Justin Holcomb

This book is a difficult read, whether you are a victim or not. I am sure you know victims, though, as do I. Too many victims.

This is a powerful, and deep, resource for victims. While it is primarily for sexual assault, I would encourage any victim of abuse, or anyone working with victims of any abuse, to read this book.

I plan on reading this several more times through, as it is too much for me to get in one pass.

What an excellent book for parents to use to teach their children about personal safety. God Made All of Me emphasizes that God made us — all of us — and it was good! It goes on to help children understand good versus bad touching, secrets versus surprises and the child’s power to say NO. The book also helps parents to broach the subject of sexuality — something that may be uncomfortable for them to express. Handled in such a natural manner, children will feel empowered, not scared show more to speak up. The emphasis of the book is on safety and security for the child. It also contains a parent’s section detailing ways to protect a child from sexual abuse. I was impressed with the insertion of God’s word throughout the book — a good reminder for both parents and children. A final reminder comes from Psalm 28:7 — The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

I whole heartily recommend God Made All of Me. The bold illustrations will appeal to children, the message is straightforward and backed by Biblical principles and it gives parents an easy way to talk to their kids without embarrassment. And what could be more important than protecting our kids, especially in an increasingly scary world. God Made All of Me is perfect for the home or church library.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: for child and parent joint reading.

(Thanks to LitFuse for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

The Holcomb's write a very helpful book on the subject of the sin of abuse and the shame it engenders do victims and survivors. It is well written and offers real hope. The stories of survivors show the horror of the subject but also show how the books ideas can change your life. While there are many books on dealing with abuse socially, emotionally Etc, this book deals with the subject theologically. What does God say about abuse? How can faith in God and an awareness of his grace help show more survivors and perpetrators? I also noticed a newer version has a helpful appendix which gives suggestions on what to say and what not to say to a victim. These can also be found online at the Holcomb's website.

One slight quibble is that the Holcomb's depend heavily on Cornelius Plantinga's "vandalism of shalom" paradigm. As DA Carson has shown, this approach is not wrong but it possibly obscured the Bible's teaching on sin. Carson says, "Human sin in Gen 3 certainly destroys human relationships and brings a curse on the creation, but treating this comprehensive odium as the vandalism of shalom makes it sound both too slight and too detached from God. After all, the fundamental act was disobeying God, and a central ingredient in the temptation of Eve was the incitement to become as God, knowing good and evil." Besides this, the book is excellent." Review by Toby.Neal show less

The Holcomb's write a very helpful book on the subject of the sin of abuse and the shame it engenders do victims and survivors. It is well written and offers real hope. The stories of survivors show the horror of the subject but also show how the books ideas can change your life. While there are many books on dealing with abuse socially, emotionally Etc, this book deals with the subject theologically. What does God say about abuse? How can faith in God and an awareness of his grace help show more survivors and perpetrators? I also noticed a newer version has a helpful appendix which gives suggestions on what to say and what not to say to a victim. These can also be found online at the Holcomb's website.

One slight quibble is that the Holcomb's depend heavily on Cornelius Plantinga's "vandalism of shalom" paradigm. As DA Carson has shown, this approach is not wrong but it possibly obscured the Bible's teaching on sin. Carson says, "Human sin in Gen 3 certainly destroys human relationships and brings a curse on the creation, but treating this comprehensive odium as the vandalism of shalom makes it sound both too slight and too detached from God. After all, the fundamental act was disobeying God, and a central ingredient in the temptation of Eve was the incitement to become as God, knowing good and evil."

Besides this, the book is excellent. show less