Finding Hope in a Desolate Place
I had wanted to be a writer when I was an elementary aged girl. I had long forgotten that dream. But God didn’t. While my son was deployed while serving in the military, this dream came to existence. I had not remembered the dream at that time. It was nothing about me when I wrote the book. I wanted to encourage those who were serving our country and putting their lives on the line for us in the United States. This was my first published book.
My son was deployed on his second deployment. I was unable to send care packages but wanted to encourage my son as well as his “brothers” in deployment. I had sent letters to them and many with Bible scriptures written on them. Many of these scriptures were about having courage and not to fear, as well as scriptures of protection.
My vision for the books were to be small so they would fit in the uniform pockets of the Marines. I wanted to encourage them with pictures from home or pictures that reminded them of home. The pictures were all of nature. I knew they were in the desert and only could see, taste and feel sand. I also included a quick story about when I was having a difficult time in life.
My goal was to have the books written, edited, and published before they returned home. I was unsuccessful in that goal. When it was finished, they had their return date. The books would not have been delivered to them in time.
I brought a case of books with me when my son returned home to the United States. I was able to share a few books with the guys I saw and gave the rest to the chaplain. He advised the guys would need it more when they returned home then when they were deployed. I did not understand that at the time.
I have been able to encourage many service members and veterans with this book. It also has helpful resources in the back for them.