I just read this blog entry posted elsewhere (I'm not a regular reader of the blog, just happened upon it):

Its to hard to find something good for weight lose. And theres to many program and pills, i just cant decide. Any sujestions?

I found myself wanting to say something like, spend more time reading and learning and less time eating. As if that would be helpful....

Then, further on, this same person indicates she just had a baby 6 months ago and its so hrd to loose w8. Which entry gave me the impression she's very young.

My first thought was approximately like this: "What chance does this child have? What could society do to intervene and give mother and child the opportunity to learn and grow?"

Is that too elitist a response? Should I just say that's fine, that's her choice? (If it was her choice to be semi-illiterate and pregnant).

You know the prayer that goes "Give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference." I've always looked for the wisdom to see the difference between controlling elitism (I know what's best for others) and compassionate support (I give help that would be asked for if she knew it existed).

I guess that is what community is for. When one of us gets just too righteous or condemnatory, someone is sure to point it out. And when we ignore a plea for help (spoken or unspoken), several of the community respond and jump in to help (and scold others for their dilatory response). The community reactions help to keep each individual in balance.

It's only taken me 60 years to figure it out.