Today when I heard the verdict announcing whether Caylee's mom was found guilty of murdering her, I have to say I was not surprised. My instinct after listening to the closing arguments where the defense was able to establish "reasonable doubt" was that she would not be found guilty of 1st degree murder. I did think however that she would be found guilty of a lesser charge contributing to her daughter's death.

I have read and listened to public opion and that of the media expressing mostly anger and disgust with the jury for having arrived at their decision. The media has also made statements implying surprise at the outcome. The media immediately speculated about the fact that Casey might eventually become wealthy from books and movies that may result from this case.

In the overll scope of things however, the way I see it is that we are each entitled to our opinions. That is why we celebrated yesterday, the birthday of America. Not one of us was present when Caylee died. Evidence presented may have been compelling enough for us to believe that Casey is guilty and we would have probably have voted quite differently had we been on the jury. Nonetheless, the decision has been made. We may not be happy about it, but it has been made. Only God and those directly involved know the exact details of how and by whose hands little Caylee was so brutally murdererd.

Now, what do we do with this experience? That is what we each should be pondering? It doesn't matter to me if Casey makes a lot of money when she is free. If God intends for that to happen, then so be it. It is the society that we live in that contributes to the success or demise of movies and books. We cannot change what has happened. We can only control what we do with what happeneed. We can let the whole story consume us or we can take steps to send the message to America that parents need to be more accountable for our children's welfare. When God blesses us with children He holds us accountable for their care and upbringing. In this regard, Casey is guilty, in my opinion, of gross negligence.

Whether she becomes wealthy from all of this is up to each person who pays to see whatever movies are made or buys whatever books that may be written. But knowing how our society thrives on crime, I would say that those who speculate that money will be made from this tragedy are probably right.

Where is the justice in all of this you might ask. The psalmist who penned Psalms 37 wrote:

^"1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; ² for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

³ Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. ⁴ Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

⁵ Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: ⁶ He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

⁷ Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."

May God speak to each of our hearts and minds to enable us to put all of this in proper perspective. This is the way that I believe we can best honor this sweet, innocent little girl named Caylee Marie.