Elaine Marie Cooper Author

Historical Fiction That Grabs Your Heart and Feeds Your Soul

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Defensive Indifference

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I’ve been a baseball mom for a long time. From T-ball to College I’ve watched my son hit that ball with the sharp crack of the bat. Some hits were better than others but Ben played very well. So well that he got on a minor league team for just a few days, before a bigger, more experienced guy took his spot. It’s the way of life in baseball. It is a business after all.

Now I watch his son, Luke play ball. He’s taller than his Dad was at this age. What’s amazing is how much he moves just like his Dad did! Talk about Déjà vu!  Luke also plays very well, and it’s a joy to watch him run the bases in his father’s footsteps.

With all of these ballgames that I’ve watched, however, today was a first. When Luke successfully stole a base for his team, the ump declared it resulted from “Defensive Indifference.” I was astonished. Never, in all of my baseball years, had I heard that phrase before!

Of course, being the Word Nerd that I am, I had to look it up. My sources stated that “Defensive Indifference is when one team steals a base without the other team attempting to throw them out on the base paths. It usually happens when the defense is winning by at least two runs and does not care about the runner’s advance.”

In other words, the offense just gave up.

Wow. They gave up. And yet, I understand all too well how discouraging things can be in life. My grandson’s team was ahead by several runs at that point. I think I’d be a bit discouraged and tempted to give up at that point as well. It has been a long baseball season, the weather is hot and humid and their opponent (my grandson’s team) has been doing extremely well.

I’ve been attending GriefShare at a local church and we each share our layers of grief that elicit tears from everyone in the group. Sometimes our hurts and concerns become overwhelming to us, as the bills build up, family members are hurtful, and (oh yes) we are still grieving our loved ones who have gone on to eternity before us. It can prompt us to yell “uncle” and let our defenses down. We’re not going to win, we reason, so we give up. Defensive Indifference.

But isn’t that what the evil one wants us to do? If he can convince us we don’t have a chance at overcoming life’s painful challenges, he’s won battle number one: He’s distorted the promises of a faithful and loving God. At these times, we can cling to God’s Word as a drowning man clings to a life saver thrown his way:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

“The Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 ESV

I believe there is a reason that the Armor of God (Ephesians 6 10-18) gives us specific ways to battle against the evil one. It describes each piece of armor that a warrior needs to defend him or herself from the enemy’s arrows. And in all of my years on earth since I’ve been a born-again Christian, the arrows have never ceased.

Might I suggest a strategy? Instead of “Defensive Indifference,” glean help from God’s Word. I’ll call it, “Offensive Concern.”

Memorize the Armor of God. And when you feel like throwing in the towel, say it silently or out loud if you want. The evil one hates it. Just like he hates you and wants the worst for you.

Contrast that to our loving Savior who only wants the best for you.

Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

What Doesn’t Kill Us …

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Have you ever heard the saying, “What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger?” I suppose some might say, “What doesn’t kill us makes us weaker,” or “Angrier,” or “Weakens our faith.” I suppose, on any given day, I might have chosen one of these options because the last five years have taxed every part of my faith, my patience, and my strength, both spiritual and physical.

On December 18, 2018, my husband Steve had a stroke. It was not a smooth transition to rehab (but that’s another whole blog post!). It was, however, the beginning of a nightmare that grew increasingly difficult over the next five years.

To summarize several key areas, his stroke impacted my writing, my happiness, my friendships, and my family relationships. Sadly, the vascular dementia from the stroke, progressed to Alzheimers and Steve passed away on September 2, 2023. I’ll never forget the phone call in the middle of the night saying he was unresponsive. To say I was shocked was an understatement.

I could not get ahold of ANYONE (phones are usually turned off at night). I packed up Mocha, my dog and started the worst journey of my life to the Memory Care Center, an hour and a half away. I did not make it in time. Midway on my drive, the nurse called to say he had died. I pulled over and wept.

I was in NE at the time to be closer to my son who was stationed at Offut AFB. I knew I needed to return to Iowa where our home had been for 30 years. The move was yet another nightmare, for reasons I will not go into.

I returned to Hobby Lobby in Des Moines and got a part time seasonal job. I’d worked there when I was in CA and enjoyed it. I am still working there part time and still enjoy it. It is an added financial help, along with my survivor benefits from Steve.

I found a nice apartment in Johnston and returned to my former church. I’ve joined a small Bible study group and started a Moms of Military Group, to offer prayer support for those whose sons and daughters are being deployed. Along with the spring weather, I’ve experienced some rebirth in joy. I just started GriefShare and hope it offers an outlet for the massive grief I feel, not just from being a widow, but from the resurgence of grief after losing my daughter, Bethany, in 2003.

For the first time in 5 years, I’ll be attending a Writer’s Conference this June.

And for the first time ever, I’ve re-released one of my novels through Cooper’s Quill Publishing: “Fields of the Fatherless.”

If you’d like to buy a paperback copy, it’s just $9.99 at Amazon.

Click view on Amazon.

I’d appreciate your prayers for so many reasons. ((HUGS))

Elaine

Thank you to my Friends

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I’m often reminded of the blessings of friends. This year with my leg in a cast for 3 months, my husband unable to drive due to a previous stroke, and a new book releasing, friends have become an even brighter light in my life. From taking me to doctor appointments, to taking me out for a meal, to helping me promote my book, so many have pitched in and said, “I can help.”

I sometimes remember the quote from “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Clarence the Angel reminds George, the man who has dealt with one struggle after another and wants to give up on life, that “no man is a failure who has friends.” I have never understood those words more than I have this year. The more difficulties I have faced, the more the Lord has provided friends to help meet my needs. Praise God!

I’m the kind of person who loves to be a giver. I am a retired nurse and helping others seems to come naturally. Being on the receiving end is humbling and I’m learning to have a meek spirit and accept other’s kindness. It’s not always easy for me, but God is teaching my “take-charge” personality to be still and submit to the situation. It has allowed my wonderful friends to shine.

As Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” By allowing my friends to help me, they are doing good works that shine with the love of the Lord; that allows them the gift of receiving a blessing.

I’m so grateful that God is blessing them, although I admit, I’d still rather be on the giving end. 😉

But in this month of Thanksgiving, I am so very grateful for my many friends who shine with the love of Jesus. According to Clarence, I guess I am not a failure. I know my friends certainly are not.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Scarred Vessels released on October 20, 2020 and is available on Amazon in kindle or paperback.

Here is the Back cover blurb:

In 1778 Rhode Island, the American Revolution rallies the Patriots to fight for freedom. But the slavery of black men and women from Africa, bartered for rum, is a travesty that many in America cannot ignore. The seeds of abolition are planted even as the laws allowing slavery in the north still exist.

Lydia Saunders, the daughter of a slave ship owner, grew up with the horror of slavery. It became more of a nightmare when, at a young age, she is confronted with the truth about her father’s occupation. She is burdened with the guilt of her family’s sin, as she struggles to make a difference in whatever way she can. When she loses her husband in the battle for freedom from England, she makes a difficult decision that will change her life forever.

Sergeant Micah Hughes is too dedicated to serving the fledgling country of America to consider falling in love. When he carries the tragic news to Lydia Saunders about her husband’s death, he is appalled by his attraction to the young widow. Micah wrestles with his feelings for Lydia while he tries to focus on helping the cause of freedom. He trains a group of former slaves to become capable soldiers on the battlefield.

Tensions both on the battlefield and on the home front bring hardship and turmoil that threaten to endanger them all. When Lydia and Micah are faced with saving the life of a black infant in danger, can they survive this turning point in their lives?

Today is Release Day!

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It seems like I’ve waited a long time to announce the release of “Scarred Vessels” but it has been worth the wait! 

I am so pleased to see this novel about the black soldiers in the American Revolution come to life. I learned so much in my research for this book. Much of the historical facts surprised and saddened me but I am pleased with the results and I pray this book blesses you!

To order the kindle version, go to https://www.amazon.com/Scarred-Vessels-Elaine-Marie-Cooper-ebook/dp/B08KL1JTK1/ 

To obtain the paperback, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Scarred-Vessels-Elaine-Marie-Cooper/dp/1649170025 

An April To Remember

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The residents in and around Boston thought it might happen. But they didn’t realize just how bad it would be.

Rumors and secret meetings abounded in Lexington, Concord, Menotomy Village and other small towns nearby the British-held port city. Quiet talk of war permeated conversations, increasing the anxiety of the colonists as they knew conflict approached closer every day. When it exploded into full scale skirmishes on April 19, 1775, the dye had been cast. The American Revolution had begun.

The British regulars first left Boston, then travelled west through Charlestown before they marched in the dead of night through Menotomy Village, MA. As the local residents awakened to the vibration of soldiers marching down the main road on their way to Concord, bells sounded the alarm and residents seized their muskets, prepared to make their stand. These lands were their homes and they intended to defend their families and farms to the death, if need be.

Buckman Tavern, Lexington, MA

The first shots were fired on the Lexington town green. The color of the spring lawn was watered with the red blood of the local men and boys who had risen before dawn to defend their town. Eight patriots were killed and several wounded. One British soldier was also injured.

The British forces proceeded towards Concord, where gunpowder and arms were rumored to be hidden for use by the colonists against the regulars. Wise patriots had actually moved the weapons elsewhere before the enemy troops arrived. But that didn’t stop the confrontation immortalized in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poem, “Concord Hymn.” Two British soldiers were killed in the battle at the Old North Bridge. Their graves near the bridge are decorated with flowers to this day, courtesy of the British Embassy.

Old North Bridge, Concord, MA

As the exhausted British troops retreated down the road toward Boston, colonists who had learned to fight behind trees and stone walls, picked off numerous red-coated soldiers along the way. In the meantime, reinforcements for the Brits were on the way down the main road from Boston. Once they joined forces west of Menotomy Village, the battle grew even uglier. By the time the conflict reached the Jason Russell farm in Menotomy, the fiercest battle of the day—and the deadliest for both sides—occurred at the Russell House.

Jason Russell House, Arlington, MA

Menotomy Village is today called Arlington, Massachusetts. When I grew up there, I frequently walked by the Jason Russell House. It was now designated a historical site with a sign out front and, as a young girl, I wondered what had occurred there. It was not until I grew up that I learned the full story of this major incident, hidden from most history books. I was so moved by what I learned, I determined to write about it in novel form. I wanted to bring the characters alive on the page through words that would help my readers understand that these were living, breathing humans who sacrificed so much for the birth of America.

I’ve written this story in the multi award-winning Fields of the Fatherless. You can purchase the book on either e-book or paperback. I hope that reading about this little-known battle will help you appreciate our ancestors who shed their blood to create a free America.

April 19 is now a public holiday called Patriot’s Day in Massachusetts and Maine. In Wisconsin, schools are required to teach students about the events and notable people of the American Revolution.  

It is regrettable that most of these United States do not commemorate the first day of the war that birthed America. We should never forget. I will do my part to help Americans remember.

To purchase Fields of the Fatherless in Paperback, click here.

In E-book, click here