On this 14th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I wanted to honor our military and their families. Edie Melson is the foremost encourager I know. Here is the story behind her book While My Soldier Serves: Prayers for Those with Loved Ones in the Military
Fabulous Fridays
Welcome Edie! Tell us something about yourself and how you started writing.
I’ve actually been writing since I could hold a crayon and crawl to a white wall. I wrote my first novel in 8th grade, longhand. Truthfully, I’m one of those people who processes life through the written word. I began writing seriously in the late 90s, as well as attending conferences and doing whatever I could to learn about the craft of writing and the industry.
You have two books out for military families, While My Soldier Serves: Prayers for Those with Loved Ones in the Military
Having a son choose to enlist in the Marine Corps straight out of high school, bypassing college, was a surprise. We knew his choice would take him to war and he served two tours in Iraq as a frontline infantry Marine.
We don’t come from a military family and don’t live near a military base. Of course, we were also very proud that 
we’d raised a son who would want to commit to this kind of sacrifice and service, but there was a steep learning curve. That learning curve is at the heart of my ministry.
I lived these books before I wrote them. I understand what it is to face that kind of fear for my son and come out triumphant on the other side. It has given me a unique perspective to reach out to others facing the same struggles
9/11, which we remember today, was such a pivotal point in our country’s history. How do you see its impact on our nation as a whole, as well as on our military?
Our son was in 8th grade when 9/11 occurred and he credits that incident as a major factor in his decision to serve. I think that tragedy reminded us all that freedom doesn’t come without a price.
How do you see God moving in our military today?
I see God working in individual lives of those serving, as well as in their families. It’s not as easy to be a believer in the armed forces today and instead of that reducing the ranks of Christians, it appears to be swelling them.
You do a lot of writing and speaking. How do you see the morale of our military and their families, and what are some things that non-military people can do to show support for those who give so much to our country?
Our military men and women, as well as their families are hopeful and faithful. They live life with a perspective that many of us don’t have. They knew that they, or someone they love, may be called on at any moment to make the ultimate sacrifice. They carry that knowledge with a quiet dignity and pride.
I encourage communities to look around. There are military families in your midst—whether you live close to a base or not. These families need prayer support most of all. But many also need other help, from mothers who are temporary single parents to siblings and parents of a service man or woman far away.
Do you have a favorite or signature Bible verse to pray for the families of those men and women who are fighting?
My favorite is Philippians 4:6-8 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
I am certain your favorite scripture to pray for a family member serving in a war zone changes from time to time, could you list a few for us?
I also love:
Philippians 1:6
Psalm 147:3
Psalm 91 is known as the Warrior’s Psalm
Isaiah 41:10
Romans 8:37-39
Psalm 46:1
Do you have any more books in the works that you can tell us about?
I just signed a contract for the second book in the While My series of prayer books. This one is called, While My Child is Away: As parents, we love our children and want to protect them. Unfortunately, we can’t always be there physically when they need us. But God can, and so can our prayers. Our prayers can surround our kids, no matter where they are. So get ready to hit your knees and go deep as we let God’s power and peace fuel our prayers
A final word from your heart for our readers?
I would encourage you not to waste the tough times. Keep a journal, record what God shows you. These experiences are what make your writing unique and help others down the road of life.
Please share one of your favorite passages from While My Soldier Serves?
I love this prayer: Keep My Soldier Grounded in Your Truth
“The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.” Flannery O’Connor
Dear Lord, I know how hard it is for me to stay focused on You, and I’m not in the middle of a war zone. Please keep my soldier grounded in Your truth. Give him like-minded friends to pray with. Help him find a group of other soldiers who want to study the Bible together.
Bring scriptures to the forefront of his mind. Let him constantly be aware that You’re there with him. Show him—in concrete, physical ways—that Your character isn’t in conflict with what he’s experiencing.
Make him yearn to spend time reading the Bible. When he opens to a page, let those verses jump out at him with instant application. Show him the relevance of Your Word to what is going on around him.
I know of so many soldiers that have come back angry at You because of what they’ve seen. Please protect him from that. Help him process what he’s seeing. Let everything he experiences be reconciled with what he knows about You. Amen
Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. John 17:17 NIV
Book Blurb:
Thousands of families send loved ones off to fight on a daily basis. These families spend a lot of time living in a world out of control. This kind of stress can take an incredible toll, but there is hope. When we feel helpless, we can take our fears to the One who loves us more than anything and holds the universe in His hands.
In this book you’ll find the words to usher you into His presence. These prayers are a place to visit again and again as you take your own fears to God. They’re just a starting point, written to help you find your own voice as you call out on behalf of the one you love.
About the author:
Edie Melson—author, speaker, and blogger—is a leading professional within the writing industry, as well as a popular inspirational speaker and mentor. While My Soldier Serves: Prayers for Those with Loved Ones in the Military
Connect with Edie:
Website: www.EdieMelson.com
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/edie.melson
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ediemelson/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+EdieMelson/posts
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4979356.Edie_Melson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdieMelson
Instagram: https://instagram.com/stop2pray/
Book Link:
10 Comments
It is not just the soldier that is sacrificing while he/she is away, the entire family does. This book sounds very helpful for families that are going through this.
Gina, you are so right! Thanks for stopping by! Blessings. E
Edie, I bought your book with the intention of reading it and then found out one of my good friends’ son (I used to babysit her children!) has enlisted. I felt the need to give her the book so on the Sunday I gave it to her, she broke out in tears. Said her son is leaving in a couple of months for his first assignment overseas and she is very grateful for the book that it has come at a very good time. 🙂 Thank you again for writing it! Marcie 🙂
Marcie, thank you! Blessings, E
Starting with my grandfather the male members in my family have all served in the military in different branches. We have friends who have children in the military. It is nice to have a source, in addition to the Bible, to be able to share with others to encourage them.
Kathleen, what a wonderful family history of service! I’m so glad to be able to encourage you. Blessings, E
I’ve had several family members serve in the military over the years, but nothing made the fear and apprehension hit so close to home than these last few years that my son and son-in-law both are serving. They are both stateside now, but you never know what tomorrow’s orders will bring, not to mention their friends and teams who have not returned home yet.
My daughter sometimes feel isolated and alone in the military life because the majority of families include young children, and she and my son-in-law are not parents yet. She is very shy and has a hard time reaching out to new people. I plan to gift her a copy of your book for encouragement and support.
Oh Felicia, I know what you are feeling. I’ll be praying for you all and I know you are going to be a special support to your daughter. Blessings, E
I’ve read Edie’s book and highly recommend it. The words of her heart draws the reader to the throne of grace where they find hope and peace. Norma, thanks for sharing Edie with us.
Nan, thank you! Blessings, E