Help All Children Know They Are Loved

Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur reviews Catholic Mom contributor Janele Hoerner’s new book, Jesus Said, ‘Be Not Afraid!’ 

Jesus Said, "Be Not Afraid!"

By Janele Hoerner; illustrated by Juliana Jamieson

Published by Mama Mary Inspirations Press

Written for “Forgotten Children”

Inspired by her own family, Janele Hoerner wrote Jesus Said, “Be Not Afraid!” for the siblings of children with special needs. The book blurb states:

A special needs child will require extra care from their family during their lifetime, but most of us only think of the affected child or their exhausted parents. There is usually little to no support for the other children in the family ... These children are longing to hear the loving words of Jesus, calling out to them during the dark storms of life, speaking, “Be Not Afraid!”

The story, written in a sonnet sequence, is told from the perspective of the older brother of a child with special needs. He feels lonely and empty, longing to be somewhere else. He wonders why God makes people different and whether God truly loves everyone.

Important Lessons for All

While this book is intended for siblings of those with special needs, its message is a good reminder for all of us. The poem has a gentle refrain of:

Remember Jesus said, “Be not afraid,”
In Him, you have been wonderfully made!”

The book shows Jesus suffering and dying for us. It also reminds us that we all have families both here on earth and in Heaven, and that Jesus calls all of us, regardless of our circumstances, to serve and pray for each other. We need to trust in Jesus and do our best in this life so that we can be with Him in heaven.

It also serves as an important reminder to parents to make time to focus on the “forgotten” children. As a special needs mom myself, I know what a challenge that can be. There are only so many hours in a day, and we moms can feel stretched so thin, but every child needs to feel loved and special. And when we moms are suffering under the weight of our responsibilities and battling anxiety, we can remember that Jesus also tells us, “Be not afraid!”

The lovely illustrations by Juliana Jamieon enhance the text, making this book a joy to look at as well as read. Jesus Said, “Be Not Afraid!” is aimed at children ages 5-12, but its message can be appreciated by a much wider audience. At the back of the book, Hoerner has included theological references that inspired the text.

Read more Catholic Mom articles on raising children with special needs. 

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Copyright 2026 Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur
Images: (top) detail from cover
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