YOU WERE THERE: A Table in the Presence is a gripping account from before and during the invasion that began The War In Iraq told through the eyes of a U. S. Marine chaplain. For several different reasons, I appreciate this book. Most importantly, it tells the story from on the ground as if you are there among the United States service personnel. I am not a military person. I don’t read books about past wars, and I have limited understanding of military protocol or procedure. Yet, I find this book to be poignant and personal, a well-said account of a difficult period in U S wartime history. The way Lt. Cash, a chaplain, describes the step-by-step maneuvers makes one feel that you are there with them, waiting and waiting. Then creeping with the convoy when it’s time to move out. When the invasion begins, for a chaplain not carrying a weapon, it has an added dimension of danger.  Certain scenes are touching to me: Holy communion is given by catholic and protestant chaplains and shared among the men during a tense time of uncertainty. The men know they are staring down death. The mood is sober, the eternal is close. Another scene; a few hundred Iraqi children are discovered hidden in a warehouse, held as captives to be used for manipulative purposes. The U. S. liberates them. The children’s release is one positive in the nightmare. Regardless of how you feel about the invasion and The War in Iraq, this book is interesting and informative. Some Amazon reviewers are concerned that Cash’s viewpoint is that God is on America’s side. I didn’t take it that way. I believe he is illustrating the presence of God during such times but specific to the invasion. It would be wrong for him to not state what he experiences even if we may disagree with his interpretation. After-all, it is his personal account. Not everyone makes it out alive. You feel the grief. For a parent who has a son or daughter in the military, like I do, this book has a secondary level of interest.  A Table in the Presence will hold your interest and then some.

This book contains insights for the spiritually minded person. Reflections: Memoirs Reflecting God’s Word, written by Joan Risch, contains a collection of analogies, scripture verses, and insights. I first met the author at my church. She had come to hear me speak and to also purchase one of my books. At the time, she was in the process of writing this book, and she promised me a copy. I received it a week ago. I wasn’t able to stop reading it until I finished it last evening. Every day I would spend some time reading and reflecting on the book’s insights and concepts. It is both enjoyable and profound.
      Risch loves the Lord. She has an intimate walk with God and is quick to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. I found its words to be motivating in my spiritual walk. This book is both a delight and a challenge. She does not try to convince anyone that she is right. It is a memoir of God’s liveliness in her life. I appreciate her positive spirit and that she doesn’t distract us with unnecessary side eddies. Risch gives enough personal information to help us understand but not overwhelm its message. She keeps focused on the truths that God has elaborated in her life.
      This book is both an encouragement and a blessing. It should be read as a personal journey, one packed with depth of meaning, highlighting the spiritual walk of a person devoted to her Maker and Keeper. A comment about the book’s presentation. The story analogies are  presented in small groupings along with many scripture references. It is written in small print.