Sharing the Savior’s Story

What Needs to Change II

Not so very long ago, in fact it could have been this week, there was a woman who was in legal trouble. She had run up some gambling debts and then borrowed from the place where she worked. That’s what she called it. The company caught her and although they didn’t take her to court, they fired her and escorted her to her car. She found some refuge in the bottle. In fact, she found a lot of refuge in the bottle. Drinking and driving had compounded her difficulties as she had been twice arrested for “driving under the influence.”

Most recently, she had been arrested for a hit-and-run during which a child had been seriously injured. She was worrying herself sick until she heard about a defense attorney who was a cross between Matlock and Perry Mason. From jail, she called him and he agreed to meet with her. The visit with the lawyer went well—very well, in fact. He nodded during her story. He asked questions when they needed to be asked. Then he said, “You have the right to an attorney. But, in truth, the best attorney can only do so much. You will probably end up with some jail time. Then, during and after jail, the judge will say you will need to enroll in recovery programs like ‘Gambler’s Anonymous’ and ‘Alcoholics Anonymous.’ Finally, for your own good, you would do well to start working again so you can pay off the money you’ve stolen.” In outrage, the woman shot back, “I need a lawyer, not a lecture.”

Excerpt from The Lutheran Hour broadcast of: May 18, 2003