God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies

Justin S. Holcomb, PhD, is a minister and professor of theology at Reformed Theological Seminary and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has authored, coauthored, or edited more than twenty books on numerous topics, including abuse, biblical studies, and theology. Justin and his wife, Lindsey, coauthored the award-winning children's book God Made All of Me, God Made Me in His Image, and God Made Babies. Justin and his wife, Lindsey, conduct a variety of training seminars on parenting topics such as child sexual abuse prevention, body image, and how to talk about sex. They also provide trainings on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to child, sexual, and domestic abuse. The Holcombs live in Orlando and are parents of two daughters.

Lindsey A. Holcomb, MPH, works in non-profit development and is an advocate for survivors of abuse. 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). Lindsey is also the award-winning coauthor of God Made All of Me, God Made Me in His Image, God Made Babies, Is It My Fault?, and Rid of My Disgrace. Lindsey and her husband, Justin, conduct a variety of training seminars on parenting topics such as child sexual abuse prevention, body image, and how to talk about sex. They also provide trainings on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to child, sexual, and domestic abuse. The Holcombs live in Orlando and are parents of two daughters.

GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) is an organization dedicated to empowering Christian
communities to recognize, prevent, and respond to abuse. Through independent investigations, abuse prevention, training, policy development, and educational resources, GRACE equips churches and other faith-based organizations to create safer communities marked by responsibility, accountability, compassion, and care for children and adult survivors of abuse. Drawing on the expertise of mental health professionals, former prosecutors, theologians, and other specialists, GRACE works to help Christian organizations respond to abuse with truth, integrity, and a commitment to protecting the vulnerable. (netgrace.org)

Trish Mahoney is a graphic designer and illustrator in Seattle where she runs The Mahoney Studio with her husband, Patrick, also a designer and illustrator. They have two children, both budding artists too. Trish is the illustrator for the God Made Me series, The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible Toddler and Preschool Curriculum, and The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible.

"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; author of Inspired, Searching for Sunday, and Wholehearted Faith

"God Made All of Me is a sweet, compelling, brilliantly sensitive invitation to teach your children the beauty of their body and the honor due to being made in the image of God. It offers simple and clear wisdom little ones can grasp about how to protect themselves from inappropriate or unwanted touch. It is the responsibility of every parent and grandparent to address uncomfortable subjects. This glorious resource is an investment in care, protection, and honor. I am grateful I get to read this to all three of my grandchildren."

Dan B. Allender, Professor of Counseling Psychology and Founding President, The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology; author of The Wounded Heart and Healing the Wounded Heart

"I wish my family had this book when I was a little girl because if they did I wouldn't have the sexual abuse story I have today. This is an important, straightforward book."

Mary DeMuth, author of Not Marked: Finding Hope and Healing After Sexual Abuse

"As a parent to a young daughter, I'm already thinking through how to parent well in this area. Too many resources, when I was growing up, made us feel shame because of our bodies, or just simply didn't talk about it. I'm so thankful and completely indebted to Justin and Lindsey for giving us a resource like this."

Jefferson Bethke, author of New York Times bestseller Jesus > Religion

"This is a must-read for any parent who wants to help empower their child to be safe from those who hurt little ones."

Michael Reagan, President, The Reagan Legacy Foundation

"This book is an absolute gift to parents! Finally, there is a quality book that engages children while providing a way for parents to discuss the difficult topic of sexual abuse. This is a vital tool to help parents raise healthy, brave children."

Lindsey Strickland, former child advocate at Sexual Assault Resource Agency, Charlottesville, VA

"It's sad that we have to educate our children in self-protection; but it is profoundly necessary. The good news is we can rejoice that we are God's creation and teach our children to live in that sacred dignity. This book is a great help!"

Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida

"Educating our children about their bodies is one of the most important steps in preventing child abuse. That's why God Made All of Me is a valuable resource. A simple story with colorful artwork, and theological and practical truth—all packed into one small book. Parents, educators, Sunday school teachers, children's ministry directors, and many others should pick up a copy today and read it to their young children."

Deepak Reju, Pastor of Biblical Counseling and Family Ministry, Capitol Hill Baptist Church (Washington, DC); and author of On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse at Church and The Pastor and Counseling