What heroes do your kids look up to?

Boys and girls need better examples than secular YouTube celebrities and pop music stars. They need real heroes that will inspire courage, truth, charity, and perseverance.

The popularity of the Odyssey shows us how we long for moral heroes. The ultimate place to find heroes is in the Bible. How can we help Biblical heroes come alive for boys and girls?

New York Times bestselling author Joshua Cooley joins Arlene to unpack his Heroes of the Bible devotionals. You'll hear why figures like Gideon prove that God works through weakness rather than natural strength, and get practical ideas for building a family Bible-reading rhythm, managing kids' phone use, and helping young athletes root their identity in Christ instead of their sport. Joshua serves at the editor of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes magazine. If your kid has ever faced disappointment on a team, Josh also offers a Bible-based way to talk them through it. He also shares the story behind the football memoir he co-authored with Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles.

03:56 – Why boys need heroes right now

05:36 – Gideon: hiding in a ditch and becoming a "mighty man of valor"

07:27 – Inside the Heroes of the Bible devotional format

14:06 – Building a family Bible-reading rhythm that actually sticks

20:00 – What worries Josh about kids and phone use today

21:58 – Sports, identity, and glorifying God through athletics

27:27 – Helping a kid handle not making the team

Find out more about Joshua Cooley and his books on his website.

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

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Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)

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