seek an attorney and I get the necessary records and I prepare written fighting words with which to create a position to stand firm in.  I will take no oaths and I will not swear, but I will stand firm in my resolve to clear my good name and remove any defamation of character and suggestion if not accusation of illegalities.

and I will hit my knees daily.

WEDNESDAY UPDATE

The power of prayer is unstoppable.  I made a few notes, prayed, gathered up all my gumption, and called the attorney.  I told her my side of the story and made a settlement offer, reminding her that were I to waste funds hiring an attorney to defend me, that would take money out of her client's pocket.  I told her my tale of woe and was honest, tossing in a few anectodal stories which were sure to bring one to deep belly guffawing.  We came to a common ground.  She contacted her client and GOD IS GOOD, they accepted my paltry offer.  Even she said larger forces were at work here, and I thought to myself, as they always are.  I gleefully write a check today putting the entire matter to bed permanently.

God's might overcomes every adversary; NEVER DOUBT IT!