Finding Strength in Faith

Military life isn’t just about the soldier—it’s about the whole family. In Rising: 100 Meditations, Affirmations, and Prayers for Military Families, author Michele P. Ellison delivers a heartfelt and practical companion for those standing behind loved ones in service. From the long nights of waiting to the heavy burden of worry, she offers words that don’t just comfort but uplift. This isn’t just another devotional—it’s a lifeline for families navigating one of the toughest callings there is.

What makes this book special is how it speaks directly to the heart of military families. Michele doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle but shows how faith can turn even the hardest moments into stepping stones of peace, resilience, and strength. Whether you’re a parent, spouse, or child of someone serving, this book becomes a trusted friend walking alongside you through the journey.

“Love is more than a feeling, more than romantic connection, more than acts of kindness. It is a commitment to how we treat one another in a touch, a tone of voice, an embrace, a glance, a nod of the head, the nurturing. It is about being a love-filled presence; and a presence even when you are not in the same physical location.”

— 𝚁𝚒𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐: 𝟷𝟶𝟶 𝙼𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜, 𝙰𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙿𝚛𝚊𝚢𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝙼𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝙵𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚜, 𝙼𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝟷𝟶, 𝚙.𝟷𝟿

Words That Lift and Heal

The heart of this book lies in its 100 carefully crafted meditations, affirmations, and prayers designed for every season of military life. Each piece offers a dose of encouragement, a reminder of hope, and a practical way to anchor faith when days feel long or uncertain. Michele P. Ellison connects biblical truth with everyday challenges, giving military families a spiritual toolkit to handle stress, loneliness, and fear with grace.

One standout section speaks to the power of affirmations—spoken truths that reinforce identity and strength. Michele doesn’t just offer comforting words but shows how affirmations can actively reframe how families experience hardship. It’s this blend of spiritual wisdom and real-life application that makes the book not only inspirational but deeply useful.

A Voice of Experience and Care

Michele P. Ellison, ACSW, M.Div., is an ordained clergywoman and social worker with years of dedication to supporting military families. As the daughter of a VFW post commander and Ladies Auxiliary president, she understands firsthand the weight carried by those who love and support veterans. She trained at the HealthCare Chaplaincy Inc. and graduated from both the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology of Virginia Union University and the School of Social Welfare at SUNY Stony Brook. Beyond her ministry, Michele has served as a volunteer chaplain to military families, walking alongside them with empathy, strength, and faith.

An Invitation to Rise

Rising: 100 Meditations, Affirmations, and Prayers for Military Families is a must-read for anyone supporting a loved one in the military. The book invites you to lean on faith, find strength in prayer, and rise above the challenges of military life.