Can you remember going off on your own for the first time? Whether you were getting your first apartment, joining the military, or going off to college, it was probably exciting but also a bit scary. Today we are going to talk about how we can look out for signs that someone is struggling with a big change in their life - maybe even a change they are so poorly equipped to handle that they explode in violence.

Our book this week is The Events of October and our guest is pastor, writer, speaker, and resident counselor David Brannock. He’s going to talk about specific steps we can take to look out for each other when we experience big changes after we dive into today’s case.

I’ve got a couple of different passages I want us to think about today. The first is Proverbs 22:24-25, from The Amplified Bible: “Do not even associate with a man given to angry outbursts; Or go [along] with a hot-tempered man, Or you will learn his [undisciplined] ways And get yourself trapped [in a situation from which it is hard to escape].”

I also want to share Titus 3:10-11 with you from the New Living Translation: “If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.” This passage is dealing with people trying to cause divisions in the church, but I think the principle of the lesson certainly applies to relationships as well.

I want to challenge everyone - even myself - to find someone who needs to be encouraged to distance themselves from an unhealthy relationship. They may not see the red flags that you can, or even if they do they may just need that nudge that will move them to action. Even if they get mad at you like Maggie did with her friend who wouldn’t room with her if she stayed with Neenef, we need to plant those seeds that just might blossom in time to prevent another tragedy like Maggie’s. There are links below to other episodes about violence in relationships, as well as links to other helpful resources. I hope you’ll share them with anyone who needs to see that they are not alone and that there is hope.

Listen to Season 2, Episode 37: Why Do Abuse Victims Stay: "Every Breath You Take" by Ann Rule

Listen to Season 1, Episode 2: A Twisted Faith

Buy the book here

Connect with David Brannock here

Send me YOUR feedback on the podcast here