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14 April 2013

Interview with Jocelyn Green by Carrie Fancett Pagels


Jocelyn Green

Jocelyn Green is the author of Wedded to War and of four nonfiction books, including Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives, and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front.

Jocelyn, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?
In a nutshell: depression, and the fear of depression.
Now, if you want the story: Once upon a time, I was twenty-two, in love with a man who didn’t love me back, and determined to prove to him, and to myself, that I could live without him very well, thank you very much. So I hastily took a job as a private English tutor in Vienna, Austria. Yep, I moved to the other side of the world, and nope, I didn’t know German. I did not go through an organization when I accepted the position, so when the boundaries and expectations kept shifting, I had no recourse or protection against what the Viennese family I lived with was asking me to do. 

I had unwittingly placed myself in the care of a woman who was 
extremely manipulative, and her promise to let me take German classes was completely reneged. Not knowing the language made me illiterate, dumb, mute, and more isolated than I could have imagined possible. As many of you probably know, isolation breeds depression, and that’s exactly what happened to me. I remember vividly the moment when I snapped—my knuckles white on the staircase railing—and I just started crying and couldn’t stop. For days. For weeks. Until a neighbor, who happened to be a missionary from Minnesota, told me that I needed to take care of myself and go home. I want to make it clear that I was reading the Bible and praying throughout this time. I did not feel that God had abandoned me, and I still trusted him. It was not a matter of will-power, or of just “being more spiritual” to turn off my tears. My system was just overwhelmed and shutting down. My hair was turning grey. I lost weight until my clothes hung on my shoulders as if from a hanger.

So I went home, in defeat, after never really failing at anything in my life before. Back in America, I was diagnosed with severe depression, and put on medication. I moved to Washington, DC, got a great job as an editor for a nonprofit on Capitol Hill, and found a church. Four months later, I decided to stop taking my medication cold-turkey, because I no longer lived in isolation, and the triggers for my depression no longer existed. Then I worried about my decision, and consulted a Christian psychiatrist, to basically confess what I did. He didn’t tell me I had been wrong to just stop taking the medicine, but he did say to watch myself, because people who go off their medication before they’d been on it for six months are more susceptible to slip into depression again.
Fast forward two years. On July 5, 2003, I married my husband, an officer in the Coast Guard. Two days later, we moved from Washington, DC, to a small town called Homer, Alaska. On our one-month anniversary, he kissed me goodbye, and left for a month. I was alone, with a house, but without our furniture which had yet to arrive. It was me and the walls. “But,” I told myself, “at least I know the language here!”

It was a shock on many levels. I went from having a career to being unemployed. From big city to small town. From single to married, and from civilian to military. Rob was gone seven months of our first year of marriage, though not all at once. It was challenging. My worst month was November. The weather was cold, it was dark, and when our driveway was covered in ice, I was all but stranded at home. I had to put chains on my boots to walk to the grocery store. I really had a mental battle going on. I was terrified I would slip back into depression. I had to tell myself it was just one day, just one bad day. Everyone gets them. It doesn’t mean you fall into a tailspin. It’s OK to have a bad day, or two, or three.

I felt like I could have gone either way that year. Even if I hadn’t gone into a clinical depression, I could have become bitter and resentful about the sacrifices I made to tag along with Rob’s career. But, with God’s help, I made a decision. I would not allow myself to isolate. I joined two book clubs, two Bible studies, volunteered at the nursing home, and drove a cancer patient to her medical appointments in Anchorage, five hours north of us. God taught me things through his Word, in light of my new status as a military wife that left me in awe of Him.

God used that year to breed in me a passion for supporting the spiritual lives of other military wives. A few years later, my first book was born: Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. Fourteen other military wives from all branches of service helped me write that devotional book—and in 2011, a sequel was released: Faith Deployed . . . .Again.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?
Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” This verse speaks so well to my struggle in Alaska. I had to keep my mind steadfast on God, not on my circumstances, and in return, he kept me in perfect peace. I love sharing this with other military wives, but it is relevant to each one of us.

Wedded to War


Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 

Wedded to War, along with all my nonfiction books, are available for ereaders, which can enlarge the size of the print on the screen. But so far, no large-print hard copy books or audio books are available.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

From my nonfiction books, it would be the concept of Isaiah 26:3. From my novel Wedded to War, I want readers to glean a few different insights. First, that we should be more concerned with what God thinks than with what society thinks. The privileged women who gave up their lives of ease in order to nurse faced ridicule and open hostility, but many of them believed God called them to the work. So I hope readers will really examine what they feel God is calling them to do, and then do it with confidence.

Second, from the character of Ruby, I hope readers will learn that even if we make mistakes in our lives, or if we harbor guilt or shame, that does not need to direct the rest of our lives. We’re all sinners, aren’t we? We make mistakes. We do wrong. Satan wants us to believe we are irreparably damaged by those sins, and that those sins absolutely define us. But here’s where we take that thought captive and obedient to Christ—what does God say about our sin? 1 John 1:9 says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” So there you have it. We need to choose to believe God’s opinion of us rather than anyone else’s. And we can learn God’s perspective only from being rooted in the Bible and by prayer.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?
Oh, gobs of things.
My research for both nonfiction and fiction brings me to tears at some point or another. I will just share with you the most recent story that tugged on my heartstrings. 
A young soldier in the Civil War had to have both his legs amputated. His nurse wrote a letter to his sweetheart to let her know he survived the operations, and this girl wrote the soldier a Dear John letter. The soldier read it, said to his nurse, “Tell her I forgive her,” and then died.


In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?
Yes! Topics in Wedded to War would be: misplaced sources of identity, dealing with one’s past, guilt, shame, prejudice, discrimination, loss of a parent, sibling relationships, parental disapproval, and reconciling a loving God with the realities of war.

Thank you Jocelyn for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

BIO:
Jocelyn Green is an award-winning author and freelance writer. A former military wife, she authored, along with contributing writers, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and Faith Deployed . . . Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. Jocelyn also co-authored Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan, which won the Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America in 2010, and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front, which inspired her first novel: Wedded to War. Her next novel, Widow of Gettysburg, releases in May.
Find her at:
Purchase her books:
Wedded to War http://amzn.to/VFVPbN
Widow of Gettysburg
http://amzn.to/UZiv4z
Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front
http://amzn.to/ULe37N
Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives
http://amzn.to/TVG0fZ
Faith Deployed . . . Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives
http://amzn.to/W3SDTP
Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan
http://amzn.to/13vN4DH



Giveaway:  Carrie has a copy of Wedded to War to give away and Jocelyn is offering a copy of her new release, Widow of Gettysburg!  
Answer this question and leave your email to enter: What is your favorite Civil War-era story and why?

82 comments:

  1. Wow, your testimony touched my heart, Jocelyn. Thank you so much for sharing!
    I would have to say that my favorite Civil War-era story is Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall...it takes place after the war, but the residual effects are there. I also love Carrie's novella; such vivid details.
    God bless.
    debsbunch5@jesusanswers.com

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    1. You are so sweet, DEBBIE. I am finishing up ML's book right now. I understand Jocelyn is an excellent author! Thanks for coming by!

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  2. CHAPLAIN DEBBIE, I'm glad my testimony touched you! I was wondering if I had shared too much, but if you enjoyed it, then its worth it! MaryLu and Carrie are wonderful authors--I love the vivid writing of both!

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    1. You didn't share too much..so no worries. :)

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    2. Thanks so much, Jocelyn! Did you already start reading then, wow!

      I agree with DEBBIE. Because I was a psychologist for 25 years I am immediately looking at this episode you reported as situational depression. I dk why they put that fear in you about recurrence. Sigh... Glad God has seen you through other stressful scenarios and showed you His way for you. Blessings!

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  3. What a great post! I read Wedded to War and really enjoyed it! Lynn Austin also has a pretty amazing Civil-War series. And I love Glory, the movie :) Thanks for hosting the giveaway! booksandbeverages (at) gmail.com

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    1. Hi JAMIE, I am so glad you enjoyed Wedded! I have read Lynn Austin's Civil War books too--wonderful novels. I haven't gotten around to her reconstruction-era one, All Things New, yet, but I'm anxious to. Glory is a fantastic movie, and the soundtrack!! I use it as part of my Civil War novel writing soundtrack as I'm typing away on my manuscripts. Thanks for stopping by, Jamie!

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    2. I have listened to Lynn Austin's books, too.I have not watched Glory!!! I listened to the song "I will wait for you" by Mumford and sons while I was writing my Civil War book. although contemporary, it "felt" appropriate to the time period.

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  4. My favorite is Gone with the Wind.
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

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    1. SUSANLULU, that's such a classic! I'm writing my third novel, set in Atlanta in 1864, right now. It gave me a great excuse to read and watch Gone with the Wind another time. :)

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  5. The only Civil War novel I've ever read is Wedded to War, so that's my favorite! :)

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. MARISSA, ha ha, there are other great Civil War novels out there, as I'm sure CARRIE FANCET PAGELS will tell you! LOL But I'm happy to be in your number one spot at least for now! Hope you get a chance to read Widow of Gettysburg!

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    2. Oh, that is so sweet! Well, mine is a novella not a full novel, haha! Yes, I agree, MARISSA must read WoG!!

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  6. I am fascinated with the Civil War stories and Black History . I love watching the Gone with the Wind and North and South because I like the interweaving stories between the real history and fictional characters.

    JKTerrazas09@aol.com

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    1. Hi JK, I love to get know historical figures along with fictional characters in novels and movies, too! North and South was a great series. Loved it. If you're fascinated with both Civil War and Black history, you will be especially interested in Widow of Gettysburg. Most people just think about the men who fought on the battlefield, but I wanted to show what happened to the townspeople during the battle and the aftermath. One of the main characters is a free black woman (former slave) who lives in Gettysburg, and her husband is fighting with the 54th Mass. I bet you've seen the movie Glory--that's woven into Widow of Gettysburg a bit, too. Thanks for stopping by!

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  7. I know what it's like to go through depression ,I went through it for almost 18 months .Then God showed up and showed off and I received my healing ,that was 12 years ago this Aug. Blessings ,Dana Spille .

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    1. DANA, I'm praising the Lord with you that God "showed up and showed off"! Love that. So happy to hear you are no longer in that dark place. Thanks for stopping by!

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  8. Hi, I have dealt with depression and anxiety, since I was a young girl.
    As I age, it has gotten somewhat better, but I will be on medication the
    rest of my life. At least, I can be helped. I enjoyed your interview and
    enjoy reading about the time period of the Civil War. My uncle had a gun
    from the Civil War, but someone stole it years ago. Another series of
    books I enjoy about the Spanish Civil War are Trish Goyer's books.
    The first book is called A Valley of Betrayal.
    Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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    1. CINDI, I am sorry to hear depression has been a long-term struggle for you. Glad, though, that medicine is a help, at least somewhat. I know several people, God-fearing people, who will also be on meds indefinitely.

      Tricia Goyer is fantastic author. I have not yet read her books on the Spanish Civil War, though. So many books, so little time!

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  9. I can't say as if I have a favorite Civil War story as I enjoy reading all of them that I can get my hands on. Thank you for the giveaway.

    griperang at embarqmail dot com

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    1. Hi ANGELA, well I can certainly relate to that! thanks for stopping by and good luck to you!

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  10. Hi carrie and Joycelyn. I met Joycelyn sometime last year when she was having a 8wk.(I think) contest about the different wars. It was really interesting. I have her Wedded to war, but would love to have the "Widow of Gettysburg". Please put me in. Of course I always love the OWG girls Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Hi MAXIE! So good to "see" you again. We had a fun time with that Veteran's Week extravaganza last year, didn't we? Thanks for popping over, and good luck in the drawing for Widow of Gettysburg!

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  11. if I were picked for the one that I have if any store that sells books would let me exchange it for the last one? What do you think? Of course I'm not very lucky on this OWG at winning so probably won't have to worry about it. LOL Maxie

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    1. Maxie, I think since you are letting the OWG girls know you already have Wedded, they would only put you in the drawing for Widow. (But they can correct me if I'm wrong!)

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  12. Thanks for being so open about your battle with depression, Jocelyn. My sister struggled with depression so I know it is not easy to deal with, nor something you can just pray away or will yourself to "get over." I'm glad it hasn't been an on-going problem for you.
    Since reading Wedded to War, I will have to say that is my favorite Civil War story. I'm not just saying that to "butter up" Jocelyn! There were so many layers to this book and lessons to be learned from it. It was not a light-hearted, easy book to read. The realities of battle and injuries were realistically written. The spiritual truths were presented in a way that was not "preachy."
    I would love to win a copy of Jocelyn's new book, Widow of Gettysburg. I already have a copy of Wedded to War. Thanks for the chance to win.
    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. Hi PAM, I'm sorry to hear your sister struggled with depression, too, and hope she has come through it. You're right, it's now something we can snap ourselves out of--and that's hard for a lot of people to understand who haven't experienced it for themselves. It seems like the church is becoming much more supportive of this now, but I remember when I was going through it, I heard from a few different people and some Christian books that I must not love Jesus enough. You know, ridiculous things like that. Oh well.

      Thanks for your kind words about Wedded to War! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Good luck in the drawing for Widow!

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  13. Well, all of that talking and I still didn't answer the question. I have the books of NORTH and SOUTH and also the movies. And Gone With the Wind. . Both are so good. I've seen others, but my memory isn't very good at remembering names of movies I've seen. (Just ask my kids).But, I know I liked all of them. My brother, some in-laws and fiends were in WWII, and had Great-grandpas in the Civil War. Know I will enjoy Joycelyn , Carrie, and Murray's when I get to read them. I have read a book by Corrie tenBoom about the time of the Holocaust ,"The Hiding Place". (She was a survivor, having lost her whole family). She was a very strong Christian with a great faith in GOD. I recommend it to everyone.She wrote other good one's after that and spent the rest of her life telling others of his saving power. Great inspiration.
    Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  14. Thank you for sharing.

    I'm going to have to go with the books that come immediately to mind - GONE WITH THE WIND and NORTH AND SOUTH.

    A time period that does fascinate. A nation turning on itself is terrifying.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Hi MARY, those two come to mind for me, too, as being classics of the Civil War era! I agree, the era is fascinating and terrifying. I was recently interviewed for Christian Fiction Online magazine (article will be in the May issue) and one of the questions was--do you see America headed toward another Civil War? A sobering question. I will save my answer for CFO magazine, though. :) Thanks so much for entering the drawing!

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  15. JOCELYN, thank you for being with us and for sharing your touching testimony with us! I have heard preachers say that if you are a Christian you won't suffer from depression, but I dare to say that David and many of the greats in the Bible suffered from it. When hubby and I moved into our 1st new home I had to leave my friends behind and I saw my little boy suffering b/c he had to leave all his friends behind. He never said anything -- I could see it in his sad little face. The whole atmosphere was oppressive, but I tried. I took walks everyday and made friends with the ladies in the neighborhood. But all of us were still depressed and we made money on the house and sold it after 7 months. We moved into a great neighborhood and my son was so happy there! I'm so sorry you had to go through that -- it's awful, but I thank God for delivering you!

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    1. Hi DIANA, you are absolutely right! Wasn't it Elijah, who, after the showdown with Baal, climbed up a hill and said he had had enough and wanted to die? I wrote a devotion about this in my second book for military wives, Faith Deployed...Again. So yes, even the heroes of the faith struggled with this.

      Those seven months must have been so hard for you, especially knowing your little boy wasn't happy. Ugh! Is there anything worse than watching your child suffer, whether physically or emotionally? Glad the next move was a good one!

      Thank you so much for having me on here!

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  16. Wow, what a wonderful testimony! Thank you for sharing - I can't imagine it is easy to do. My brother is in the military and has many deployments/leaves. I will have to get your devotional for my sis in law!
    As for Civil War story - I love anything about Gettysburg! I am putting your story in my "want" list. :) I know there was one I read about 20 years ago (ooh, does that make me old?!) that still sticks with me. I don't even remember the book title anymore, but I loved the love story around it!
    Susan
    farmygirl at hotmail dot com

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    1. Hi SUSAN! Please tell your brother AND sister-in-law thank you for their service to our country for me! That would be wonderful if you could gift Faith Deployed to your SIL. And oh boy, if you like Gettysburg, I bet you will really enjoy Widow! Thank you for putting it on your "want" list! :)

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  17. CARRIE, I just saw your comment near the top about why someone put me in fear of a recurrence of depression. That certainly was unfortunate, wasn't it? LOL It's not good to live in fear, especially of something that is not a valid concern! But at least God used it to drive me closer to him, and into tighter community!

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    1. Yes, God uses bad for good and blesses us even when others do or say rotten things!!!

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  18. What a beautiful testimony...wow. I have family members that have battled with depression--one in my immediate family--& it's truly a dark place...so encouraged with your testimony.
    And I cannot wait to dig into Wedded to War & Widow of Gettysburg--my favorite era, & favorite battle/location from the war. Do I have to have one favorite moment? I believe my favorite would be the incredible role not only the men of Pennsylvania, but the women, played in the Civil War, & most especially at Gettysburg...I could go on, but I'll stop while I'm ahead. ;)

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    1. MEGHAN it sounds like you and I would have lots to talk about over coffee!! :) I don't know if this is possible, but your great interest in Gettysburg compels me to tell you I'll be there on June 29 signing copies of Widow of Gettysburg. (You may have already seen that announcement on Facebook, so if you have, I'm sorry for the rerun!) But if you can get out there, I'll be at the Seminary Ridge Museum from 1-4pm. And of course, there will be tons of stuff going on that weekend and the following several days in honor of the 150th anniversary of the battle.

      If you can't come, find yourself copies of my books to read anyway-if you appreciate the role women played, you will love these stories about the unsung heroines whose voices have, for the most part, been lost to the history about the battles themselves!

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  19. JOCELYN thank you so much for sharing with us. I'm so glad GOD helped you to overcome your depression and use it to help others. Isn't it thrilling when GOD raises us above our trials and uses it for His glory?

    I am reading WoG now and it is an amazing story. :) I'll have my review of it up later this week.

    I have a lot of favorite stories of the Civil War...WoG would have to be at the top alongside Carrie's novella. :D

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    1. Hi TERESA, Yes, absolutely, the best thing in the world is when we have the privilege of seeing God use our trials to create something beautiful.

      Are you really reading Widow? Eeek! Exciting. Such a relief to hear that you are enjoying it. Can't wait to see your review! Thank you for your investment of time.

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  20. I suppose you've heard this a million times or more, but I still love "Gone With The Wind." That book had such a profound impact on me, and of course the movie brought it all to life on the big screen. I really enjoyed your interview with Jocelyn. Her nonfiction books have been so helpful to a dear friend of mine whose son has been in the military. Jocelyn's books have kept her head above water when there was no where else to turn. God bless her for offering these writings to women/families with sons/daughters serving in the military. I'd be ecstatic to win either one of Jocelyn's books! I'm a huge Civil War fan! Thanks, Carrie, for a wonderful interview, and thank you Jocelyn for baring your heart and soul!
    Nancee

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    1. NANCEE, I'm so touched to hear about your dear friend whose son is in the military. In my opinion, there is not enough support for Blue Star Moms out there, which is why I added a bonus section to Faith Deployed...Again of devos written by and for military moms. It's a whole different ball game when a son or daughter is in the military, even if the parent has been active duty or a military spouse.

      You're welcome for "baring my heart and soul." Comments like yours make it more than worth it!

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  21. Jocelyn, I certainly enjoyed your OWG story. Carrie you did a wonderful job with the interview. As far as a favorite Civil War era story, I couldn't choose one. Hugs and blessings to both, Susan Fryman susanngarrylee@yahoo.com

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    1. SUSAN I am delighted to hear you enjoyed my story here on OWG. Would you believe this is the first time I shared that part of my testimony publicly? I've told individuals before if it seemed relevant, but now the cat is really out of the bag! :0 Thanks so much for stopping by, and good luck in the drawing.

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    2. Jocelyn did all the work, SUSAN, lol! And I DO appreciate the wonderful job she did in sharing her testimony. I am so proud of you JOCELYN!!!

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  22. JOCELYN, thank you so much for opening up and sharing your heart with everyone here. I'm sure it will encourage and help many who read it! I've been there in the throes of depression and know first-hand it's not something you can just will yourself out of. But as I read your testimony and reflect upon my own, my heart swells with gratitude with love and thanks to our God who never gives up on us but brings us through it to a much better place. We just have to not give up on ourselves.

    Being from Australia, I don't know an awful lot about the Civil War and haven't read much as of yet... which is not going to be for much longer I suspect lol! Have only read Carrie's and Murray Pura's novella's which takes place during the war, and MaryLu's which takes place afterwards. I imagine your books would be the way to go next huh? ;)
    I've also just recently bought the mini-series North and South from eBay which will be delivered later this week!
    God bless you Jocelyn!

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    1. NOELA, Thanks so much for the kind words! Yes, I am so grateful too, for getting through that dark valley. One of the hardest things about my experience, which I'm sure is common, is that I had no sense that it was only temporary. It was very illogical of me, I know, but at that time, all I could see was the present darkness. That's what makes it hard not to despair, but praise the Lord for bringing us through it anyway.

      I hope you really love the North and South miniseries! I did! And I would be honored if the next American Civil War books you read are mine. :) Thank you!

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  23. I love reading historical novels and my daughters and I love to visit Appomattox historical park for living history lessons! Lee officially surrendered the Civil War to Grant at the McLean House in Appomattox Virginia. Rhonda
    rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net

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    1. RHONDA, I think that is fabulous that you do living history lessons at Appomattox! I can't wait to take our kids out east and show them some of those wonderfully historic places. (Our kids are 4 and 6 years old right now.) My husband and I loved traipsing around Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Jamestown, etc, when we lived out that way.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  24. Oh wow Jocelyn, I feel for you and the depression. I can understand how hard it was. I know I have issues when it gets dull and Im trapped inside. I would really struggle in Alaska. Im glad you got help and was able to find answers.

    I rewatched Gettysburg last weekend and cried through it. Its heartbreaking seeing the deaths and the senseless fighting. The soldier who got the dear John letter that was heartbreaking that poor guy but what an amazing guy to forgive her.

    The Civil war has always fascinated me and I love reading books set in it. Love Gilbert Morris's series. I would love love to win this book. I have the first one and do want to read it but I have been so slow reading lately. I will be in the states in May and I the one place on top of my wish list was Gettysburg and I will be going there. I cant wait. (I hope to be meeting Carrie also.).
    ausjenny at gmail dot com.

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    1. JENNY, thanks for your kind words!
      I own the Gettysburg movie and have watched it a few times, too. I also use the soundtrack to that movie as I'm writing my novels--it was so perfect as I was writing scenes at Little Round Top, among other places!

      You're coming to the States in May? How exciting! I wish you could be at Gettysburg on June 29 so I could meet you at my book signing during the 150th anniversary of the battle! That would be amazing! :)

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    2. Did I mention Gettysburg is my favourite movie. Its great watching God's and Generals the Gettysburg. I wish the third movie dealing with the end of the war would have been made.
      I enjoyed North and South also (infact when people mention it they are normally talking about the english series of the same name but I like the civil war one).

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  25. I so enjoyed reading your testimony. You could write a book about your stay in Vienna. I hope there would be some humor in it looking back. I am glad you found happiness.
    You book looks great. I do a lot of reading, and will put it on my list, this happens to be one of my favorite topics...Historical Fiction. I guess one of the books that I've read that comes to mind is A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner.

    http://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/

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    1. MAUREEN, thanks for popping in! I have actually been thinking about using my experience in Vienna as a springboard for a novel. It would be my first book that's non-war related! Ha!

      If you enjoy historical fiction, I have a feeling you will really like the Heroines Behind the Lines book. Each of my novels includes a bibliography at the back, along with a section called "The History Behind the Story" in which I share what really happened, and what I made up.
      Have a great day!

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  26. I love most books set during the Civil War, but my most recent favorite was, oddly enough, Jocelyn's Wedded to War! So... if I won, I'd like to give the copy of that to someone else (I'm already sharing my own copy) and then keep the Widow of Gettysburg to read myself. As a military wife myself, I so appreciate Jocelyn's mission, and I loved Wedded to War, and learned a lot from it as well. Thanks for offering this giveaway, which I found via Jocelyn's post on pinterest.

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    1. SNOWFLAKES to HOTCAKES, hello again! So glad you saw my pin on Pinterest. Thanks for coming over! Glad to hear Wedded to War ranks among your top Civil War books! Hope Widow earns a similar place in your heart.

      God bless you and your family, and thank you for your service to our country!!

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    2. COOL!!! I have the paperback copy of this book. I LOVE the cover, too, and it keeps tempting me and I MUST read it! Thanks for coming by!!

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  27. Wow, what a story. Thank you for sharing that. I think we have such a stigma of depression, like we have done something so wrong if we are depressed.

    martha(at)lclink(dot)com

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    1. MARTHA, I agree with you, but I think it's getting a little better, thankfully! Thanks so much for stopping by.

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  28. So far my only civil war story I have read is Murray Pura's book The Face of Heaven and I just loved it !
    I love historical fiction alot, it gives such an outlook on history in that it brings it to life for me.
    Blessings and I hope you always are free from depression. My DH is bipolar and its a hard thing to deal with at times.
    Linda Finn
    faithfulacres7@gmail.com

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    1. Hi LINDA MARIE, always glad to meet another historical fiction lover! I love the drama and personal stories of history that it brings to life, too.

      I have been free from depression for 14 years now, praise the Lord. So sorry to hear your DH is bipolar, though. One of my housemates in DC was bipolar as well, you're right it is so challenging at times. Praying for you today.

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  29. I am not sure I have a favorite, but I certainly enjoy them all. I guess I would have to say it would be whichever book on the civil war I am reading at the time, becomes my favorite...lol, at least until I read another. :)
    I love to read about the civil war, and my dream is to travel the areas where many of the stories are set!

    bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi BETZ, I love your answer to Carrie's question here! Perfect! And since your dream is to travel to the areas where the stories are set, let me tell you that I've put together a couple of travel guides for when you make it out to Washington DC or New York City! I show you several historic places that are in Wedded to War that you can visit today. I plan to do this for Gettysburg, too. Here's the link to the travel guides: http://www.jocelyngreen.com/reader-love/travel-guides/ Thanks for stopping by!

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  31. Carrie, I have read too many civil war era books to say a definite one but I just finished reading Return to Shirley Plantation and I really enjoyed it.

    deamundy(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. DEANNA, you sound like my kind of reader! :) So glad you enjoyed Return to Shirley Plantation-I can't wait to read that one myself! Thanks for popping in.

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  32. this is an incredible interview. Brava, Carrie and Jocelyn. I am blessed by the courage and tenacity you summoned to get through an Alaskan winter. Battling depression successfully. Helping others. now there is a life lesson!
    bless you, ladies--both of you.

    Kathy

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    1. KATHY, thank you so much for taking the time to read the interview, and for your kind words! Depression and my winter in Alaska were the two worst things I would never trade for anything else. :) A very wise man once told me, "If Christians never experienced pain, we would be tragically irrelevant to the rest of the world." He's so right. My capacity for compassion and ministry has been increased so much not from the happy times in my life, but the valleys.

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  33. yes will be in America in May and doing a historical highlights from May 11th. Cant wait to see some of the areas. I love the sound trek of Gettysburg. I love how they did the movie and also Gods and Generals. The speech where the soldiers from Maine who are refusing to fight elect a spokesman and his first part of the speech is We're Tired. then goes on about the way the ineffective nature of the generals etc. but the We're Tired is what I was saying last year when mum passed away and I wasn't sleeping and so exhausted. I was saying Im Tired and feeling like the same way.
    But there are some really good speeches in that movie.

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  34. Oh, WOW, JOSS ... I had no idea you'd wrestled with depression!! Just another commonality we have that brings us even closer!! Cannot IMAGINE living in Alaska by myself for months at a time!!

    I'm from a family rife with depression. I'm talking 15 people, 13 of which ranged from severe depression to mild malaise most of their lives. My one sister and I were the only ones who were not on meds, so although I understood depression, I did not REALLY understand it until I went off hormones in my 50s. Can you say crash and burn??? I had not realized that the hormones were propping me up, staving off the same depression that had wreaked havoc on my siblings and parents. Needless to say, I went right back on them because depression is one of the most horrible things I have ever experienced in my life, and like you, I found that although pressing into God did save my sanity, it took a chemical balance to really pull me out back then.

    My heart grieves for anyone plagued with depression because it is a nightmare and until one experiences it for themselves, they cannot possibly fully understand the anguish of those who have it.

    Don't enter me in the giveaway because I already have the privilege and honor of owning both of Joss's books, and they are some of THE BEST in my library!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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    1. Hi JULIE! So happy to see you here! Yep, depression was a brief but intense and shaping experience of my life. I'm so sorry to hear that so many of your family members suffer(ed) from it too! And oh my, your "crash and burn" experience must have been such a shocker. I'm thankful for medicine that can restore that chemical balance! Thanks so much for sharing here and for your unending support of my books.

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  35. I don't have a favorite, I've read many and enjoyed them all. I'm not a 'favorite's' person and have a hard time answering that question whenever it's asked.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Hi WENDY so good to see you here. I can totally relate to your response. Too many good ones to choose one favorite! Have a great day.

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  36. Wow, not sure I could pick a Civil War favorite! That and WWII are two of my favorite historical genres! I loved Wedded to War, and I've enjoyed Michael Phillips' Shenandoah and Carolina Cousins series, several of Lynn Austin's Civil War books, and Melanie Dobson's LFY in Liberty, IN. Probably others years ago, too! Hard to choose!

    Looking foward to Widow of Gettysburg - whether I win the copy or pick it up on my own!

    Stephanie
    mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com

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  37. STEPHANIE, so glad you enjoyed Wedded to War, and I, too, enjoyed all the Lynn Austin Civil War books, plus several others! Thanks for your interest in Widow of Gettysburg!

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  38. Actually, I am rather new to Civil War stories, but I am finding that I like them. I have always enjoyed books that taught you a little history along with the "story". One of the 1st of these types of book that I read and loved was called The Wedding Dress, By Marian Wells and it told the story of a young girl who is searching for that missing piece in her spiritual life. She meets and marries a Mormon man who eventually wants to marry a 2nd wife. This story takes place in the days of Joseph Smith and includes a LOT of the Mormon history and I found it both enjoyable, intriguing and full of Mormon History, that I did not know before reading the book.
    Vicki OWG
    vmarney(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. VICKI- I am the same way, I like to learn a little history along with my entertainment. :) My favorite historical novels have bibliographies in the back so I can read up on the actual history if I want to, and I often do! So my books also have bibliographies in the back, along with a section called "The History Behind the Story" so I can explain a little more what exactly happened in history in the novel, and what/who was fictional.

      That book by Marian Wells sounds really good! I will have to add it to my ever-growing TBR pile!

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  39. I read it a long time ago & really enjoyed it--I need to find it and rad it again. There is also a sequel to it--seems like maybe even 2... I highly recommend them all!

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  40. I guess that my favorite Civil War Era story would be "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell.
    Thanks!
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  41. I also like Gone With the Wind but I also really love the Refiner's Fire series by Lynn Austin. Thanks for having the giveaway.

    harnessrose(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  42. Good evening, everyone!! :)

    How I have missed dropping by OWG!! My time elapses through my fingers, something firece! I have been wanting to drop a comment on this post, because I discovered Ms. Green's book whilst sorting out which books might be nice to pick up for deployed soldiers, as I volunteer with Soldiers' Angels! At time, this was over a year and a half ago, I decided to hold off, as I couldn't easily get the book -- yet, I always had it earmarked in my head that I wanted to pick up a copy for myself! :) If only to understand their life and world a bit more, as to when I go to write my letters to the soldiers! :) :) Her book stood out to me as being an authentic and real accountment of what it's like to be a military family.

    That's a bit difficult to choose, as although I *ADORE!* Gone with the Wind as many have mentioned, I have not yet read the book, merely have seen the film numerous times! :) Therefore, it's difficult to pink just 'one' Civil War story to highlight, so I will yield to one that took my breath away and captured my heart & soul most recently: The House Girl by Tara Conklin!!

    Ms. Green, what an amazing grace you were given to not only overcome your situation in Homer, but as a method of strengthening your resolve by giving back to other military wives who felt {I am sure!} the same way you did! :) :) I didn't realise there was a sequel, so when I go to Powells, I will surely make sure I can get both! :)

    I am drawn to stories about nurses because they have timelessly given their sacriface for the greater good and without regard for their own well being, if they could be of service to those in their charge. Have you see the WWII drama *So Proudly We Hail* from 1943 OR *Since You Went Away* from 1944!? Both star the acclaimed Claudette Colbert, and showcase ordinary women who dig deep and find the courage and heart to nurse those that need them most under the most extraordinarily difficult of circumstances. On the note of the first film, I hadn't realise that WASPs were deployed overseas until I saw this riveting film one week ago today on TCM's showcasing of 'strong women'!!

    Ooh my, I best wrap this up here, as I am going to comment on the other posts!

    May blessings always rise up to reach you!
    Thank you for being so gracious to offer your books to one of us!

    Jorie
    inkand-blogaways(at)usa.net
    OMG RSS feed subscriber

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