God Cares for Me: Helping Children Trust God and Love Others (James)
Description
Why do we have to wear a mask? Why can’t we see Grandma and Grandpa today? And what if I get sick? Children have lots of hard-to-answer questions, and Dr. Scott James uses the true-to-life story of Lucas to help with the answers. As children follow Lucas through his sick day, they will discover how God cares for them and how they can care for others when they are sick.
When Lucas wakes up with a sore throat, his parents show that God is always caring for him—even when he doesn’t feel well. They remind Lucas that Jesus is with him even during difficult days, and he can always go to Jesus and ask for help. When he visits the doctor, Lucas also learns how important it is to care for those around him and to make sure that everyone does their best to not let others get sick.
This timely book helps parents and caregivers talk with children about illness and how to keep themselves and others safe when sick. Ideally suited for children between the ages of five to eight, the book teaches that although anyone can get sick, that God is caring for them and will be with them through whatever they face. They will also learn how they can show God’s love to their friends and family by helping to keep them safe.
God Cares for Me is part of the God Made Me Series which equips parents to have important, impactful conversations with their children, helping them to grow in understanding of God, themselves, and others. Each book in the series contains a special section just for parents and caregivers that provides biblical guidance and offers additional information and resources for talking about the topic addressed in the story.
Author
Scott James, MD, serves as an elder at The Church at Brook Hills. He and his wife, Jaime, have four children and live in Birmingham, AL, where he works as a pediatric infectious diseases physician. He is the author of two family worship books, The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the Advent.
Endorsements
“Sickness can be confusing for anyone, but especially for a child. Where can we turn for wisdom in helping children, and those who love them, through such a time? We might wish to turn to a skilled doctor or to an imaginative storyteller or to a trusted church leader. In Scott James, we have all three. This book reassures and strengthens, not with artificial positivity, but with a compelling story of genuine hope that can be grasped by children and grown-ups alike.”
Russell Moore, President, The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention
“Here is the heart of a father, pastor, and experienced doctor brought to bear on the heart of a fearful child. I can’t envision a Christian family with young kids who shouldn’t own this book and regularly rehearse its truths.”
Matt Smethurst, Managing Editor, The Gospel Coalition; author of Before You Open Your Bible and Deacons
“The coronavirus has swept through our world, and with it comes uncertainty, great fear, and confusion for everyone. For kids, it may be disorienting. Scott has provided a helpful book to read to your child who may fall ill with any sickness during this time, giving us the words to say at the right time. You'll too be reminded, ‘Do not fear, Jesus is near.’”
Trillia Newbell, Author of Creative God, Colorful Us,and God's Very Good Idea
"Sickness is a part of our fallen world. For children, this reality can be especially unsettling. In this gentle volume, your kids will learn of the Lord’s love and care and his desire for us to take care of others."
Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family