The Peaceful Warrior

I feel very alone now, and I’ll admit a secret to you: I’m frightened and I’m having my doubts. Who am I to serve Deborah as her armor bearer? I have no experience whatsoever. What if I’m a hindrance to her? I suppose time will tell, but I hope it tells before I make a terrible mistake and harm others or myself because of my ignorance.

Book: The Peaceful Warrior: The Diary of Deborahs Armor Bearer, Israel, 1200 B.C. (Promised Land Diaries) by Anne Tyra Adams, Baker Books, 2004

 

Genre: Historical/Biblical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 11-16

Subjects: Story of Deborah, Courage

Summary: She’s not an ordinary girl. And her family knows it. She has a hunger to serve God and a courage unusual in such a young girl. So when Deborah, the Judge, calls Israel to war, Persis goes to Deborah to offer her services. To her surprise, her family, friends and Deborah herself, all support Persis’ decision and Deborah appoints Persis her armorbearer. All too soon she finds herself standing next to Deborah as she gives the command to attack the Canaanites. Will she find the courage to stand strong or give up and go home?

Notes: Fourth in a series that creates a fictional story about a young girl around a true historical event from the Bible, this book tells the story of Deborah as if it were seen through the eyes of a young servant girl. It takes place right around the time when Deborah and Barak lead the Israelites into battle against the Canaanites. The spiritual lesson, outside of simply telling the true Bible story in the midst of a fictional story, is focused on courage. Persis feels afraid and asks Deborah if she has made a mistake in choosing Persis to be her armorbearer but Deborah assures her that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but rather the willingness to stand strong and do what’s right even when you are afraid.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”