Replies

I will bet you any amount you care to name that the "lewd and lascivious behavior" clause was intended to protect a minor ward living in the same household with the guardian. It's hard to see how such a provision would apply in a case like this.

Well, I don't think the legislators would have expected anyone to be living with a mistress while retaining guardianship of his wife. But I see no reason why the statute should not be applicable here.

And I don't see why it should apply. There's been no suggestion that Schiavo has been sleeping around or leading a scandalous life. He has formed a long-term committed relationship with one woman, who he intends to marry. I understand that some people have a problem with him doing this while his wife is still technically alive, but I don't think you can view this as adultery in the usual sense of the word. More importantly, there is no chance whatsoever that his behavior, no matter how outrageous, will corrupt the morals of his ward, which is almost certainly why that clause was included in the statute in the first place.

Heavenly Father, we return to give You thanks that Terri's family again will appear before the judge in their petition to have Michael removed from holding sway over their beloved daughter. We look to Your word, Lord ... time and time again, the woman appeared before the judge and asked for relief, but he would not grant her request. She would not be silent but kept returning ... so much like Terri's parents who have petitioned the court numerous times over these many years. Because the woman would not give up, the judge granted relief, to silence her lest she wear him out.

O Father, how we long for this judge to have a change of heart ~ may he have genuine fear that he must act on the merits of the petition and grant relief, lest he continue to be cast in so unfavorable a light. Sustain and encourage the Schindler family, for their request is the obvious protection of their daughter. Do not delay this justice, I pray ... may such heavy conviction weigh upon this judge that he can do nothing but grant relief.

Father, I pray that this proceeding and the ruling would reach the people far and wide .. may it be repeated and printed across the nation, such is the peril that has befallen the less able. Thank You that the presence of the forces of evil are being talked about as fact, and not fiction. Continue to reveal to us the very depths of depravity that has taken hold of men, who now use charm and wit and beguiling tongue to deceive the people. Father, may their tongues become as the most vile instruments, dripping evil in such magnitude that its filth can so openly be seen ... may these words become testimony against them .. let them become their own judges. Banish them from the scene, I pray, dear Lord, lest they continue to infect the people with their poison. Turn back all plans upon them .. they who wish death upon the innocents, may they receive their just punishment.

Creator God, I thank You that You continue to use a small group of ordinary people who stand against all the forces of hell. They do not have wealth or power, yet their cause is noble and just. Give to them the small, smooth stones as You did to David, and may these dedicated people slay the giant who seeks to put to death the most vulnerable, for they go into battle under Your banner, Lord, for the least of these, our brethren.

Guard Terri in every circumstance, I pray, for there are those who will stop at nothing to end her life. Soften the hearts of those who care for her ~ may they know that the eyes of the world are upon this mother's child ~ may they treat her as they would want to be treated ... with love and tenderness.

Thank You, Father, for knitting our hearts as one as we pray and work for Terri's release into the loving arms of her family. You have sustained her these many years, and we praise You. Free her from this prison imposed by one who had pledged to love and care for her, for we ask in the Name of Jesus, Amen ...