“That this nation, under GOD, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that Government

of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863

      In this time of war, our nation needs God’s presence and guidance now more than ever. Our military men and women in the desert heat of Iraq (and anywhere else our government asks them to serve) are seeking God in mighty ways! Baptisms made out of concrete blocks and filled with bottled water are providing a spiritual newness of life to many soldiers in the field. One chaplain I correspond with tells me that his current tour of duty in Iraq seems like it will include more baptisms than his other deployments.

      As a military mother of an Army Reserves soldier, I sought out material at our local Christian bookstore that might help me in this journey with our son. He came to us one night in 2005 saying God would not let him rest until he joined the Army. He knew God was asking him to serve. Just two short weeks later, he was on a plane to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for training after signing up for an eight year term.

      Not finding much I could draw from in our local bookstore, I started writing my own devotions and poetry that were military themed. Many were based on our experiences with our soldier son. The following is the poem I wrote after putting him on that airplane.

GI Joes and Army Men

My son became a man today

As he stepped up on that plane.

I watched him (as he left my grip)

Through glass that was tear-stained.

As a child he fought in the Lord’s Army

And has marched through life with Him.

He is the Lord’s and answered His call

To protect the freedom we’re in.

My little boy is a soldier now

And my “mother’s heart” is torn.

I feel such pride, yet fear within

And I pray for him each morn…

“Lord, my boy is in Your hands,

Hold him tight throughout this day.

Let him sense your presence near,

Give him angels to guard his way.

I can no longer protect my son-

Please shelter his precious life.

He stands ready to defend this land

For all its parents, husbands, wives.”

Funny how time slips quickly by

From when he was just a lad,

Playing right here in this backyard

With all the Army men he had.

The GI Joes and Army men

Are no longer just plastic toys…

They’re little children’s moms and dads,

And mothers’ girls and boys.

The plastic swords that lit up bright

Are now ones sharpened to the end.

Little toy guns tucked in his jeans…

Rifles on which his life depends.

I love my son and I’m very proud

Of the godly man he’s grown into.

This nation’s founded “under God”-

There’s honor in all he will do.

Son, step off that plane in confidence

That God is your Commander and Chief.

He’ll instruct you in the way you’re to go,

And give you rest when you need relief.

As you wear this uniform with pride

Remember to wear God’s armor too.

Your shield of faith and belt of truth

Will protect you in all you do.

The battle is the Lord’s, my son,

When the enemy begins to show.

Evil of any kind is Satan’s ploy

To diminish our freedom’s glow.

      Secure the Fort (And Remain Under God), A Military Mother’s Message to America will be the first in my military series to be published (Summer 2007, Xlibris). This book grew from my military mother’s heart, and I simply labored over its contents wanting to honor our men and women in uniform - both past and present. With over 30 contributing authors, this book shares a common theme of wanting our nation to remain under God’s watchful eye. Writings of faith span from WWII to current day efforts, and include all branches of the military.

      Volume Two in the Secure the Fort series will be subtitled Christian Military Mothers in Action! God is already providing contacts with incredible Christian military mothers who are doing mighty things in support of their children who serve in the armed forces. Many mothers fight through physical battles of their own but continue to support their children. I am one of those moms. I understand the “drive” that makes them push forward in what they do.

      Volume Two will also include powerful testimonies of mothers who have suffered the ultimate sacrifice of injured or fallen soldiers. We all need to pray for and support these families.

      Please view the book’s blog at http://securethefort.blogspot.com or my website at www.allgloryishis.com (Under God page) for more details about this book series. If you are a Christian military mom and would like to contribute to this upcoming book, please email me at Lucy@allgloryishis.com. I would love to hear from you.

      Volume Three will be focused on stories of faith in the field by our military chaplains. If you would like to contribute to this particular book, please email me at the above address. I can’t wait to share these powerful stories.

      Pray for the ministry these books will have in store for our country and for our military families. Many people have stories to share, but just don’t know where to share them! God knows His plan for this series of books, and I am waiting in great expectation to find out just what that is. All glory goes to Him, for He gives me these books. I just take the pen and write what He inspires in my heart. He brings the people together to share the stories He intends, and for His purpose. May they spark a renewal of patriotism, but more importantly a closer walk with God.

Lucy A. Cain, Christian author/military mom

All Glory Is His Writing Ministry

*See the book page of www.allgloryishis.com for details on Lucy’s additional books!