Inspirational Videos

My two-part interview with Brittany Braswell, non-diet RD continues with Brittany and I discussing her list of 7 reasons we hold on to ED (eating disorder) behaviors. She takes us through all of the reasons why we may keep turning to our disordered eating or eating disorder behaviors because, in some way, these behaviors are meeting emotional/deeper needs for us. From control to anger issues, and from anxiety and stress to stuffed emotions--you'll be interested and amazed to see all the ways how we treat food can really be about something deeper. Getting real food freedom comes in part when we can learn what's beneath our food related behaviors. Here's what else to expect from today's show:

• Learn about the circle of control and how control issues around food and exercise can show up as young as age 8.
• Isaiah 55 and our control issues
• How being the wardrobe police for your husband may be a control issue
• Control may not lead us where we hope it will lead us
• Brittany explains how, "There's no body size that makes us enough or not enough to the Lord."
• And, so much more!

Today Heather talks with Shannon Popkin and Lee Neinhuis, authors of a new book about comparison for teen girls, about how women of all ages are tempted to compare themselves to others. The trio discusses the challenge of finding identity in Christ. The struggle to figure out how God made you and what he made unique about you while wanting to fit in and not be "different" from everyone else. Lee and Shannon offer beautiful stories and illustrations that will encourage you and equip you to encourage a teen in your life who may struggle with comparison. 

• Do you struggle with comparison?
• Does a teen in your life seem to always be comparing herself to others?
• Do you wonder how to effectively encourage teens not to compare themselves to others and to learn confidence in Christ?

Then this episode is for you!

Today I sit down with my friends Erin Todd and Char-Lee Cassel--hosts of the Intuitive Eating for Christian Women Podcast--to talk about the key take aways from the interviews I've done with non-diet dietitians through the Fall. Char Lee is a registered dietician and exercise physiologist. Erin is an attorney by day and a food freedom fighter by night. Both of these women are passionate about helping others find freedom from diet culture, food obsession, and eating disorders.

This episode is so good, friends. You'll probably need to listen twice. Today we talk about:

• What really happens in your body when you starve it (why it feels SO good to be calorie deficient.) This answer will stun you.
• How incredibly compassionate God was in how he created our bodies and responses to starvation.
• What the difference is between intuitive eating and "eating whatever you want" with a diet mentality still present.
• How to handle the candy (and how it worked for me when I took Dr. Stefani Reinold's advice after this episode.) 
• How Char Lee handles treats with her child. (Your mind will be blown.)
• And so much more.

Praise for Jesus and his mother

In the bustling heart of New York City, amidst the rush of the subway system, a profound act of heroism unfolded that would resonate deeply beyond the crowded platform. Jordan, a tourist from Las Vegas, found himself suddenly thrust into a life-or-death situation when an unconscious man fell onto the tracks. Without a moment's hesitation, Jordan and another stranger leaped into action.

Amidst the chaos of shouting bystanders and frantic calls for help, Jordan acted swiftly, driven by instinct and compassion with another good samaritan. Together, they carefully lifted the unconscious man to safety, their adrenaline-fueled efforts ensuring his swift rescue. Jordan credits the speedy rescue and the ability to lift the unconscious man onto the platform with little effort, thanks to his hobby of rock climbing. 

He also unknowingly put his life on the line because he wasn’t aware of the dangerous third rail’s deadly charge like most New Yorkers do. Once he learned about the danger, he was relieved and felt protected by God’s hands as he crossed the electrically charged rail back and forth to the other side of the rail station multiple times.

As emergency services arrived and the injured man was secured, Jordan's demeanor remained remarkably composed and calm. He returned to the platform's edge, ready to resume waiting for his subway train, though the gravity of his actions began to sink in. He had risked his life multiple times, navigating the electrified rails with the enthusiasm of the rescue.

Later reflections humbled Jordan, realizing God had used him as an angel on earth that night. His selfless bravery illustrated the power of human kindness and the courage that emerges in crisis. In the aftermath, Jordan's story spread widely, touching hearts and inspiring others with its profound message of hope and compassion.

In a world often fraught with turmoil and uncertainty, Jordan's actions serve as a reminder that heroes can emerge from unexpected places. His bravery stands as a testament to the divine potential within each of us to make a difference, to be a light in someone's darkest moment. Jordan, an unwitting angel on earth, exemplified the extraordinary impact of ordinary acts of courage and compassion.

John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

A child celebrates cancer remission with groovy dance moves that make you want to join in! Dancing is the ultimate celebration, where we groove through life's milestones—whether tying the knot, welcoming a new life, earning that promotion—. Still, the most triumphant dances are when we conquer monumental challenges. 

A touching video has captured people's hearts worldwide in a heartwarming celebration of life and triumph over adversity. Little Wishes, on its TikTok page, shared a poignant moment when young Nico received the incredible news that he was cancer-free after battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia for two years.

The video commences with Nico bursting out of his hospital room, welcomed by a sea of cheering friends and family lining the hallways as “Walking On Sunshine” played in the background. Pom poms waved enthusiastically as Nico and his little brother broke into a spontaneous dance of pure joy. The atmosphere was electric as confetti rained down around them, symbolizing the end of Nico's grueling treatment journey. This heartwarming scene underscores the power of community support in Nico's recovery.

One of the most poignant moments came when Nico had the honor of ringing a special bell, a cherished tradition marking the completion of cancer treatment. The sound echoed triumphantly, resonating with the relief and happiness felt by everyone present.

But the celebrations didn't end there. Nico's family surprised him with a heartfelt gift—a brand-new bike, his first ever. The little boy's face lit up with delight as he eagerly tested out his new wheels, a symbol of newfound freedom and hope for the future.

Nico's infectious joy and the overwhelming support from viewers have catapulted the video to viral status, and it was featured in numerous publications within days of its posting. This widespread recognition and the outpouring of support serve as a testament to the video's ability to inspire and uplift, spreading a message of resilience, community strength, and the importance of celebrating life's victories, no matter how small they may seem.

As we witness Nico's journey from illness to recovery, we are reminded of the power of hope and the beauty of moments that bring us together in solidarity and happiness. Nico's dance of celebration is not just his alone; it is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome and thrive, inspiring countless others to keep dancing through life's challenges.

Thank God for moments like this that remind us to celebrate. What a blessing it is that Nico has been healed of cancer! His journey is a testament to the power of hope, faith, and the love and support of family and friends.

Psalm 103:2-3 "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases."

A child celebrates cancer remission with groovy dance moves that make you want to join in! Dancing is the ultimate celebration, where we groove through life's milestones—whether tying the knot, welcoming a new life, earning that promotion—. Still, the most triumphant dances are when we conquer monumental challenges. 

A touching video has captured people's hearts worldwide in a heartwarming celebration of life and triumph over adversity. Little Wishes, on its TikTok page, shared a poignant moment when young Nico received the incredible news that he was cancer-free after battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia for two years.

The video commences with Nico bursting out of his hospital room, welcomed by a sea of cheering friends and family lining the hallways as “Walking On Sunshine” played in the background. Pom poms waved enthusiastically as Nico and his little brother broke into a spontaneous dance of pure joy. The atmosphere was electric as confetti rained down around them, symbolizing the end of Nico's grueling treatment journey. This heartwarming scene underscores the power of community support in Nico's recovery.

One of the most poignant moments came when Nico had the honor of ringing a special bell, a cherished tradition marking the completion of cancer treatment. The sound echoed triumphantly, resonating with the relief and happiness felt by everyone present.

But the celebrations didn't end there. Nico's family surprised him with a heartfelt gift—a brand-new bike, his first ever. The little boy's face lit up with delight as he eagerly tested out his new wheels, a symbol of newfound freedom and hope for the future.

Nico's infectious joy and the overwhelming support from viewers have catapulted the video to viral status, and it was featured in numerous publications within days of its posting. This widespread recognition and the outpouring of support serve as a testament to the video's ability to inspire and uplift, spreading a message of resilience, community strength, and the importance of celebrating life's victories, no matter how small they may seem.

As we witness Nico's journey from illness to recovery, we are reminded of the power of hope and the beauty of moments that bring us together in solidarity and happiness. Nico's dance of celebration is not just his alone; it is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome and thrive, inspiring countless others to keep dancing through life's challenges.

Thank God for moments like this that remind us to celebrate. What a blessing it is that Nico has been healed of cancer! His journey is a testament to the power of hope, faith, and the love and support of family and friends.

Psalm 103:2-3 "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases."

Meet Elizabeth Lawlor, a 30-year-old woman who finishes the Boston Marathon and gets a heartwarming proposal. As she approached the final stretch, her heart was filled with anticipation. Her boyfriend, Andrew Chuma, had already finished the race, and she was eager to reunite with him. Little did she know, a life-changing surprise was about to unfold.

Their journey together began through the Boston Marathon itself, a race known for its stringent qualifying standards. Many runners opt to participate through charity sponsorship, and just a year before this race, 28-year-old Andrew and his brothers had organized a 3-mile fundraising run for Colin's Joy Project, a marathon charity. It was there that fate intervened, and Andrew met Elizabeth. When he later made a $100 donation on her fundraising page, Elizabeth reached out to thank him, and a romance blossomed.

Fast-forward a year, and Andrew had secretly planned a heartwarming proposal at the marathon finish line. "I decided to make it a full-circle moment," he said. And it was very special."

For Andrew and Elizabeth, the spirit and mission of this charity are the bedrock of their relationship. Andrew expressed his desire for their bond to embody resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. He said, "I want our entire relationship to be based on this concept. It's not because something bad happened; it's because something bad happened and then a couple of people decided to pick up the pieces and be resilient and keep it going."

As Elizabeth, exhausted but elated, crossed the finish line, she spotted Andrew waiting for her. He handed her a letter, pouring out his feelings and expressing how much she had changed his life. Then, in a moment that would change their lives forever, he dropped to one knee, presented a ring, and asked her to marry him. Overwhelmed with joy and tears, she said yes, surrounded by the cheers of fellow runners and spectators. It was a full-circle moment, a testament to love, resilience, and the unexpected beauty that can arise from even the most challenging circumstances.

Their story is a heartwarming reminder of the power of community, the strength found in shared purpose, and the unbreakable bonds forged through love and perseverance. Elizabeth and Andrew's journey serves as an inspiring beacon of hope, love, and resilience for all who hear it.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

The False Gospel of Weight Lossb with Heather Creekmore

Today Heather has a fascinating discussion with Tamara Rosier, PhD about the connections between ADHD and body image issues and eating disorders. Heather explores this topic as an extension of personal research she’s been doing about her own undetected ADHD type symptoms and traits. Dr. Rosier walks Heather through several ways that ADHD connects and may contribute to body image issues and eating disorders including:

• How the ADHD (neurodivergent) brain operates from the limbic system instead of the prefrontal cortex, making our bodies stay in a “fight or flight” response, which makes us constantly feel threatened or unsafe.
• How ADHD or neurodivergence is often is found in high-functioning women.
• Why ADHD makes it hard to do mundane or repetitive tasks.
• How ADHD can make us perfect victims for narcissists.
• How Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria connects to body image issues and potential eating disorders or disordered eating.
• Why the hyper vigilance of the ADHD brain may cause us to overdo it in exercise.
• Why the neurodivergent may experience the feelings of being “all or nothing” – Either working too hard/overworking or doing nothing at all.
• How ADHD responses are similar to trauma responses, though some have both operating at same time.
• Why being curious about what’s going on in your brain is helpful.

Head Knowledge Versus Heart Knowledge with Heather Creekmoore

ADHD - Body Image and ADHD with Dr. Tamara Rosier

If you're a Christian woman who has tried everything to improve her body image, yet felt like nothing has worked. This is for you! Spend 40 days searching scripture and answering questions to improve your view of you! Unlike other workbooks, this book reads like a regular, full-size book. Choose to read it like a normal book, or choose to work through it like a course. Either way, you'll be changed!

The words recorded in Scripture are much more than wise principles upon which to build one's life. And while, reflecting deeply upon them helps to transform our thinking and rewire our brains toward increased peace, these timeless truths do more than that. They contain supernatural power to fight back darkness and fortify our souls. In this episode, Bible teacher and host of the Unshakable Hope podcast Kelly Hall and Jennifer Slattery talk about Scripture they turn to when they feel afraid.

Ever feel like what you are doing in your life is meaningless? Ever feel jealous of others because of the special things they are doing, especially when it comes to serving God? You’re not alone … www.toughquestionsforgod.org #godhelpme #dailydevotion

U.S. Olympic gold-winning swimmer Lilly King received a surprise poolside proposal at the Olympic swimming trials.

Athletes train and prepare their whole lives to make it to the Olympics. They put their blood, sweat and tears into their craft, working to improve through sheer will and determination. That level of competition is fierce and incredibly cut-throat, where the slightest false move or error could be the difference between winning gold and not medaling at all.

Being an Olympic-level athlete requires intense focus, commitment and preparation. Typically, making the team and scoring a medal in their particular sport or event is the only thing on their mind, their driving focus. However, one Olympic swimmer got a sweet and heartwarming surprise right after she got out of the pool.

Lilly King, a gold medal-winning swimmer, had just finished qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team heading to Paris. Once she exited the pool, her boyfriend met her and asked her a very important and life-changing question.

A clip posted on YouTube shows Lilly and her boyfriend, James, and their sweet interaction. He tells her that he has enjoyed their time together and picking up everything to move halfway across the world for her. He is thrilled to see where their relationship and lives together go from here.

It was at that moment that James went down on one knee. The look on Lilly’s face says it all. She was certainly not expecting a wedding proposal.

James can barely get the question out before Lilly gives him her excited and emphatic answer.

“Yes, yes, yes,” Lilly responds.

The two then kiss and share a loving embrace.

Everyone standing around watching the sweet moment unfold responds with cheers and applause.

What a special moment for that couple, which they will be able to watch on the internet for the rest of their lives.

Genesis 2:24 “For this cause will a man go away from his father and his mother and be joined to his wife; and they will be one flesh.”

Sometimes when I read the Bible, all I see is “rules, regulations and judgement.” Is that really all that is there?

Pastor and author Greg Laurie explains why you might be being attacked spiritually.

The world is a lost and fallen place, filled with people who desperately need to hear Christ’s message of hope, love and forgiveness of sins. The Bible says Christians are to witness and reach out to the lost for Christ. Some people may not hear about Jesus Christ any other way.

However, Greg says that doing this exact work of spreading the gospel and leading people to Jesus Christ may result in your becoming under spiritual attack. In a clip posted on YouTube, the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship church in Irvine, California, explains why he believes this to be the case.

“You know, it’s been said, ‘You don’t kick a dead horse,’” he said. “The idea is if someone is not a threat to the kingdom of darkness, I don’t think the devil is going to waste a lot of time on them. But if someone is moving forward as a Christian, and even worse, if they’re sharing the gospel and leading people to Christ, get ready; the enemy is going to oppose you.”

Greg then draws upon a section in the Bible; right before Jesus was to begin His ministry, He was taken out into the desert and was tempted by Satan.

“That actual spiritual attack can be a confirmation you are doing the right thing,” he said. “But here’s a tricky little thing: Sometimes the worst attacks happen after great spiritual victories.”

Being a Christian is not an easy path in life. Jesus Christ never said that once you become saved and turn your life over to Him, everything will be all happiness, rainbows and roses. Christians will continue to be tempted and face evil and opposing forces that want nothing more than to stop and put an end to their work for Christ.

Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

A bride and her dad recreated an adorable childhood moment during their father-daughter wedding dance.

Weddings and everything surrounding them are always emotional for nearly everyone involved in the ceremony. Yes, weddings mark the beautiful beginning for the happy couple. However, standing at the altar and exchanging marriage vows with that special person also means ending other parts of someone’s life.

That’s likely why a father and daughter surprised their guests by using the ceremonial father-daughter dance to recreate a sweet childhood memory. It was an opportunity for them to enjoy a moment that was obviously special and meant a lot to the bride and her father.

In a clip posted on social media, things start as one would expect a father-daughter dance would typically go, but things take a decidedly different turn only moments later. The music cuts out, and another tune starts, “Let’s Hear It for The Boy.”

The young woman and her dad then reenact a dance from the popular 1980s film “Footloose,” which starred Kevin Bacon. Once guests realize what the pair are doing, they start wildly shouting and applauding, encouraging the father and daughter.

However, the bride and her dad strutting their stuff on the dance floor aren’t the only things to watch in the clip. Behind them is a television screen playing a video of the dancing duo doing the same moves together at a dance recital when the bride was only 7 years old.

In an interview after their moment went viral, Dad hilariously admitted that he only had two things he hoped to accomplish during their surprise dance.

“Once I got out there, I had two things in mind – two objectives,” he said. “Number one was not to forget any steps, and the second was not to injure myself.”

Psalm 149:3 “Let them give praise to his name in the dance: let them make melody to him with instruments of brass and corded instruments of music.”

An elementary school teacher used toothpaste to demonstrate to her class the power of words and kindness.

Life is often an unfair experience, with some people experiencing more than their fair share of troubles, hurt and heartache. We’ll all go through periods that cause pain, sorrow and grief. Unfortunately, that’s simply a part of being a human and living on Earth.

That’s why it’s so important and necessary to be kind whenever given the opportunity. We can never be sure what someone else is going through and enduring. A kind word or friendly gesture may be just the thing an individual needs to get that person through the day. We might never realize how big of an impact our words or actions made on someone else, but that’s why how we treat others is so important.

In a clip posted on social media, an inventive and creative fourth-grade teacher incorporated a tube of toothpaste into her lesson plan. Seconds into the video, viewers learn that the young woman is trying to convey to her students the importance of the words we say to one another.

She even gives her students a rule when interacting and talking with someone.

“If somebody can’t change something about themselves in 30 seconds or less, then you shouldn’t be mentioning it to them,” she tells her students.

She gives the students examples of what she means, such as telling someone their shoe is untied or their pants are unzipped.

She adds that commenting on someone’s hairstyle, hair color or body is much harder to change, and those judgmental words could potentially be hurtful to someone.

Before the clip ends, the teacher opens the tube of toothpaste and begins squeezing, causing the toothpaste to come out and land all over her desk. She then hurries and tries to put the toothpaste back into the tube, but she has no success.

She likens trying to put the toothpaste back in the tube to the words that come from our mouths. Once those words are said, they can never go back in, so choose them wisely.

Proverbs 21:23 “He who keeps watch over his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.”