Music, Friendship, and a Story That Must Be Told

A Personal Update

A quick update to let you know I’m still alive 😊. I’ll start with the cheerful part. When I’m not writing, I love hanging out at local events that feature local musicians. The picture below is yours truly with Jô Estrada, a fantastic singer musician from Brazil, and a truly delightful person.

I met him and his wife Fabiana when I was performing at Mister Chris’ Coffee Depot in Frostproof, FL. a few months back. No one had a clue what a perfectly horrible day I was having (at least I hope they didn’t 😮😐 😊), and Jô cheered me up so much with his support, that I became an instant fan before ever hearing his music.

Well, I got to hear it this past weekend at a Freedom Station event hosted by Chris Drake, who owns the Coffee Depot and Freedom Station, and I was not disappointed. Jô is a super-talent. And I am not exaggerating.

I am so thankful for my new friend.

For my Polk County subscribers (and visitors to Polk County, FL!), I whole-heartedly recommend Mister Chris’ Coffee Depot and his events at Freedom Station. Whether you just spend time in his one-of-a-kind coffee house or immerse yourself in the whole experience, enjoying the outdoor events at Freedom Park as well, you are in for a treat!

Now for the sad part. If you follow me, you know I raise awareness about domestic abuse and violence, … and most especially Christian response to it. I was driving to the pool the other day and just blocks from my home, I passed a crime scene. A BIG one. There was zero doubt about what had happened. If you are interested, I wrote about it, HERE.

The situation has had me profoundly disturbed ever since I found out the few details released, along with the tiniest bit of information on the background leading up to the tragedy. Senseless and totally preventable.

In addition to my initial response, which I wrote and published the day it happened, I have also contacted a local news source about a follow-up Op-Ed, which I hope they will agree to publish.

Please pray they will.

While much of the media coverage has focused on the ensuing “suicide by cop,” the real story is one of desperation and domestic violence. I also find it troubling when the media and law enforcement describe a domestic violence murder as a two-sided “conflict.” Such language minimizes the reality of domestic abuse, does little to raise public awareness, and fails to encourage meaningful change.

Intimate partner violence—especially when a victim is attempting to leave an abusive relationship—deserves far greater public attention. And there is even more to this story than what has been reported. One way or another, I will write about it.

Read the article and follow my awareness column for updates as additional information becomes available.

Jocelyn Andersen is an author, speaker, and content creator who combines theological inquiry, creative communication, and a strong desire to challenge beliefs she sees as inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus and Scripture.

She writes and speaks on a variety of topics including Bible Prophecy, God and Women, and Christian response to domestic violence. Her work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, radio, and television.

Jocelyn’s Links: Amazon Book Page … God and Women Column … Domestic Violence Awareness & Christian Response Column … Media

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