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And family too.
Let God have his way
To work through you."
In a work dedicated to her mother, Fortner presents her readers with inspirational poems and devotions centered on faith, family, and friends. The guiding principle for Fortner’s book is her commitment to God and love for all who truly matter in her life, both living and departed. She ruminates on the passage of time, memories, happiness and loss, our goodness, and life’s purpose as members of the human race.
The book begins with poems, which offer thoughtful commentary on what is valued in our lives according to what Fortner values in hers. “Happy Birthday” pays homage to her cousin, who is more like a sister. “Barron” praises her son, who makes her proud to be a mother. “Be Thankful” calls on us to appreciate what we have, while “Angels” professes the belief in angels among us. Other poems are devotions to unnamed mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, grandmothers, church women, and even doctors. Many of Fortner’s more than thirty poems utilize rhyme, although some rely on free verse. However, all portray the writer’s innermost beliefs and the strength of Fortner’s evocative imagery.
The second half of Fortner’s collection consists of eight devotionals where Fortner meditates on particular Bible scriptures of import. “Make the Most of Your Life” encourages readers to have faith in God, who takes care of and has a plan for each of us. “Is Life Fair?” reminds us that life may not always go our way and that we should prepare for disappointment. “To Know the Love of Christ” is a testament to God’s love for us. Overall, Fortner’s charming and thought-provoking collection of faith-based content is a simple reminder to be grateful for what we have in our lives, to love those closest to us, and to make every moment count.