Three Strikes: A Soldier’s Story

Diedra Cole
iUniverse (2010)
ISBN 9781450246224
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (8/11)


Author Diedra Cole is an exceptional woman. While many of us let adversity and others tear down our self-esteem and ability to live a good life, she decided she would not let that happen.

Ms. Cole was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy after being dropped by a nurse. Numerous times her mother was told by medical professionals that she would not be able to function “normally” in society. But her mother and grandmother knew that God would help Ms. Cole do what she needed to do.

In a warm voice and with great sincerity the author describes how she had three strikes against her from the beginning: being a woman, being disabled and being African American. Let’s face it, we are a selfish society - many see others who might have physical or mental challenges as deficient and underneath them. Many assume, as Ms. Cole stated, just because one disabled, she or he is of lower intelligence.

Using the analogy of entering the Army, the author is able to discuss topics of discrimination, and spiritual warfare. There is so much positive information in this book, yet at the same time Ms. Cole is very direct. She provides numerous topics and points such as you can’t control others; you need to take charge of your life and believe that you can do anything that you want to do. I particularly liked “Get rid of negative people who are bringing you down.”

Using information from the Bible and knowing what spirituality is, the author says God will always be there; He accepts everyone as they are. “Three Strikes: A Soldier’s Story” is a must read. This is a book about accepting who you are and enlisting in God’s Army.

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