With recent tragedies and devastation faced by thousands across the southeast due to Hurricane Helene, many families across our great nation are looking for ways to help those in need. Fortunately, many outlets exist to do just that – like Samaritan’s Purse, for example.

Hopefully, you’ve found a way to share compassion and love by giving and serving in some fashion with your whole family. Unspeakable times like these allow us to teach our kids how to love and care for others like Jesus.

But what else can you do to comfort your little ones who’ve probably overheard many details about brokenness and destruction in the last several weeks?

First and foremost, read God’s Word and pray often. Reassure them how much God loves them. Encourage memorization of verses that help children rely on God’s strength and remind them of His goodness. Listen to worship music, instead of television stations that might broadcast news of the tragedies frequently.

And, surround kids with positive, supportive, and encouraging literature to remind them just how big our amazing Heavenly Father is and always will be.

Here’s a list of great books to read to your kids when the challenges of life seem overwhelming. Look for them in your church or public library or consider ordering them wherever you purchase books.

• It Will Be Okay: Trusting God Through Fear and Change by Lysa TerKeurst
• Zoe’s Hiding Place: When You Are Anxious by David Powlison
• The Anxious Lily by Mary Holloman
• God, I Feel Scared by Michelle Nietert and Tama Fortner
• God, I Feel Sad by Michelle Nietert and Tama Fortner
• Count Yourself Calm: Taking Big Feelings to a Big God by Eliza Huie
• Our God is Bigger by Michelle Medlock Adams
• Love Connects Us All by Michelle Medlock Adams
• I Will Not Be Afraid by Michelle Medlock Adams
• My Arms Will Hold You Tight by Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley
• Is God Always With Me? By Crystal Bowman
• If Jesus Walked Beside Me by Jill Roman Lord
• God Made Me by Hannah C. Hall
• Good News! God Loves You! by Glenys Nellist
• God is Always Good: Comfort for Kids Facing Grief, Fear, or Change by Tama Fortner
• Look for the Pink Ribbons by Joyce McCullough
• With Jesus I Love by G.L. Charles
• With Jesus I am Calm by G.L. Charles
• How Big is God? by Lisa Tawn Bergren
• God is Always With Me by Dandi Daley Mackall
• God Loves Me More Than That by Dandi Daley Mackall
• I’m So Glad You Were Born by Ainsley Earhardt
• God is Hope by Amy Parker
• God is With Us by Amy Parker
• How High is Hope? by Amy Parker
• What Color is God’s Love by Xochitl Dixon

 Keep kids immersed in solid, faith-based literature each day, but most especially when the world seems to be falling apart with uncertainty and tragedy like the recent hurricane.

(And if you were directly impacted by the storm, please know I’m praying for you daily!)

BIO: Julie Lavender is excited about her first picture book launching soon. A Gingerbread House, published by End Game Press releases in early November in time for the holidays. Julie is the author of Children’s Bible Stories for Bedtime, Strength for All Seasons: A Mom’s Devotional of Powerful Verses and Prayers, and other books. Julie is married to her high school and college sweetheart, David, and the two are parents of four adult children and two sons-in-love and grandparents of three little ones. 

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