Description
God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb is an invaluable resource and beautifully illustrated story to help families talk about sensitive issues with two- to eight-year-old children.
Because the private parts of our bodies are private, home is the ideal environment for a child to learn about his or her body and how it should be treated by others—without conveying a message of shame.
Through carefully written language and relatable storytelling, God Made All of Me helps parents navigate discussion that can so easily be warped into confusion, embarrassment, and secrecy.
Instead of instilling a message that their bodies are shameful—which can often prevent children from recognizing and reporting sexual abuse—Justin and Lindsey Holcomb equip parents to build a first line of defense against sexual abuse in the safety of their own homes.
This helpful guide starts from the fundamental truth that God created everything and applies that truth—the doctrine of creation—to kids and their bodies. With the help of God Made All of Me, parents and caregivers can begin conversations with boys and girls about their bodies, helping kids understand the difference between the appropriate and inappropriate touch of others.
This life-changing resource shows readers how to establish the foundation for a healthy bond with their children to meet increasing challenges of sexuality, which they will inevitably confront in childhood and adolescence. By teaching their children how to establish body and health boundaries, parents are imparting invaluable skills for their kids to express thoughts and feelings.
God Made All of Me is the first children’s book written by Rid of My Disgrace authors, Justin and Lindsey Holcomb. Parents of young children themselves, the Holcombs are profoundly aware of the dangers kids face, and they regularly counsel victims of sexual abuse.
Explore God Made All of Me and find encouragement, clear guidance, and the tools necessary to facilitate open conversations about how your children can protect their bodies, an important step in keeping them as safe as possible.
Author
Justin Holcomb, PhD, is an Episcopal priest and professor of theology and apologetics at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary. Justin is a City Network Leader for Made to Flourish. He serves on the boards of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments), Heart Support, and Leaders Collective. He has authored, coauthored, or edited more than fifteen books on numerous topics, including sexual assault, domestic abuse, biblical studies, and historical theology. He and his wife, Lindsey, coauthored the award-winning children’s book God Made All of Me and God Made Me in His Image.
Lindsey A. Holcomb, MPH, works at Samaritan Village, a safe home and therapeutic program for adult survivors of sex trafficking. She is a former case manager at a sexual assault crisis center and a domestic violence shelter and is the cofounder of REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade). Together, Lindsey and her husband, Justin, conduct a variety of training seminars on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to child, sexual, and domestic abuse. She is also the award-winning coauthor of Is It My Fault?, Rid of My Disgrace, God Made All of Me, and God Made Me in His Image. The Holcombs live in Orlando and are parents of two daughters.
Endorsements
"Protecting our children begins with conversations that help them understand how to protect themselves. Unfortunately, many parents simply aren't equipped to have these often difficult and awkward conversations with their little ones. Tragically, sexual offenders realize this and often target children who have never learned how to protect their bodies. The simplicity of the text and the wonderful illustrations make God Made All of Me the perfect resource for teaching our children this absolutely necessary information. What I love most about this amazing little book is how beautifully it conveys God's love for little ones by wanting them to be safe. As a former child abuse prosecutor, I have no doubt that God Made All of Me will be a major contribution to making our world a safer place for our precious children."
Boz Tchividjian, Executive Director, GRACE; Professor of Law; and former prosecutor
"Justin and Lindsey have written a book to help us protect our children from sexual abuse. In clear and simple language it engages the child in the discussion. Woven throughout is the foundational belief that our children have been purposefully created by God and that every aspect of their being was his idea. I highly recommend God Made All of Me to parents of young children. Love them well by educating them about keeping their bodies safe."
Diane Langberg, PhD, Psychologist
"This is a strange and beautiful book. Strange because it's so unique: exploring God's creation with a view to helping children protect themselves in an increasingly at-risk culture. Beautiful because it hits its mark: instilling practical wisdom in a way that teaches without terrifying. The combined experience of the authors makes this a terrific resource for parents as well. As a father of four, I highly recommend it."
Michael Horton, Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary, California
"A lively, engaging, and straightforward little book, God Made All of Me is the perfect invitation to start a conversation with children about their bodies, boundaries, and the people in their life that make them feel safe. This book is both God-glorifying and visually stimulating and our homes and churches will be safer and more joyful places because of it. "
Rachel Held Evans, blogger and author of Faith Unraveled, author of Searching for Sunday
Tada, Joni Eareckson
