The Sword and the Cup

Prepared Without Losing the Soul

The Sword and the Cup: Prepared Without Losing the Soul is a pastoral exploration of faithful readiness in uncertain times. Rooted in Luke 22:36–38, this book examines what it means to walk forward with clarity and courage without surrendering tenderness, humility, or love.

Rather than calling readers to fear, aggression, or withdrawal, Geoffrey Schmitt (Willingheart) traces a spiritually coherent path from being to readiness, from presence to discernment, and from strength to surrender. Through the paired symbols of the sword and the cup, the book explores preparedness without paranoia, courage without violence, and faith without triumphalism.

Drawing from Scripture, prison ministry, caregiving, aging, and personal loss, Schmitt addresses the realities many face today: cultural instability, illness, moral complexity, and the quiet narrowing of life’s road. He writes with honesty about responsibility and restraint, suffering and tenderness, and the courage required to remain loving when power, certainty, and control fade.

Structured as a Bible-study style work—each chapter including Scripture, teaching, meditation, reflection, poem, questions, prayer, and the Smithy’s Forge—The Sword and the Cup is suitable for personal devotion, small groups, retreats, and ministry settings.

At its heart, this book offers a simple, returning prayer for our time:

Here I am, as I am—

in this place,

at this time.

Prepared, yes.

But still living.

Still loving.

Still awake.