My husband and I have been discussing this topic since it was originally posted. We have had a hard time in trying to come up with a way to help you get the right mind set that would allow you to take a life if necessary. Try going to
National Center for Missing Adults (NCMA). Click on the Adults section on the right hand side and scroll through the pictures. For each woman you see, click on her picture and read the circumstances that are known about the case. You are going to be horrified at the number of women who vanish from their homes or go to the grocery to never be seen again.
We live in the county in a home that is not easily accessed. I had gotten really lazy about keeping doors locked during the day and even during the evening. Hubby works 2nd shift so most days I am home alone from early afternoon until around midnight. Usually a gun is within arms reach but by leaving doors unlocked I was inviting someone to just walk in. This site really got me back to keeping things secure. It also reinforced my belief that if push comes to shove I will not be the one going into the ground.
Ladies, I will continue to try to think of ways to help you move forward in your ability to know that you can and will defend yourself with deadly force as necessary, but I fear that it is something that just comes with a lot of thought and experience.