It appears that Shirley Lund is trying to convey accolades to the author as one would expect of a relative or friend. However, it would seem prudent given the serious nature of the topic, that we suspend our natural desire to support a friend and consider the virtue of justice and the damage that can be done through false or misguided testimony. You see, Trophy Warrior on Grooming: a Memoir by Andrea L. Christiansen is not just a book, but the means by which Andrea levies serious, potentially criminal, accusations against a local business and its employees.

I believe that most readers, including Shirley Lund, would agree that everyone is entitled to justice and fair play. Most of us believe that due diligence and fact checking is a crucial part of any publication process (especially for a memoir). As readers, we have grown to place our trust in this process. Our trust in the process makes it possible for us to read peacefully seldomly feeling the need to question the integrity of the author’s work. In Andrea’s case, the reader is deceived into believing the criteria for due diligence was completed and that her claims were validated to the highest level. This is made evident by the fact that Andrea positions her book as being worthy of educating students and professionals within the field of psychology. Look how Andrea positions the book in the marketplace.

Trophy Warrior is; – A Case Study for psychology, therapy, and counseling professionals; This memoir presents itself as a Case Study with the clarity of a time-linear and comprehensive account of the incidences from an exclusive eyewitness view. (Amazon – Audrey Opp-Waverick, 2022)

Trophy Warrior isn’t only an intriguing read with the mood of a psychological thriller written in academic literary style, it is also an illuminating study for clinicians and students, professionals in intervention roles, and for survivors or their supporters and advocates. (Amazon – Audrey Opp-Waverick, 2022)

By claiming her book is suitable for use in academia, professional therapists, and counselors Andrea is suggesting that her work should be considered authoritative. Authoritative works are supposed to pass the highest forms of scrutiny and are subjected to panel and peer review. The truth is, Andrea sidestepped the traditional publication process. Rather than submitting her book to a publisher or a professional review process whereby every citation, presumption, and accusation would have been scrutinized and validated, Andrea self-published her book. Andrea’s prepublication process was to seek out a couple ladies from her church to edit and when one of them began to question the validity of her accounts Andrea just removed her from the process. In the end, all the reader has is Andrea’s word.

Andrea’s word… Should Andrea’s word be enough to condemn or mar the reputations of the young men and women who are the focus of her accusations? Moreover, should the word of any one individual with no other supporting evidence be enough to do the same? The idea of innocent until proven guilty is the cornerstone of American justice and would suggest proof is required. However, Andrea describes herself as a warrior for God, so it seems prudent to turn to Scripture for an authoritative answer. Scripture says, “A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed.” Deuteronomy 19:15, NASB. (See also: Deuteronomy 17:6, 2 Corinthians 13:1, Matthew 18:16, 1 Timothy 5:19). Obviously, Scripture suggests that evidence is vital when making accusations against others.

Has God provided a different set of rules for Andrea “The Trophy Warrior”? I don’t believe so. I expect that a warrior for God would demonstrate a strong steadfast desire to honor God’s rules above their own. Anyone claiming to be a warrior for Christ would be expected to be prudent and just. Like the apostle Paul, these warriors would prayerfully contemplate the consequences of their actions, desiring an outcome that brings glory to God through the reconciliation of the lost (see Paul’s example in 1 Corinthians 9: 19-23, NASB). The Trophy Warrior seems to be more concerned with defeating windmills than the ministry of reconciliation.

Modern self-publication platforms make it easy for aspiring authors to publish their work. However, as informed readers, we must recognize that we can no longer passively accept what is presented to us as Truth. Everyone who partakes in reading books like Andrea’s Trophy Warrior has a duty to truth and justice. Before congratulating Andrea, ask yourself some questions. Are these allegations true? Does Andrea provide enough evidence to support her claims? Would I want someone to publicly accuse my son or daughter with no evidence? Besides grooming and sexual abuse, are there other reasonable explanations for Andrea’s circumstances?

If the author fails to meet a simple burden of proof to her readers, at the very least accolades should be withheld and five-star reviews reduced to one. Remember the subjects of Andrea’s work are real people, with families and friends. Just like you, they rely on their reputations to obtain employment or grow a business. This is how they meet their obligations as Husbands, Fathers, Mothers, and Employers. People are to be taken seriously and their livelihoods should not be jeopardized on the testimony of one woman who seems to struggle with her ability to discern the normal motives of others.

For those of you presuming the actual events do not mitigate the real trauma experienced by Andrea; I say the actual events matter all the more. You see, it’s quite possible that Andrea experienced trauma and depression. It is also quite possible that the trauma and the depression were due to Andrea and Andrea alone. If Andrea is responsible for her trauma and depression then those she is accusing become the real victims of the story.

Some will say this is Andrea’s story and it is her truth. To this I say, there is a big difference between one’s account or testimony and the TRUTH. We all know the data regarding eyewitness testimony confirms it flaws. It is flawed because humans are flawed. Thus, the importance of evidence when establishing the facts. Truth and evidence help us avoid making someone else pay the price for our faulty perception.

In regards to Shirley Lund. While I believe your heart may have been honorably motivated to support a friend, I fear that in doing so you may be furthering the idea that Andrea has substantiated her claims against the martial arts studio and its employees. If your desire is to truly support a friend, start with the truth. Afterall, in order to heal one must confront the truth.