Book Reviews

Secure the Fort (And Remain Under God) A Military Mother's Message to America ( Xlibris, 2007)

**Of note: This book won the 2007 Gold Medal Award for Best Anthology, through the Military Writers Society of America! (www.militarywriters.com)

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

"I have practically read the entire book and found it extremely interesting and encouraging. I have no reservations of recommending it to our chaplaincy corps. Thank you for your dedicated work. Let me know if I can be of any help. I plan to use parts of your book in July during our Annual Training. These groups of soldiers will soon deploy and I believe many will find your work worth their time and resources." Chaplain Draper, National Guard

"As one with a grandson with the Army in Iraq and two sons who attained the rank of Sergeant, I welcome what Lucy Cain has done in creating Secure the Fort. This colletion resounds with confidence in our nation and, what is more, confidence in God's faithfulness to those who know and serve Him. These contributions from many writers and sources will bless servicemen and women, veterans and their families, and all who love their country in the fear of the Lord." Richard C Leonard, Ph.D.

"What a blessing to know your book is out there and what a privilege to be included. My wife even got misty eyed when she read the section of the book about my story. God has used you, and your book will bear fruit for many years. Thank you..." Pete Wypyszinski, USCG

"Thank you for the book "Secure The Fort." It is a down home look into the
military from the rare perspective of a growing family with honor that spreads
generations. You and your family are true patriots and have already contributed
greatly to the integrity of our modern military. I was exhilerated by reading
the section on Our Military Chaplains and look forward to future
contributions."

Mijikai Mason
Chaplain, CPT USA
Squadron Chaplain
"Warpaint Shepherd"
Hebrews 13:7-8

 Lucy, I wish to extend my congratulations to you for your receipt of the "Military Writers Society of America" Award.  If anyone is deserving of this award it is you.   The value of Secure The Fort is an inspiration to all of us "Old Soldiers, Airman, Sailors and Marines" and those who have followed us in service to this GREAT NATION.  I have received Secure The Fort.  Thank you!  It is people such as yourself that make me proud to be an American and to have served this great nation.  Your book discusses and reveals the American soul that yearns to plant the seeds of freedom, liberty and justice for all!!!

Stephen A. Peterson
    Proud Christian, American Veteran and Seminole Indian

"It is wonderful to be included in such a powerful book with a positive message!"  Ann Fitzhenry

"I got Secure the Fort yesterday! It looks awesome! Thanks for letting me be part of this book." Amy Wiley

 "Thanks so much to you and Dad for the copy of the book, Secure the Fort.
I enjoyed looking at yours and his contributions and I have taken the book
to school in order to use some of the selections in the classroom."

(Written by Ray Malmgren 9/07 to his parents, Richard and Shirley Leonard, who submitted pieces for the book. Ray teaches English in a public school setting, and attained the rank of Sergeant in the Army.)

"This is a wonderful book of inspirational poetry. It is uplifting and encouraging!" Dorothy B McCorkle, Librarian