Waging peace: One soldier’s story of putting love first

Reviewed by:

Ceil Carey, retired public librarian and long-time book discussion leader

REVIEW INTRODUCTION

Title:

Waging peace: One soldier’s story of putting love first

Author:

Diana Oestreich

Publisher:

1517 Media

https://1517.media/?sslred=true

Date:

2020

Format:

Hardcover

Length:

175 pages

ASSESSMENT

Waging peace is really life changing.  It was for author Diana Oestreich and I believe it can also be for readers. Oestrich, a combat medic in the Army National Guard, came from an armed forces background. But not until she reached Iraq, did it really sink in that she would be asked to take a life, perhaps even the life of an innocent child. She was told that if she slowed down to avoid hitting a child, that she would responsible for the lives of her fellow soldiers being attacked.  This caused her to rethink her position and what she would do concerning the lives of others.

When Oestrich returns to the states, gets married and has a family, she discovers the Preemptive Love Coalition. Her young family becomes committed to putting love first and Diana herself begins to work and speak for Preemptive Love.

This is really a book for our times when us-versus-them is a sentiment held by so many. The Oestrich family and so many like them have decided to choose love over fear. This memoir is from the heart, it is inspiring and just what the world needs at a time like this.

Rating (1 to 5):

5

Suggested Audience:

Anyone interested in a theology of peace and peacemaking.

Christian Impact:

We are exhorted that as Christians and human beings, love always comes first.

Other Notes:

-contains photos