Inspirational Videos

One Tennessee crossing guard has found a unique way of bringing smiles to the faces of those he serves every day!

There are careers that offer prestige or power, glamour, or financial freedom. Many jobs, though, are rather humdrum and decidedly unflashy. However, while a task or role may be lackluster, the person filling that job can make all the difference!  

Lenzo Thompson is a crossing guard in Rutherford County, Tennessee. For two years, he’s been making sure traffic near Christiana Middle School moves smoothly and kids get to the building safely. That’s a very important, and sometimes challenging, job. It’s a job to be taken seriously, but Lenzo adds a ton of personality and fun to the daily routine of drop-offs and pick-ups. 

You see, Lenzo dresses up in costume to celebrate holidays throughout the school year. He’s been Santa Claus at Christmas, Cupid on Valentine’s Day, and a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day. A staff favorite was a blue bunny outfit that he wore around Easter. 

Here, he’s wearing his awesome birthday suit—literally a suit. Covered in colorful balloons, his navy blue slacks and jacket are a hit. Lenzo adds a sash and crown to the lively ensemble. 

The video even shows him holding gallons of fruit drink while dressed in a furry brown getup. That might just be his big cat costume; Christiana Middle School is the home of the Cougars, after all! 

All of Lenzo’s costumes are top-notch! 

Mr. Thompson’s good work doesn’t end with his fashion choices. His work ethic is superior as well. Sgt. Dustin Cox of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office praised Lenzo for a job well done, saying, “Lenzo comes to work sick. Lenzo — it doesn’t matter if it’s raining, cold, hot — Lenzo’s there and he does it with a smile on his face.”

Parents and kids love his enthusiasm, waving and greeting him on their way in and out each day. Those interactions mean a great deal to Lenzo. He shared with NewsChannel 5 Nashville, “When the kids start waving and everything, it makes me feel better, you know? It’s all about the kids for me.”

Lenzo’s reflective vest and gloves help keep him and others safe, and his costumes make the days brighter for all who go through his intersection. Taking pride in his work and sharing joy, he’s setting a great example for us all! 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” Colossians 3:23 

Emmy Russell reflected on God’s Love and His Plan after she was voted off American Idol.

Most people have a plan and blueprint for their lives and how they see things going in the future. They want to accomplish this by a specific time while also ensuring they do that over there. We all have it worked out, right? 

God doesn’t do things according to our plans and work in our timeframe. He has His timing and doesn’t often consult us to see if His plan works with our schedules. His timing and plan are perfect, and ours is flawed and imperfect. 

Emmy Russell, the granddaughter of the late country music star Loretta Lynn, made it to the top five on American Idol before being voted off the program. She consistently turned in flawless performances, often playing the piano while displaying her beautiful voice. She even sang her grandmother’s classic “Coal Miner’s Daughter” for one of her performances. 

However, she was recently voted off and praised God for His love and perfect plan in a video posted on social media. She understands that her winning American Idol was not part of God’s plan for her life.

“I’m just really feeling grateful, you know?” Emmy said. “I didn’t make top three, you know, but that’s a part of, that was God’s plan.”

She says that even though the voters may not have selected her, she knows her Heavenly Father did.

“You know, it’s funny because before I got eliminated, I really felt like, I think like God told me like, He was like, ‘Emmy, you’re not going to be chosen by America, but I chose you.’”

Emmy is not taking the loss hard because she knows that the one true King has chosen her, and His vote and plan are the only ones that matter.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, said the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

A young man’s emotional and sweet reaction to his mother’s college graduation is sure to capture and melt your heart.

Life is a series of unexpected and unpredictable ups and downs. In that time, everyone experiences monumental life-changing, mountaintop moments. Weddings, births, job promotions and retirements are all big, meaningful and always a cause for celebration. 

Another big, life-changing moment that many people experience every May is graduating and being awarded a diploma. Whether from high school or college, graduating is an achievement. It's a big step in someone’s life that should be recognized and celebrated. Hopefully, obtaining that degree or diploma is a big step toward a better, more prosperous and happier life.

A clip posted on social media shows an adorable young man who became overcome with emotion and understood what a significant achievement graduating from college is. The short 25-second clip is of him and his father watching his mother’s college graduation when the tears start flowing.

The graduates, wearing their caps and gowns, are crowded together in what appears to be a baseball stadium. It seems that the ceremony has just concluded. Several of the people remove their caps while others start to walk in different directions, with the camera focusing on one woman in particular. 

At about the 16-second mark, the man behind the camera speaks up, checking in on his son.

“Oh no, Bubba, what’s wrong?” the father asks the emotional young man.

“I love my mom,” the little guy says. “It’s happy tears, dad.”

The father seems touched by his young son’s happiness over his mother’s educational achievement.

“Oh, my goodness,” the father responds.

What a sweet and precious moment! Mom graduating from college and her son’s joyful, emotional reaction to that special occasion is a memory that mom, dad and their son will cherish for the rest of their lives.

Psalm 37:4 “So will your delight be in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.”

Taekwondo Group Mesmerizes With Golden Buzzer Routine On Britain's Got Talent

You have to watch this taekwondo group mesmerize the judges and audience on Britain’s Got Talent and walk away with a Golden Buzzer routine!

The taekwondo group is called Ssaulabi Performance Troupe, and at the beginning of their performance, all the members huddle together and yell out a group chant. They are bringing the energy right from the start! 

One of the first tricks of the performance is one of the troupe members chopping through 9 concrete slabs with her hand! So impressive! The next trick includes one guy doing a giant backflip and kicking through multiple boards on his way down. What a crazy sight to see! Later, another guy does a running jump while flipping sideways in the air and kicks a board in half. Trick after trick, the routine just continues to get more impressive as time goes on.

“Flying wood everywhere!” says one of the hosts as another trick is happening on stage. The hosts then proceed to put on safety glasses in a comical bit.

The judges are in awe and are screaming and cheering on the group as they watch their performance unfold on stage. When Ssaulabi Performance Troupe concludes their act, the hosts come running from the side of the stage to press the golden buzzer for the group!

“The power, the beauty, the artistry! It blows everything else I’ve seen out of the water!” says judge Bruno Tonioli.

“My goodness, I need more of that!” judge Alesha Dixon says. “I can’t even imagine how much discipline, hard work, and dedication it’s taken for you to achieve what you just did there today. It was exciting! You’ve got us screaming! Genuinely, that might be one of the best things I’ve seen on this show.”

Britain’s Got Talent stage has never seen an act like this before, and we can’t wait to see what this taekwondo group does next at the live shows!

A sweet and lovable pup who was caught on camera being abandoned has found a loving new home.

Animals are unique and fascinating beings. As all pet owners know, animals are different. Each animal possesses a personality, a set of habits and quirks unique to them. Like no two humans are precisely 100 percent alike, the same can be said for animals.

While they are different in many areas, one trait they all share is the ability to find their way into your heart. Spend a few days or even a couple of hours with a cat or a dog, and you’ve got a dear friend, someone you can’t imagine living life without. 

However, there are still some people in this world who cruelly and callously abandon their pets. They choose to do this even when there are many other, better and more humane options. 

A clip posted on YouTube shows a lovable pet being left to fend for itself in a parking lot. The sad, scared and confused pet is seen chasing after the car and the person who just dumped and left the canine in a parking lot by itself. 

Luckily, a kindhearted person saw the dog in the parking lot move and acted instead of ignoring it. When she approached the dog, the woman said the animal was so happy to see someone.

“She was so happy, she was so sweet,” Priscilla Garvey said. “She was like, jumping up on me and was just so lovable.”

Later, the clip points out, Priscilla noticed that the dog’s abandonment and its desperate and heartbreaking move to catch the vehicle and the person who left her. 

After Priscilla posted the heartbreaking footage of the puppy’s abandonment on social media, the dog was driven across the country to her new home in North Carolina. 

“When I saw her video, I truly connected with her and decided, come heck or high water, she would be ours,” Meredith Gintzig-Hayes said. 

Proverbs 12:10 “An upright man has thought for the life of his beast, but the hearts of evildoers are cruel."

In an emotional video, former American Idol contestant Emmy Russell praised and thanked God for caring about the “little details” in our lives.

Life is an unpredictable experience, a series of ups and downs. Unfortunately, we will also experience periods of hurt, sadness and heartache. No one will be able to leave this Earth unscathed and without feeling immense grief and pain. Sadly, that’s part of being a human being. 

However, while we endure that pain and go through those dark valleys, God will remain by our side. He will provide comfort, healing and rest. He is faithful and has promised to stay by our side in our time of need. 

However, because of God’s never-ending love for us, He will go above and beyond simply remaining by our side. He knows us intimately and understands each person’s personality and individual needs. He even cares about the little, often overlooked things in our lives. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, Emmy Russell, granddaughter of late country music legend Loretta Lynn, praises God for caring about the “little details” in our lives. 

Through tears, Emmy says that she was recently thinking back on her “Coal Miner’s Daughter” performance on American Idol and experienced a vision of herself in Heaven with her grandmother.

“I feel like, I saw like, God just bring my grandma, and like, me just like, give her a deep hug, of like, ‘I miss you and I love you,’” she said.

She said that moment and vision from God brought her a lot of healing and closure. 

“I love that God cares about, like, those little details, of, like, healing and, like, having closure,” Emmy said. “And I feel like I just experienced closure listening back to that song.”

She added, “It’s just so sweet that God cares about just every detail of our life.”

Jeremiah 17:14 “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for you are my praise.”

Don’t miss Phil Wickham as he shares an enthusiastic message of the hope each one of us has found in Jesus! Phil Wickham stands out not only as a talented musician but also as a passionate advocate for the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. In his concerts, Phil doesn't just perform; he passionately shares a message of hope, redemption, and salvation.

Sharing the message of Jesus Christ can often feel daunting, especially in a world where beliefs are diverse and opinions vary widely. However, Phil embraces this challenge with fervor and conviction. He reminds audiences of the universal invitation extended by Jesus, echoing the words from Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Phil's message is crystal clear: Jesus is the ultimate source of hope and salvation. He emphasizes Jesus' unconditional love and acceptance, inviting everyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances, to experience the transformative power of Christ's love.

Through his music, Phil paints a vivid picture of the hope found in Jesus Christ. He sings not just of heavenly realms but of the intimate relationship believers can have with their Savior. For Phil, it's not merely about reaching some distant paradise but about encountering the loving presence of Jesus Himself.

The heart of Phil's message resonates deeply with the human experience. In a world filled with uncertainty, pain, and brokenness, people are searching for something—or someone—to anchor their lives to. Jesus Christ offers that anchor—the assurance of forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life.

Phil's unwavering commitment to sharing the message of Jesus Christ reflects on how Jesus came for everyone. He said, “My friends, Jesus came for every one of you. And whether you’ve been to prison, whether you have a past or that you think is too sick and too gross, Jesus is calling every one of you and He is calling every one of you ‘to come and sit at My table, be in My family, live with me forever and be all that you were meant to be. Be all that you were created to be.’ There is hope in Jesus. There is life in Jesus and that’s why I love singing about heaven. Not because it means I get to go to some shiny place but because I get to see Jesus and He loves me! Amen!”

Through his music and testimony, Phil embodies this unapologetic proclamation of the gospel, knowing that it has the power to transform lives.

In a culture that often trivializes or marginalizes matters of faith, Phil's boldness is refreshing. He reminds us that the message of Jesus Christ is timeless and relevant, offering hope and healing to all who are willing to receive it.

Ultimately, Phil Wickham's concerts are not just musical performances; they are opportunities for people to encounter the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Through his passionate delivery and heartfelt lyrics, Phil continues to be a beacon of hope and redemption in the world of Christian music.

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Legendary rock musician Alice Cooper has shared his powerful testimony about his return to and faith in Jesus Christ.

The world is a lost and fallen place, many whose inhabitants don’t know Jesus or may have known Him at one point but have since fallen away. God loves all and does not want to see anyone perish. He even sent His one and only Son to die on the cross, taking our place, but He is a just and righteous God who keeps His word. 

For those who fail and refuse to let Jesus Christ into their hearts, Hell awaits them. That’s a frightening thought, but in a clip posted on social media, Alice Cooper said it caused him to return to Christ. However, Christ’s love ultimately opened Alice’s heart, mind and eyes to see and truly understand God.

“I came to Christ because of my fear of God,” Alice said. “I totally understood that Hell was not getting high with Jim Morrison.”

Alice adds that after returning to the Lord, he heard about God's love, which completely changed his life and perspective.

“But I went to another church, and that pastor preached the love of Christ, which, now you put the two together, and it was exactly right,” he said.

Later in the clip, Alice stated how Jesus Christ came into his heart and changed his life, turning his entire world upside down and allowing him to see clearly for the first time. 

“But when the Lord opens your eyes, and you suddenly realize who you are and who He is, oh,” he said.

This dramatic change caused him to almost give up music, to stop being Alice Cooper the rockstar. However, Alice’s pastor at the time encouraged him to continue music but just one who follows Jesus Christ and now leads out a rockstar lifestyle. 

God has a never-ending love for all, and He will continue chasing after the lost, hoping they turn to Him. However, the ultimate decision of whether we accept Christ or deny Him is up to us.

Romans 5:8 “But God has made clear his love to us, in that, when we were still sinners, Christ gave his life for us.”

Basketball star Caitlin Clark demonstrated unexpected kindness to a handful of her little fans.

Athletes are a group of people that many children gravitate toward. Children’s eyes stay glued to and remain focused on the screen whenever a game is shown on television. The youngsters are amazed by and in awe of their superior athletic ability and hope to emulate them and their skills on the field or court. 

Given their position, athletes are role models, whether they like it or not, with many eyes watching their every move. What an athlete says and does on and off the court can impact and influence children. That’s why what Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark did was so noteworthy.

In a clip posted on social media, Caitlin is at a red carpet event. She goes down the carpet as everyone snaps pictures of her every move. But instead of speaking to the media or posing for photos, she does something unexpected.

The young woman ducked under the rope that separated herself from the other people at the event who were trying to get a glimpse of the basketball star. After going underneath the barrier, Caitlin, with a big smile, walked right up to several young women wearing her No. 22 Indiana Fever jersey.

Caitlin begins signing autographs as the young ladies giggle, seemingly unable to believe she would take the time to greet and interact with them. 

Caitlin has scored more points than any person in NCAA basketball history, man or woman. She was the top pick in the WNBA draft and is arguably the most famous athlete on the planet. However, she still took the time to show a little kindness to a group of young women.

That is a moment those little kids will probably remember forever, and it had nothing to do with what Caitlin did on the basketball court.

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

An elderly woman battling and struggling with late-stage dementia had no problem remembering Jesus Christ, His love and what He did and does for her.

Watching a loved one age and battle health problems is one of the most challenging situations we’ll ever encounter on this Earth. It’s gut-wrenching to watch someone we love deteriorate right before our eyes, knowing there is nothing we can do to ease their pain and suffering. Most would do anything for them, including switching places if possible.

The aging process is often brutal and unforgiving, and it impacts us all. It robs us of our hair, mobility, hearing and sadly, even our memories. Dementia can turn someone who was once sharp as a tack, with a lightning-quick recall, into an individual who cannot remember their own children or even what they had for dinner the night before. 

A clip posted on social media shows an 88-year-old woman who is battling late-stage dementia. Throughout the video, the elderly woman’s daughter asks her a series of questions, testing her memory and ability to remember simple facts. 

The woman off-camera asks the 88-year-old if she knows her mailing address, what she had for lunch that day and what color shirt she wore yesterday. To all of those questions, the woman has no idea, unable to remember and correctly answer any of those questions.

However, near the end of the clip, the woman behind the camera asks the 88-year-old, “Who is Jesus?”

Without even a moment’s hesitation, the elderly woman responds with a coherent and articulate answer to the question about Jesus Christ.

“Well, Jesus is the one who saved me and lives in my heart and will take me home,” she said. 

“I love Him,” the woman adds. 

 What a beautiful and moving, but at the same time, heartbreaking clip.

Acts 4:12 “And in no other is there salvation: for there is no other name under heaven, given among men, through which we may have salvation.”

On the heels of the 40th Anniversary of his 1984 Olympic gold medal win, figure skating legend, Scott Hamilton, explains how his faith has guided him through his cancer fight. 

Scott Hamilton began his battle with cancer in 1997. He recounts his cancer journey with Jennifer Hudson in this clip from his appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. 

When asked how he’s feeling, the 65-year-old olympian jokes, “I’ve never been this old before.” Then, he goes on to say “It’s great.” Scott shares that his first cancer diagnosis, which was testicular cancer, came in 1997. 

After surviving the first bout, Scott was again struck with cancer in 2004—two years after marrying wife Tracie Robinson in 2002. This time, he had a brain tumor, and a biopsy revealed that he’d been born with it. According to Scott, it was this episode that really “ignited” his faith. 

In an interview with People, Scott shared that Tracie inspired him to form a deeper relationship with God, saying, “When you’re skating in front of millions, you pray. When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you pray. But when we started going to church together, it connected the dots for me. I knew all the things that had happened to me weren’t accidental.”      

When the cancer returned in 2010, Scott had 9 surgeries to treat the benign tumor. However, when doctors found yet another benign tumor in 2016, Scott chose not to treat the tumor with the surgical or medical options presented. This time, in his words, he elected to “go home” and “get strong.” 

Scott jokes that he had to “negotiate” his high school diploma. In the same way that choosing “all of the above” may result in being at least a little right, Scott explains that he figured he’d try to get healthy in lots of ways—physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. That’s just what he did!

When he returned to the doctor next, his tumor had not grown. When he returned 3 months after that, it had shrunk by 45%! Scott’s surgeon offered only one explanation for the size reduction. God!

In the years since, Scott’s tumor has shrunk and grown, grown and shrunk, but he has decided to quit thinking about it. Eight years after making that decision, Scott says that he’s never been stronger in his faith and never been stronger emotionally or intellectually. He reports that he has a great quality of life, and Jennifer calls him a “walking testimony.”

The father of four lost his mother to cancer 47 years ago. After going through that, he became a fundraiser, but when he was diagnosed 20 years after her death, he became an activist. He says his mother never had an opportunity for survival, but the work and research of two scientists in Indiana have made it possible for Scott to live many years beyond his initial diagnosis. 

Scott founded CARES (Cancer Alliance for Research Education and Survivorship). The organization is dedicated to the future of cancer, which Mr. Hamilton believes is in immunotherapy. With tears in his eyes, he shares that on the night of his 40th-anniversary celebration, he was able to announce that the research program for the type of cancer that killed his mother will now go into clinical trials! 

Scott Hamilton has persevered to use his talent, faith, and platform to live the best life he can for his own family and to make the lives of so many other families better!

“I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders, and miracles.” 2 Corinthians 12:12 

A soldier’s surprise homecoming leaves his younger brother shocked and overwhelmed with joy and tears. And their touching exchange will likely do the same for (or to) you. Grab a tissue, friends!

Older brother Jake enters the classroom, walks up to Tristan, and rests his arms on Tristan’s shoulders. It’s probably a move that teachers or others do from time to time. The contact doesn’t surprise Tristan, but he gives a little side-eye. When Tristan turns his head to look a bit closer, possibly noticing the army fatigues, he realizes his big brother is standing behind him. 

“Jake!” Tristan calls out his brother’s name in surprise and delight. He laughs out loud with the recognition of his brother, and Jake responds with a brotherly head rub. 

Tristan wraps his arms around Jake’s waist, hugging him for several seconds. Tristan openly cries, but his military bro is probably fighting back tears, too. The teacher assures classmates that all is well; Tristan is just “happy.” That he is! 

Jake has been stationed overseas, and it has been three years since the brothers have seen one another. Theirs is a beautiful reunion. While Tristan and Jake definitely look like brothers, their affection is ever greater evidence of the bond between the two.  

The heart-warming TikTok video went viral and garnered hundreds of comments.

One user joked, “This post threw sand in my eyes.”

Another commenter wrote, “Who’s cutting onions in here.”     

Still, another shared, “I'm clearly allergic to this video... instantly got runny eyes.”

One cried in their coffee; another teared up while on the treadmill. And several expressed appreciation for Jake's service.  

Sibling relationships are special. No one knows us better than those we’ve grown up with. With shared upbringings, brothers and sisters understand intimately where we come from. Sometimes, we take those relationships for granted, but Jake and Tristan certainly don’t. After such a long time apart, they have a lot of catching up to do!

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

These days, fathers are often right by their wives’ sides, providing a supportive role in the birthing of their children. But one Kansas father went the extra mile, helping his wife deliver their baby all alone. This couple inadvertently turned a stretch of highway into his baby’s birthplace.

There are approximately forty weeks to plan the entry of a new life into this world. Doctors and hospitals are established and ready. Additionally, parents-to-be have studied and prepared for those critical, magical moments when their child makes his appearance.

Alas, things don’t always work out as planned. Check out Inside Edition’s report about two babies determined to give their parents a little scare—and great birth stories to share! 

The video first features a Kansas dad who helped momma bring their sweet baby into the world. Captured by the Miami County, Kansas Sheriff’s Deputy’s bodycam, we see police officers approach the man by his parked car on the side of the highway. 

When greeted, Dad proudly shares the good news, “I just delivered my baby.” The officers confirm that the baby is breathing as the man removes his shirt to wrap around the newborn. Dad is on top of it!

Inside Edition next introduces a couple whose baby came a bit early on the side of Interstate 287 in Somerset County, New Jersey. State Troopers arrived to find Mom in labor and on hands and knees beside the car. Within just a couple of minutes, the officers delivered the baby, even untangling the infant’s umbilical cord that had wrapped around his neck. The couple named the lucky little guy “Jack.” 

While the Kansas first responders didn’t get to deliver the baby in this instance, they surely would have done a great job—just as the New Jersey troopers did. But their “congratulations” and fist pump to the delivering dad probably meant a great deal!

Thankfully, both deliveries turned out just fine. However, if this indicates things to come, our Kansas and New Jersey couples may have their hands full!   

“May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!” Proverbs 23:25

A heroic man tackled an armed attacker and saved a pastor’s life during the middle of a church service.

Sin is prevalent and pervasive in the world. One doesn’t have to look far to see and understand this to be true. Turn on the nightly news or visit your favorite news site, and you’ll see story after story of people inflicting harm on one another. 

Everything sin has touched since entering the world back in the Garden of Eden has become much worse. Sin has ruined and ruptured relationships and brought about disease and death. Sin has invaded the workplace, the school system and even the church, as one video shows.

A video posted on YouTube shows a man walking up to the front of the Pennsylvania church, pulling out a gun and pointing it at the pastor who stands behind the pulpit. The armed individual then pulls the gun’s trigger, intending to harm and perhaps even kill the pastor. Luckily, God was at work and the criminal’s gun jammed. 

That miraculous misfire gave one heroic man enough time to run, jump up and tackle the would-be shooter to the ground. Once on the ground, the hero, identified as a church deacon, holds the assailant on the ground while the pastor wrestles the gun out of the attacker’s possession.

The hero, Clarence McCallister, said that even though he rushed in heroically to save the day, he still couldn’t believe his eyes.

“I was shocked,” Clarence said. “I’ve never seen nothing like that in my life.”

The church’s pastor, Rev. Glenn Germany, is understandably eternally grateful for Clarence’s actions, which saved his life. 

Praise God that the gun temporarily jammed and for Clarence’s brave actions that helped to prevent a potentially deadly incident. 

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and take heart, and have no fear of them: for it is the Lord your God who is going with you; he will not take away his help from you.”

Musician and American Idol contestant Emmy Russell has shared what it was like growing up with her grandmother, country music legend Loretta Lynn.

Growing up can be and often is challenging. Like everyone else, children want to fit in and be accepted. Essentially, they are all looking for someone or a group of friends to hang out with on the playground at recess. Who doesn’t want a group of trusted individuals in their corner?

Sadly, people sometimes project their thoughts, feelings and opinions onto you instead of accepting you for who you are. You are that, and so, therefore, you must be this. Emmy Russell knows this all too well, growing up with country music legend Loretta Lynn as her grandmother.

However, in a clip posted on YouTube, Emmy opened up and shared some heartfelt memories about Loretta and talked about what life was like with her “Meemaw.” 

Given who her grandmother was, it's no surprise that Emmy has grown up around music and the entertainment industry. In the short clip, Emmy says that she actually grew up on the road, going on tour with her mother and grandmother. Emmy mentions that she even started singing at just two years old. 

Emmy adds that her grandmother gave her 100 percent access to anything in her closet. 

“You know Meemaw, she doesn’t care,” Emmy said. “Like, ‘Oh, honey, go ahead, you can wear that any time.’ But everyone else was, like, ‘Don’t touch that! That’s like, prize winner!’ And I’m like, ‘That’s just a dress.’”

At the end of the day, Emmy, as much as she is trying to escape the expectations others put on her and forge her own musical identity, will always be her grandmother’s granddaughter. Her birthdate, she reveals, is a big reminder of that fact. She was born on her grandmother and grandfather’s anniversary.

“God was kind of like, ‘I’m going to send her on the day that they got married just to show her that they’re alike,’” she said.

Proverbs 17:6  “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their fathers.”

A heroic 9-year-old boy saved his parents during a terrifying encounter with a tornado.

When people are struggling for something to talk about, they generally default to the present weather conditions. However, as some people in some regions of the country, mainly the Midwest, know, weather conditions can change dramatically without notice. 

Sadly, those rapid weather changes can result in storms and other damaging and deadly natural disasters, like tornadoes. Powerful tornadoes can uproot trees, rip through houses, businesses and destroy lives within a matter of seconds. Having an emergency plan is always a good idea in case of a tornado. One can never be too prepared if tragedy were to strike.

However, having an emergency preparedness plan and actually carrying it out and executing it are two entirely different things. People may have all the knowledge in the world about what to do during a tornado but freeze up when a tornado strikes. All that information and preparation would have been for nothing.

One young man, 9-year-old Branson Baker, did not free but instead quickly acted and saved his parents’ lives when their truck crashed during a tornado. The storm uprooted a tree, which hit their vehicle. Branson’s parents were injured and stuck in the truck.

Thankfully, Branson was able to get out of the damaged truck. Instead of remaining frozen in fear, the little guy started a mile-long trek to get help. Eventually, Branson returned to the scene with help for his mother and father.

Branson’s father, Wayne, understands that his son acted when other children his age or adults would have been as brave and heroic. 

“Branson sprung into action really quick,” Wayne said. “He’s a very courageous son. For a 9-year-old boy, not many adults would have done what he did.”

Wayne added that he could not be “more proud of a son that could accept a challenge in that way.”

Branson is undoubtedly a hero, putting aside his fears and trepidations to save the lives of others. 

John 15:13 “Greater love has no man than this, that a man gives up his life for his friends.”

A man’s compassionate act frees a deer trapped in chains. In a heartwarming display of compassion and bravery, Detective Randy Catalina Island exemplified the true essence of human kindness by rescuing a distressed buck tangled in chains. The incident unfolded one afternoon as concerned passersby noticed the unfortunate animal trapped near a stairway on a hillside.

Detective Randy was just coming home from work when he was asked if he could help a neighbor free the frightened buck. With a sense of urgency, the community rallied together to aid the helpless creature. Detective Randy, undeterred by the potentially perilous situation, fearlessly took charge of the rescue effort. Equipped with bolt cutters provided by a thoughtful neighbor, he ascended the stairs toward the distressed buck.

Despite the tension in the air, Detective Randy approached the scene calmly, his soothing words serving as a beacon of hope for the beleaguered animal. The buck, its antlers ensnared in the unforgiving chain, appeared visibly exhausted from its futile struggle for freedom.

Undeterred by the daunting task ahead, Detective Randy meticulously made several cuts in the chain, each snip-inching the deer closer to liberation. With each cut of the bolt cutters, a collective sense of anticipation filled the air, mingled with palpable relief as the final link fell away.

In a moment that epitomized triumph over adversity, the deer, now freed from its entanglement, bounded away into the safety of the surrounding wilderness. A chorus of jubilant cheers erupted from the onlookers as they witnessed the majestic creature reclaim its freedom.

As the sun began its descent over the tranquil landscape of Catalina Island, the memory of this remarkable rescue served as a poignant reminder of the power of compassion and community. In a world often fraught with challenges, it is moments like these that reaffirm the enduring bond between humans and the natural world, reminding us of our capacity for empathy and kindness.

Isaiah 58:10 “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday."

One man’s emotional reaction after his wife reveals she is pregnant will cause your heart to melt.

Becoming a parent is one of the Lord’s biggest and best blessings. Being a mother and father is also the most important title you’ll ever obtain. Children can be tiring and wear on your last nerves, but nothing beats being a father or a mother.

However, becoming a father or a mother can be challenging. Couples can try for years without success. Attempting to get pregnant can be an emotional rollercoaster that wears on an individual’s nerves and damages a couple’s relationship. 

That is why a video posted on social media of one young man’s emotional reaction to learning about his wife’s good news is understandable and beautiful. 

The short 33-second clip begins with the woman standing with her back to the camera. She seems to be holding a piece of paper or something with a message for her husband, letting him in on the good news. Text pops up in the middle of the screen indicating the couple has had difficulty getting pregnant.

“Telling my husband of 10 years im pregnant with our first baby,” the text reads.

About 12 seconds into the clip, the husband walks into the house. He does so slowly and cautiously, almost as if he suspects something big is about to take place. Soon after he enters the room, his mouth falls wide open, likely from reading his wife’s note.

He cannot believe the news. The wife assures him that she is pregnant, having taken several pregnancy tests to confirm her suspicion.

“Are you kidding?” the husband asks.

That’s all he can get out before he becomes overwhelmed with emotions and breaks down in tears. 

The two share a loving embrace, and the husband declares, “I’m so happy,” right before the clip ends.

Proverbs 22:6 “If a child is trained up in the right way, even when he is old he will not be turned away from it.”

A group of heroic motorists put their lives at risk to help rescue a man from a burning car on the side of the road.

Most people lead hectic lives. Everyone has family and work obligations, which they have to complete in a limited amount of time. That’s why so many individuals have resorted to multitasking. That activity supposedly helps them get more things marked off their to-do list, making the most of their limited time. 

When most people are in a time crunch and focused on quickly getting one thing after another done, they tend to forget about others. They get so wrapped up in their world that they forget about other people's needs. It’s not great to admit, but it most certainly happens. 

However, luckily, a clip posted on YouTube shows a group of individuals who showed enough concern and care for a stranger to put their own lives at risk. They weren’t too focused on their world and their problems to help someone whose life was in danger.

In the short, one-minute-long clip, a car is on the side of an interstate in Minnesota with flames all around it. Smoke wafts into the air while the vehicle’s driver remains in the car. This is no doubt a life-or-death situation.

Seconds into the video, several people stop their cars and run toward the scary, fiery scene. Soon, more and more people are near the car, working desperately to open the car’s door. But their initial efforts weren't successful.

Then, they are able to pry the driver’s door open slightly. Another man uses an object to bash the window. Someone else, a Department of Transportation employee, comes along and is able to break the window. Through the window, the concerned and heroic group of motorists pull the man out of the vehicle.

As they pull the man out of the car, the flames shoot up even higher, basically engulfing the vehicle.

According to the clip, a follow-up report stated that, amazingly, there were no injuries. 

Praise God for those motorists’ heroic efforts and the fact that the driver was not even injured. 

John 15:13 “Greater love has no man than this, that a man gives up his life for his friends.”

A kind note from a customer was enough to bring a Starbucks employee to tears, meaning more to her than that customer would have ever imagined.

Life can be a painful experience, dealing people blow after blow. A lot of people, on any given day, are going through something. Most of those individuals are hurting, struggling and fighting a battle, often in complete silence. 

They may not tell a single soul of their present hurt or heartache. That’s why instances of simple and unexpected kindness can have massive, widespread and even life-changing outcomes. We can never be too sure how much our actions will impact the lives of those around us, for good or bad.

One Starbucks employee posted on TikTok to explain how a customer’s unexpected kind note and the money inside the note changed her life. 

The woman begins by explaining that she works the early-morning shift at Starbucks and absolutely loves her job. She states that one morning, she noticed a customer who appeared to be struggling. The woman in the video indicates that she went out of her way “to get her smiling.”

Then, minutes later, something unexpected happened. 

The customer handed the manager a note with orders to give it to the happy, cheerful Starbucks employee. The customer’s note thanked the woman for her pleasant demeanor, saying she was the first person who had been kind to her in that city. 

In the customer's note, there was also $200. Little did the customer know that the kind Starbucks employee had recently lost her mother and that money would allow her to purchase an urn for her mother’s remains. She was struggling with this and worrying about how to come up with the money to buy one. 

This sweet and touching video exemplifies how much a little act of kindness can change someone’s life for the better. God can use the smallest, seemingly insignificant act for good. 

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”