LJ & Family
The First Swim: A Bible Story for Kids About Courage and Being Brave
Episode 3 of LJ & Family, a free animated Christian cartoon for kids ages 3–10. Watch the 3:10 video together, then use the free family guide, Sunday school lesson plan and coloring page below.
The story
LJ loves swim day until Coach Nia says it is time to put your face in the water, and he is the only one who stays up. The next week he says his stomach hurts and sits on the bench, dry, until Mom prays with him in the car and Dad tells him about being afraid of the lake when he was small. Dad gives him Grandpa's old fishing bobber and God's promise, walks him in, and simply stays — and LJ takes one big breath and swims all the way across.
“Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”Joshua 1:9 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together
Talk about it
- What was LJ afraid of, and what did he say instead of saying he was scared?
- Dad did not say very much at the pool. He just stayed. Why did that help LJ?
- What is something that feels a little scary to you, and who can be beside you while you try it?
Pray together
God, when I am afraid, help me trust You. Thank You for the people You put beside me. Give me a brave heart today, and remind me that You go with me wherever I go. Amen.
Free printables for this episode
Everything is free to print and share at home, in class or at church.
Get the books
The First Swim is collected in the LJ & Family Story Collection, Volume 1, a hardcover with four episodes.
For parents
How do you help a scared child try something new? This episode gives you a gentle way to start that conversation. Watch it together, then ask the three questions above at dinner or bedtime.
A ready-to-teach Sunday school lesson about courage and fear
The free lesson plan turns this video into a 30–45 minute lesson for children’s church or Sunday school: welcome question, the video, the Bible story, an activity, the memory verse and a closing prayer.
- Ages
- 3–10 (preschool to grade 4)
- Memory verse
- Joshua 1:9 (WEB)
- Bible story
- God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9)
- Theme
- Facing fear
- Video
- 3:10, captions in English, Español, Português and Français
Save this lesson for later
Pin it to your Sunday school or family devotions board so it’s there when you need it.
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