Every parent knows that children eventually face seasons of fear, disappointment, or uncertainty—whether it is starting a new school, walking through a family health crisis, or lying awake with nighttime worries. How do we help young hearts anchor their courage in God rather than their circumstances?
For Dr. Jeffrey S. Nickle (“Dr. Dime”), founder of The Shield of Light Publishing, that question is deeply personal. After sustaining critical injuries during U.S. Army Special Operations combat deployments in 2017 and spending nearly a year in hospital recovery, he experienced firsthand how Scripture and prayer steady the soul when life changes overnight. As he shared in Medical Daily:
“As a veteran, author, and founder, I understand how to build something meaningful from adversity and aim to use that testimony to inspire hope, action, and faith in every child who picks up one of my books.”
Why Biblical Heroes Speak So Clearly to Anxious or Discouraged Children
One of the greatest gifts of Scripture is its honesty. The Bible never pretends that faithful people have easy, painless lives. Instead, it shows ordinary men, women, and young people who felt afraid or outnumbered—and discovered that God was faithful right beside them:
- When a Child Feels Outnumbered or Afraid of New Places (Joshua & Caleb): In Dr. Dime Presents: Numbers to Color and Joshua to Color, children color through the crossing of the Jordan and the command in Joshua 1:9 to “be strong and courageous” because the Lord goes with His people wherever they step.
- When a Child Feels Small or Overlooked (Samuel, David & Ruth): In Ruth to Color and 1 Samuel to Color, young readers see how God notices quiet faithfulness—from Ruth gleaning in the fields of Bethlehem to young Samuel listening for God’s voice and David trusting the Lord in the Valley of Elah.
- When Bedtime Worries Feel Heavy (The Psalms of Trust & Courage): Dr. Dime Presents: Psalms to Color – Trust & Courage was created specifically to help children ages 3–12 picture God as their shepherd, refuge, shield, and light alongside companion volumes on Prayer & Repentance and Praise & Worship.
Three Gentle Ways to Share Stories of Faith and Resilience at Home
- Name the Feeling First, Then Read the Passage: If your child is nervous about tomorrow, open to a single Psalm or Old Testament story and say, “Did you know David felt scared too when he wrote this prayer?”
- Let Hands Stay Busy While Hearts Listen: Giving a child colored pencils and a page from our Bible Coloring Books (or an Old Testament quest in Kings & Prophets for ages 9–15) lowers tension so they can talk freely without feeling lectured.
- Keep Visual Reminders of God’s Promises Nearby: Many families pair their evening reading with faith-inspired home reminders or Scripture magnets featuring verses of encouragement. Browse the full Dr. Dime Presents Book Collection to find the right story for the season your child is walking through.
Continue Exploring Related Family & Founder Guides
- Read the Full Founder Recovery Story: See From the Frontlines to Faith: How Combat Veteran Dr. Jeffrey S. Nickle Founded The Shield of Light.
- Walking Through Easter Hope Together: Read Holy Week and Easter Bible Reading for Families.
- Old Testament Study for Older Kids (Ages 9–15): Explore Old Testament Bible Study for Tweens and Preteens.
- Teaching the Old Testament in Order: Visit Teaching the Books of the Bible in Order to Kids.
