God Is Here
What’s inside...
From the acclaimed author of God Gave Us You and God Gave Us Two, Lisa Tawn Bergren, comes a heartwarming tale about a young child who asks her mother a question about God. “Mama, where is God?” God is in the trees and the birds and the smiles of babies. He is with us when we are sick and when we are well. He is with the nurses and the crossing guards and the social workers. God is always with us. God is here. Lisa Tawn Bergren’s God Is Here is a charming exchange between parent and child, who find joy and comfort in the warm omnipresence of God. Perfect for fans of Matthew Paul Turner's When God Made You, Rachel Held Evans's What Is God Like?, and Joanna Gaines's The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways that the book shows us that God is always present?
How did the story make you feel about your own experiences?
Can you think of a time when you felt a strong presence of love or support?
What are some of the signs in nature or in our daily lives that might remind us of God’s presence?
How can we help others feel the support and love that the book talks about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use gentle prompts to encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the book’s message.
Relate the themes of the book to personal family experiences or observations in nature to make the discussion more relatable.
Allow your child to lead the conversation, giving them time to form and express their own insights.
Revisit the book's illustrations to highlight and discuss the presence of spirituality in everyday settings.
Affirm and validate your child’s feelings and thoughts as they share, building their confidence in expressing their spirituality.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Compassion
Explanation: God Is Here portrays characters showing empathy and kindness towards others, teaching children the importance of helping those in need.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be considerate and caring in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Value of Gratitude
Explanation: The story emphasizes the significance of being thankful for what one has, even in challenging times.
Real-World Application: Instills a habit in children to appreciate their blessings and express gratitude in daily life.
Example Lesson: Importance of Faith
Explanation: Through the narrative, children learn the role of faith in providing strength and hope.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to find solace and courage in their beliefs, especially during difficult situations.
Example Lesson: The Power of Prayer
Explanation: Characters in the book frequently turn to prayer as a source of comfort and guidance, which teaches children about the spiritual practice.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use prayer as a way to find inner peace and make thoughtful decisions.