Inspirational Videos

One young woman used her high school graduation ceremony to speak about her faith in and relationship with Jesus Christ and her speech has since gotten a lot of attention.

People have an intense fear of public speaking. Addressing a crowd of one’s peers can be daunting. Figuring out what to say and how to adequately express those thoughts are worries of someone preparing a speech. However, how the speech will be received causes the most anxiety. 

Now, include speaking about Jesus to a group of high school students to the mix and those worries and anxiety will increase considerably. But that didn’t stop Lydia Owens from talking about her personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in her valedictorian speech, according to Fox Carolina News. 

Lydia Owens, as a high school student, lost her mother. Lydia, in her moving speech, explained how her mother’s death completely changed her outlook. 

“I had that reality check almost two years ago when my mom passed away,” Lydia said. “When tragedy struck my life, it was not my grades nor my accomplishments that helped me navigate through that loss. When everything else in my life felt uncertain, the only person that I could depend on to stay the same was Jesus.”

Lydia, in her speech to her classmates, also touched upon success. She mentioned worrying about career advancement and fulfilling other aspirations is unnecessary when one knows Jesus Christ.

“You don’t have to worry about whether or not you’ll be successful because God promises that His Grace is sufficient for us and that His power is made perfect in our weaknesses,” she said. 

And how was her speech about her faith, Jesus Christ and redefining success received by her classmates? She received a thunderous round of applause from the room.

“I was like, ‘Ok, like, this, this is the moment that God wanted,” Lydia said. 

Lydia also added that her late mother influenced her life and faith. She mentioned that her mom showed her what it meant to be a woman of God.

Ephesians 4:29 “Let no evil talk come out of your mouth, but only what is good for giving necessary teaching, and for grace to who give ear.”

Abundant | Morning Devotion | June 7 | Destiny Yarbrough | Find Christian TV At www.abundanttv.com #wednesdaymotivation #faith #abundant #abundanttv #Christianity #christian #morningdevotion #wednesdayvibes

One member of law enforcement was overcome with emotion as his children shared a heartfelt and moving message. 

Change is an inevitable part of life. Goodbyes, which often accompany change, are usually never easy. Whether it be losing a loved one, ending a romantic relationship or leaving a job, emotions can bubble to the surface. 

Michael Schlie, the former chief of police for the Deer Park Police Department in Ohio, got a special send-off during his last shift on the job. The long-time department member was given a ceremonial last call by his children that had all three of them emotional. 

The video posted on YouTube gives a split-screen view. It shows Michael reacting on the left to the sweet and moving words from his children on the right of the screen. Seconds into the video, when his daughter begins speaking and after she mentions, “my father,” Michael knows he’s likely not going to be able to keep it together.

He places the walkie-talkie on the desk and then leans back into his chair, taking in the sweet message of love. It’s about 20 seconds into the video and Michael’s son takes over. Michael hangs his head down toward the ground, overcome with emotion.

Michael’s son ends his portion of the call with, “We are so proud to call you our dad.” What more could a parent want, to know that their children appreciated all their hard work and sacrifices? 

Michael’s daughter follows it up with, “Thank you for being a role model, a leader and most importantly, my daddy.”

That moving message came after the department posted on social media that Michael’s last day on the job would be May 1, 2023. He stepped down from his post after 32 years with the department.

Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Check out this video of Christian music artist Lauren Daigle sharing how she wants to bring hope through her music.

“Singer-songwriter Lauren Daigle said she struggled to talk about hope during a concert that turned into a prayer vigil after a fatal school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, where she lives,” reads the caption of the YouTube video. “But the Grammy-winning artist wants people to find hope and a conviction to make the world a better place through her music.”

Lauren Daigle has such fond memories of New Orleans from her childhood, and she shares a little about them at the start of this video.

“I love New Orleans to the core. Being raised in that environment, I was always hearing brass instruments, I was always hearing jazz intonations with vocalists. And people on the streets can sing like Grammy award-winning singers, it’s wild. I feel like paying homage to that and paying homage to what really fueled me as a child. I remember going to New Orleans and thinkin, ‘This is the place of dreams.’”

Then Lauren Daigle touches on a prayer vigil that happened at one of her recent concerts and her feelings around that time.

“That night at the prayer vigil, it was actually really hard for me to talk about hope. I feel like this shook me pretty deep,” she says, talking about the recent school shooting in Nashville. “People always say, ‘What is the legacy? What is the purpose of doing what you do?’ And I say, hands down, ‘To give hope to the world.’

The video ends with Lauren sharing about how we need to make the world a better place through our actions. “We’ve got to live out these words that we’re preaching. We’ve got to stand with this conviction and know at the end of the day, how are we going to unify? 

How are we going to stand together on things? How are we going to stop the chaos that’s all around? What are the things that we’re going to do that are actually going to improve the world?”

One of the biggest names in Hollywood, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, has come forward to share his mental health struggles.

Life can be punishing, even sending the most stoic and even-keeled person reeling. Unexpected situations can arise that can shake and shatter your world. All the fame and fortune in the world cannot shield one from experiencing difficult circumstances.

Dwayne Johnson, in a video posted to YouTube, talked about two specific times in which he battled mental health situations. He specifically mentioned when he finally realized that his college football career was over and also when dealing with a divorce.

Both situations led to frightening periods in his life. 

“I left school,” the “Red Notice” star said. “The interesting thing at that time is, I didn’t know what mental health was. I didn’t know what depression was. I just knew I didn’t want to be there.”

He also mentioned how a failed marriage caused him to be in a bad place mentally.

“I went through it again when I got a divorce,” Dwayne said. “But knew what it was at the time. And luckily, at that time, I had some friends I could lean on.”

In a message posted to Instagram, Dwayne said that, over the years, he has worked to help himself deal with these types of situations. Also, in the interview, the Hollywood A-lister says that his children have been a big positive for his mental health.

“The saving grace for me has really been my daughters - the three of them,” Dwayne said. “And being a girl dad, that’s been the saving grace. Cause you look at them and you realize, well, ‘I mean, really this is what it’s all about.’”

Whatever situation we may be facing, whatever the circumstances, there is One to rely upon during those trying periods. God’s Word mentions that He will never leave or forsake us. 

1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.”

An umpire surprised a child and those watching with an unexpected act of kindness during a baseball game.

Anyone who has ever watched, participated in or been affiliated with sports in any way knows umpires and referees take quite a bit of abuse. Over the course of a game, an official will hear complaints from everyone. Coaches, parents and players will let the refs know their thoughts and opinions on calls. However, there was no arguing with one umpire’s move in Florida during a baseball game.

In a video posted to YouTube, an umpire in Jacksonville, Florida, acted to help protect a player in a game he was officiating. 

The incident took place as the children were playing. A coach was on the mound preparing to throw a pitch as a player on the opposing team stood in the batter’s box with a catcher crouched down, ready to go. However, play is momentarily interrupted.

After the coach throws the ball, a dust devil at home plate comes from nowhere. The batter, who swung and missed, casually walks off, but the 7-year-old catcher stands in the middle of the miniature dust storm. The umpire, who stands off to the left, swoops in, grabs the catcher and removes him from the swirling dust cloud.

A few seconds later and things are back to normal. Play can now resume. But the umpire was recognized for his unexpected act of kindness. 

A man, likely a coach of one of the two teams, walks out onto the field and congratulates the young umpire for his kind act. The coach gives the umpire a high-five and a hearty pat on the back. 

It requires little effort to show someone kindness, like the umpire’s move during the game. But that act might have ripple effects that could impact someone else’s life for the better. 

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.”

Several gas station customers showed off their dance moves, hoping to get a few bucks knocked off their tab.

Inflation, when it does occur, touches basically everyone, in one way or another. The price of nearly everything has increased within the last couple of years. Consumers have witnessed the price of eggs, meat and even butter swell considerably. Unfortunately, a gallon of gasoline has been another in a long line of items that have been impacted.

So, to help people trying to make their hard-earned money go a little further, one gas station came up with a unique idea. They placed a sign on their door informing them of how to earn $5, and possibly $10 off their gasoline bill.

In a video on TikTok, a sign on a convenience store window reads, “TODAY ONLY: DO A SILLY DANCE WALKING IN. IF WE LIKE IT - $5 GAS FREE ON US. $10 IF WE REALLY LIKE IT.”

It’s a win-win, right? If the customers participated and could move with a bit of rhythm, they’d likely save themselves some money. The customers' moves would also make for some pretty good entertainment, which they certainly did, as the video so hilariously shows. 

The video begins with an older gentleman not really dancing but more walking into the convenience store waving his hands back and forth. At about the 10-second mark, a young guy enters the store wiggling his shoulders. As he reaches the counter, he begins shaking his rear end in the cashier's direction.

Next, a woman enters the store and immediately gets in on the act. She throws her hands up in the air and waves her hips back and forth as she rhythmically makes her way to the check-out counter. 

It’s unclear who received $5 off and which customers impressed the employees enough to earn a $10 discount. But one thing is for sure: those dance moves are priceless! 

Jeremiah 31:13 “Then the virgin will have joy in the dance, and the young men and the old will be glad: for I will have their weeping turned into joy, I will give them comfort and make them glad after their sorrow.”

I pray that this message encourages someone. Whatever you are going through, just remember that the spirit of the Lord is with you at all times.

A big-name Hollywood star filmed himself while taking in a musical performance by his son.

Lin-Manuel Miranda is a huge Hollywood star. Lin-Manuel, who is massively talented, can do it all. The man can sing, dance, act and compose music. His talent seemingly knows no bounds. 

While he has appeared in several notable films, he’s likely best known for starring in the Broadway smash hit “Hamilton.” Not only did he star in the production, but he also wrote the music for it. 

However, in a clip posted on YouTube, it wasn’t Lin-Manuel’s many talents that were on display. Instead, it was that of his son, Sebastian. In the video, Lin-Manuel records himself as he peers directly at the camera while his son sits and plays the piano.

Within the first couple of seconds, Lin-Manuel appears to be at least mildly impressed as he furrows his brow and raises his eyebrows. As the young man continues, Lin-Manuel smirks a time or two. Perhaps the young pianist made an unconventional musical selection. Maybe it was one his father didn’t expect.

Around the 30-second mark of the short clip, Lin-Manuel starts moving his head around in coordination with the notes. During a few seconds of silence, Lin-Manuel, possibly thinking his son is done, looks back and asks about the song.

“What is that one called?” he asks.

But it appears he jumped the gun as the child continues with his musical performance and ignores his father’s question. 

At approximately the 1:30-minute mark, the youngster concludes his piece. Dad is beyond thrilled but still has a very urgent question.

“Bravo, what’s it called?” Lin-Manuel asks.

A few seconds later, a little voice responds, answering his dad’s inquiry.

“It’s called Floor/Carpet,” the little guy says.

What a beautiful moment of a father encouraging and cheering on his child. 

Ephesians 6:4 “You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Dukes Of Hazzard star John Schneider tearfully sums up widowhood after his wife’s death. It’s hard to watch, and at times it’s gutwrenching. When we marry, we expect to have a lifetime together. We don’t expect to find ourselves widowed. John has been sharing his journey through grief after his wife, Alicia Allain, died at the age of 53 due to cancer. 

“I’m not sure who wrote this, but it about sums it up. ‘Widowhood is more than missing your spouse’s presence. It’s adjusting to an alternate life. It’s growing around a permanent amputation,” he said with tear-filled eyes that threatened to spill over. 

He shared how hard daily life is like going to bed for the first time without your spouse by your side. It doesn’t feel like home anymore but an empty shell of what was. It’s being surrounded by reminders of the life you two had built and how it’s no longer the same. He shares it’s because he had molded his life with Alicia.

He shared, “Widowhood is being a stranger in your life. It’s the unnerving feeling of watching yourself from outside your body as you go through the motions.” 

He closed his video with one final piece of advice and a blessing for those who are widowed too. “God bless and guide each step until you see them again when they reach out their hand and say, ‘Did you miss me.’ You bet I did. God bless you,” he said. We pray as John walks through this journey of grief that the Lord is close to him. We pray for him to be embraced in God’s arms of comfort and that he finds peace in Jesus. 

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” Psalm 34:18.

Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth. Jeremiah 33:6 .....

4 ESSENTIALS! Prayer, Bible Study, Worship, Fellowship...all make for one healthy relationship!

shorts

Abundant | Morning Devotion | June 2 | Charlene Snyder Baktamarian | Find Christian TV At www.abundanttv.com #fridaymotivations motivations #faith #abundant #abundanttv #Christianity #christian #morningdevotion #fridayvibes

Our 7-year-old daughter dreamt about heaven and the destruction of earth. The message is clear...It is TIME TO REPENT! There is very little time... Be encouraged to walk a holy and righteous life for only those who obey YHWH will see the kingdom. May the dream she dreamt be an encouragement to you all.

And the LORD, it is He that goes before you; He will be with you, He will not fail you, neither forsake you: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 .....

I will praise You; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are Your works; and of this my soul is completely conscious. Psalms 139:14 .....

Abundant | Morning Devotion | June 1 | Rhoda Faye Diehl | Find Christian TV At www.abundanttv.com #thursdaymotivations #faith #abundant #abundanttv #Christianity #christian #morningdevotion #thursdayvibes

Traffic stops may not be considered the most dangerous assignments for police officers, but watch as this Fairfax County, Virginia police officer, clearly with a guardian angel on his side, narrowly escapes death when a car nearly barrels into him.  

The frightening video is only 1.5 minutes long, actually starting over 1:00. Everything takes place so quickly, and you may well need to rewind in order to catch exactly what happened. 

A patrol officer is making a routine traffic stop on the southbound lanes of Fairfax County Parkway. Exercising caution, he stands at the passenger’s side window as he speaks with the driver of the gray 2012 BMW. Most drivers move into the passing lane, but traffic moves well.

Watch closely at the northbound lanes. At 8 seconds, a black 2018 BMW comes quickly into view in the passing lane just on the other side of the grassy median. The vehicle moves fast, and the driver loses control as he enters the curve on the highway. The rear of the car spins around and is propelled into the grass, where it continues to travel backward onto the other lanes—where the gray BMW sits with the police officer at its side! It is a terrifying moment!

Fortunately, the officer saw the car just as it left the northbound lanes, giving him just enough time to run behind the stopped car. Had he not responded at that moment, he would probably have been crushed between the 2012 and the guardrail where he stood! 

The black car smashes into the stopped car, bounces back, and then crashes into the officer’s police cruiser, parked not far behind. Though struck and knocked down, the officer scrambles up and appears uninjured, which is almost unfathomable!

He’s not the only person blessed that day. It is amazing, too, that two cars traveled through those lanes immediately following the crash, and they managed to avoid it! A charcoal-colored car and a red car came upon the accident, but they moved onto the shoulder just beyond. Those drivers probably needed to take a breath and offer a prayer of thanks!

The officer immediately calls 9-1-1 and checks those involved for injuries. A 17-year-old was behind the wheel of the black BMW during the May 1 accident. Thankfully,  the teen and two passengers in the car, as well as the driver of the gray car, sustained only minor injuries, and all have been released from the hospital.

The Fairfax County Police Department posted the video, captured by the cruiser’s camera, and they encourage parents to talk to their teen drivers about responsibility behind the wheel. At this time of year, during graduations, proms, and celebrations, it is important to impress upon our youth that their actions have consequences for themselves and others.    

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;” Psalms 91:11

Up-and-coming figure skater, Alexa Gasparatto, performs a stunning ice routine to “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” in this video and pays tribute to a skate mom. 

Alexa is glowing in sparkling gold, pieces of her beautiful curls nearly matching the color of her costume. She wears gold and silver bracelets, and her lips and nails are pink. She is simply gorgeous. So is her performance!

As the song opens and the lights come up, we see Alexa in a kneeling position with her head down. She looks like she may be praying. She slowly lifts her head toward the sky and stands as the verse begins. First written in 1905, “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” is sung here by Lauren Hill and Tonya Blount, who performed the hymn in 1993’s Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.

Rohene Ward is the choreographer of the routine, and each movement supports the song’s message. Alexa looks heavenward, her arms extended as if trying to reach up and touch God. The first half of the performance is soft like a quiet conversation with Him. And, we don’t hear a sound other than her skates and the music until 1:12 when the audience applauds as Alexa lands her first jump. 

Here are four lines from the song:

Why should I be discouraged, and why should the shadows fall?
Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion, my constant Friend is He,
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.

At 1:30 Alexa goes into a glorious spin, and the music builds from there. The second half of the performance reminds us more of impassioned praise. A second perfect jump is landed just as the voices hit the word “sing.” Alexa then demonstrates incredible grace as she extends her right leg back and holds the position as “happy” fills the space. And ”free” is communicated at 2:15 when Alexa leans way back onto the ice, her body open and unguarded for a few seconds. 

Her beautiful, moving performance served as a memorial tribute to a fellow skater’s mother. Liz Yoshiko Schmidt's mother, Sandra Kawaguchi, died on December 7, 2022. She was honored at the SK8 GR8 Memorial Ice Show on April 15, 2022, in Chicago, IL. 

“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.” Psalms 84:3