living without enemies

I recently finished the book Living without Enemies: Being Present in the Midst of Violence, written by Marcia A. Owen and Samuel Wells.  

In the recent rash of gun violence in Waterloo, and on the heels of both peaceful and violent protests across the country, this has been a timely read.  

"With senseless violence occurring throughout society, people are suffering and communities are groaning.  Fear and not knowing where to begin hold many back from doing anything.  But is "doing something" really what is most needed?

Marcia Owen and Samuel Wells tell the story of a community's journey into deeper dimensions of social engagement.  Through prayer vigils for local victims of gun violence and friendships with both victims and offenders, Owen learned that presence was precisely the opposite of violence- it was love.  Living without Enemies offers profound insights into what it takes to overcome powerlessness, transcend fear and engage in radical acceptance in our dangerous world."  

I found this a beautiful and challenging narrative of a mom who moved toward the violence in her community and discovered a love that transcends fear and death.