God, Guts, and Gallantry – My Mission

Hello, I’m Will Joslin, author of a new book called God, Guts, and Gallantry, the faith, courage, and accomplishments of Major James Lide Coker. grew up in the turbulent 60’s and 70’s, and I admit, I was confused.

I wanted to live a worthwhile life, but had no foundation. I needed hope, a life vision, and a mentor to show me what genuine faith and an honorable life looked like. As a college freshman I went to a guidance counselor at UNC – Chapel Hill. I said: “I have no idea who I am, why I exist, or what will happen when I die. If I can’t answer these bigger questions, how am I supposed to know what subject to major in?” He thought for a moment and answered: “Well, Will – you come by it honestly – nobody really knows who they are or why they exist; don’t worry about it.” What!? Nobody knows why they exist, and “don’t worry about it?” Well, I WAS worried about it. So with perhaps my first sincere prayer, I asked God to reveal Himself to me. He graciously answered a year and a half later when I came to know Christ personally, the greatest thing that ever happened to me. I had a glorious new hope, but there were still obstacles. I wanted to translate my new faith into a life that reflected the goodness of God and helped others, but didn’t know the best way to do so. I needed guidance. The irony is that the whole time, the answers I so desperately sought were found in my own family tree, in the life of my great grandfather, Major James Lide Coker!

God, Guts, and Gallantry is a captivating biography of how a brave and visionary South Carolinian, Major James Lide Coker, barely survived a shattered femur in the Civil War, surrendered his life to God, and during destitute post-war times, effectively uplifted the people of his state, economically, culturally, and spiritually. You will get a transparent look into the life of South Carolina’s greatest citizen, Major Coker. The book reveals how this humble man emerged from near-death to become incredibly successful as a Christian entrepreneur, public servant, and as a leader in social progress. The Major’s remarkable story has been heretofore incomplete, but this comprehensive work reveals previously unpublished details from his childhood to his destiny as one of the greatest leaders who has ever lived. Now Major Coker can be given his rightful place as one of the most courageous and honorable leaders in American history.

This dramatic story of South Carolina’s Major Coker, America’s bravest citizen, remains inspiring for us today! In this story of his daring and adventurous life, the author has listed and illustrated the Major’s sterling character qualities for our benefit. Some of these qualities are:

  • Uncorrupted integrity
  • Visionary leadership
  • Inclusive capitalism
  • Excellent business judgment and savvy
  • Winsomeness and a sense of humor

To order God, Guts, & Gallantry, contact the author, or see the book’s discussion questions, visit “https://www.westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/792059-god-guts-and-gallantry”