In our world today, there seems to be an increase in fear and anxiety. As I remember my childhood, I also remember being gripped with fear. At times, my imagination would get the best of me.

My mom used to say to me “the mind is a powerful thing”. She was right. As I pondered this, I recognized my need to guide my thoughts.

In this story (based on my granddaughter's fear of the dark), the little girl battles her fear of nighttime and staying in her room. Even though she is fearless and loves her room during the day, her perception changes when the light goes away, and she cannot see anymore.

In an effort to proclaim herself courageous, she chants the repeated line “I’m brave; I am strong. I can sleep all night long”. Toward the end of the story, the “scary things” are eventually revealed and the little girl realizes that her fears are really just her brother creating all the havoc. She discovers that things are not always as they seem and guiding her thoughts allows her to overcome her fear. More importantly, she learns that she can talk to Jesus about her fear, and she can depend on Him.

I pray this book is a glimmer of hope for you and your children; a reminder that we can overcome anxiety, that Jesus is near, and that we are brave, we are strong, and we can sleep all night long.