When It's Your Turn to Serve: Experiencing God’s Grace in His Calling for Your Life

Life is full of unexpected obstacles, but there’s no challenge too big for God to handle.

Washington D.C. is crammed with people eager to bend your ear about statistics, polls, and policies. Karen Pence is more likely to talk about beekeeping—if she’s not busy teaching an art class, painting watercolors, or riding her bike.

An elementary schoolteacher who never expected to leave Indiana, Karen found during her extraordinary journey to becoming Second Lady that—despite the turbulence inherent to political campaigning, and through eighteen moves and countless surprises—God’s grace was sufficient.

When It’s Your Turn to Serve is full of heartwarming and relatable stories of being a leader, a teacher, a mom, and a Christian throughout an unpredictable life. From turning up to “Pet Night” on Capitol Hill toting a lizard, two cats, and a dog—only to find it was an event for lobbyists—to getting the unexpected news that her husband had become Donald Trump’s nominee for vice president, Karen has learned to take surprises in stride.

In this warm and deeply personal book, the former second lady shares the lessons she’s learned about God, faith, and family. Brimming with stories that mattered but didn’t make the headlines, the book challenges you to be open when opportunities arise, recognize your purpose in God’s plan, and step up to make a difference when it’s your turn.

This is more than a political memoir—it’s a guide to finding grace, purpose, and strength, no matter what path you’re on.

• Servant Leadership: Discover how to lead with grace and humility in your family, community, and career, inspired by lessons learned from the schoolhouse to the White House.
• Trusting God’s Plan: Follow a journey through eighteen moves and countless surprises, revealing how faith provides a steady anchor in a life of unpredictable challenges.
• Military Families: Gain a heartfelt perspective on the resilience of America’s military families and learn about the healing power of art therapy for our nation’s veterans.
• Family Values: Read heartwarming stories about raising children, nurturing a marriage, and keeping family a priority amidst the pressures of a public life.
• Finding Your Purpose: From beekeeping to painting, this is an encouraging message for women to embrace their unique gifts and answer the call to serve when it’s their turn.

“I’m so thankful for Karen’s willingness to pull back the curtain and share her (and Mike’s) amazing and adventurous journey of faith with us in When It’s Your Turn to Serve. From humble beginnings in Indiana all the way to the White House and beyond, her heart as a wife, a mother, a teacher, a servant, and, most of all, a committed God-follower is truly inspiring and encouraging!”  - Steven Curtis Chapman

“I’m deeply honored to know Karen, and I have watched her navigate some really hard waters—always with her head held high, with dignity and grace. Karen, thank you for vulnerably sharing your story and, as always, encouraging others. Proud to be called your friend.” - Sandi Patty

“Karen Pence has given her time and energy to helping people around the world. She has reached out with a heart for others with words of encouragement, highlighting the joy that comes from experiences gained when it’s your turn to serve.” - Franklin Graham