Across centuries and continents, where war has scarred humanity, peace still rises. In Rising Peace, Volume I, Deacon Paul H. Pham leads readers on a profound journey through history's darkest conflicts-not to recount the triumph of violence, but to reveal the quiet endurance of the human spirit. From ancient wars to modern crises, these stories uncover a deeper truth: peace is not merely the absence of war, but a reality that can emerge even within it. Blending historical reflection, theological insight, and deeply personal experience-including his survival as a refugee fleeing Vietnam-Deacon Paul offers a compelling vision of hope that is neither naïve nor abstract. Here, hope is a discipline and a vocation, something chosen again and again amid suffering, uncertainty, and division. Drawing from Scripture, the witness of the saints, and the resilience of cultures shaped by hardship, Rising Peace invites readers to encounter a peace rooted in mercy, reconciliation, and the transforming presence of God. It challenges us to move beyond passive longing and to become active participants in the work of healing a fractured world. Accessible yet deeply reflective, this volume speaks to clergy, educators, and lay readers alike-especially those seeking meaning in times of conflict, guidance in spiritual growth, and courage to live their faith more fully. More than a collection of stories, Rising Peace is a summons: to choose hope, to embody mercy, and to discover that even in the midst of suffering, peace continues to rise-quietly, persistently-within the human heart. Tolle, lege-take up and read. And let this "diamond of wisdom" draw you toward the peace that only God can give.