Below is my first book review!

1-5-08 Book Review
Secure the Fort (And Remain under God) is one humble woman’s attempt to deliver a mother’s message to America. Author Lucy Cain presents a compelling collection of prayers, quotes, and stories of faith she has collected during her personal writing ministry. She portrays the teachings of Jesus and his followers as they specifically impact military members and their families. She clearly demonstrates a soldier mindset requires knowing one’s inner meaning that comes from God’s presence in the heart. Jesus taught that faith is based on knowing…not hoping that God is at the helm of our individual vessels. Lucy Cain’s Secure the Fort clearly demonstrates the unwavering faith of many of our military families.
Cain’s in-depth knowledge of Biblical scripture and history offers unique perspectives and well-founded premises that weave together the stories and poems and memoirs in this collection. Telling the stories of military men and women from their perspectives, the book provides a glimpse into the fragility of the human condition. The raw and steadfast strength that personal religious faith offers in the face of peril and death is inspiring to even the most passive of reader.
Secure the Fort (And Remain under God) explores the concept that God’s presence is clearly evident on the battle field. Doubt of his presence will ensure failure. Obedience to God is hard to commit to in the heat of battle when one is afraid; however, while God’s way may not always be our way, it is often the only way. Many a soldier has returned with stories where God has provided His divine protection for them in very difficult circumstances.
Cain presents complex theocratic beliefs in simple, straight-forward language through the stories and poems collected from her readers. Jesus taught “Blessed is the Peacemaker” and that by applying these same principals to one’s spiritual life, one’s physical and material needs will be met. Sometimes, being a peacemaker means drawing a line in the sand and standing watch. But as one contributor so eloquently concluded, in the face of danger “…we should without a doubt step up to be the first to pray.”
This book’s intriguing but down-to-earth message will appeal to any reader seeking to broaden their spiritual horizon and support the mission of those who serve both here and abroad.

Shannon Evans
Senior Editor
My Writing Mentor, LLC
Book Coaching, Editing, and Writing
www.mywritingmentor.com
www. mywritingmentor.wordpress.com

Branson Trip

On Nov. 7th, I attended the Military Writers Society of Ameria's awards banquet in Branson, Missouri. I cannot express how humbling it was to receive the 2007 Gold Medal for Best Anthology! Attending the banquet with my parents, husband, and his parents was a very special time to be remembered for a long time to come.
As exciting as it was to be presented the award, and to have a moment to read from my book, I must admit that paled in comparison to meeting some of my "heroes." WWII veterans, Vietnam Veterans, Korea POW's, Tuskegee Airmen, our wounded, the list goes on. This is what meant the most and what I will remember first and foremost about the trip. I value the sacrifices these men and women made on my behalf...as I value the sacrifices made each and every day on my behalf to ensure continued freedoms we enjoy today.
When I can, I will post a photo or two from the banquet. Remember to keep our men and women in uniform in your daily prayers. That is the best thing we can do for them.
Lucy