I visited my sister-in-law, Lydia, who is in jail for aggravated murder. We did get to see her but in a small room that was divided by a concrete wall and a huge window.

We could not hug her or reach out to her but we could talk through the phone. The difference was that after we both left the room, my wife and I were free to go home -Lydia was taken back to her cell.

We talk very much about forgiveness and repentance and going on with our lives but when it comes to Lydia the State will not let her go just because of a repentant attitude. The State will prosecute to the full extent of the law.

I know Lydia can repent from her crime and I believe that God will forgive her, but from the State’s point of view there is no mercy.