Ebook
A field guide for military spouses who did not know what they'd signed up for.
“You knew what you signed up for!” Megan B. Brown has heard that hint of condescension more times than she cares to remember. But did she? Honestly, no. She fell in love with a military man and had dreams of adventure.
In much the same way, when we surrendered our lives to Jesus Christ, we really had no idea what we were “signing up for.” We were probably so overwhelmed by His love; we weren’t necessarily focused on the sacrifices that would follow.
Five moves. Ten different houses. Four children. Two deployments to combat zones. Megan has discovered that this lifestyle takes its toll. She has sacrificed jobs, communities, friendships, and personal dreams. She has comforted children who’ve cried themselves to sleep over missing their father. She has bravely stood in the gap when her husband had boots on the ground somewhere else.
In Know What You Signed Up For, Megan helps military spouses see that we’re right where we’re supposed to be—chosen for this specific time and place. We’ll find life in our roles as military spouses, mothers—or spiritual mothers. We’ll discover the passion of the gospel, the wisdom held in God’s Word, and the strengthening of His church. We’ll hear His call to be radically hospitable and unconditionally loving. Together, we’ll see what it means to follow Jesus, love people, and live on mission.
“This is a wonderful book by Megan Brown, my friend and sister in Christ. I could hardly put it down I was so caught up in the encouragement, honesty, and wisdom it contains. Written with military wives as the target audience, this book is for women everywhere who want to be disciples and disciple-makers for King Jesus. Know What You Signed Up For is a gift to the church of the Lord Jesus. Read it and be blessed!”
—Dr. Daniel L. Akin
President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; Senior Professor of Preaching and Theology
“‘I didn’t sign up for this!’ What wife hasn’t uttered a version of those words (at least in her heart)? But you didn’t just enlist for marriage, you signed on for marriage to a military man. You already know that adds an extra layer of pressure, pitfalls, and potential heartache.”
—Erin Davis
Author and Bible teacher
“A must-read for anyone accompanying their loved one into military life!”
—Erica Wiggenhorn
Speaker and author of An Unexpected Revival: Experiencing God’s Goodness through Disappointment and Doubt
“With gut-wrenching honesty Megan Brown gets real about the exhilarating highs and the excruciating lows of combining marriage with the challenges of military life. Her focus is spot-on—keep your eyes on Jesus, lavish love on others, open your heart and your home, accept your imperfections—and get wise counsel. Megan provides raw honesty, in-depth knowledge of God’s Word, and nuggets of truth throughout this not-to-be-missed book. Know What You Signed Up For should be read by every military spouse.”
—Carol Kent
Executive Director of Speak Up Ministries, speaker, and author of When I Lay My Isaac Down
“Megan has written a beautiful invitation to live life on a mission and thrive asa military spouse because she is living the life of a military spouse. Megan’s transparency and authenticity as she writes will make any military-connected woman feel like they are having a cup of coffee and conversation with a friend who understands. This conversation will come with both a challenge and ideas for the next steps. How do I take my unique position as a military spouse and thrive on a mission with God? This book should be mandatory reading for all military spouses, both those who are seasoned in this unique lifestyle and those that are brand-new. What a toolbox this book is!”
—Jennifer Hand
Executive Director of Coming Alive Ministries and author of My Yes Is on the Table: Moving from Fear to Faith
“Our generation needs Megan’s passionate call to step out into all that the Lord has ordained for such a time as this. The Holy Spirit at work through her will inspire you to step out more fully into the calling to serve and love the many local military communities in creative, biblical, Christ-honoring ways. She provides actionable, practical wisdom that will empower you to do what only He can do through you. Fair warning: do not read Know What You Signed Up For unless you want to be challenged to deeper kingdom work!”
—Stephanie Rousselle
Founder and Director, Gospel Spice Ministries; host of the Gospel Spice Podcast
“Megan communicates a message in the language of the military spouse community: a message of the gospel and the foundational principles needed for living the Christian life. This resource is a blessing, as Megan and her family are to all of us at Back Bay Church.”
—Adam S. Bennett
Lead Pastor of Back Bay Church
“Megan Brown learned the value of commitment and duty when she married a man who signed up to serve the nation. As a military spouse, she has made sacrifices that few other parents or marriage partners can comprehend. That makes her uniquely qualified to write a book about the joys and the challenges of following Jesus. This book is a powerful reminder of what you signed up for when following King Jesus.”
—Jeff Strueker
Pastor, Two Cities Church; former Army Ranger, Third Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Silver Star Recipient, and Army Ranger Hall of Fame Inductee