Inspirational Videos

A 6-year-old roamed around a hospital sharing the exciting news about his new heart with several hospital staff members.

A stay in the hospital, no matter the length of time, is never fun. Regardless of how friendly, caring and courteous the doctors and nurses are, a medical facility is a place no one wants to be in at any time. Of course, that is because being in the hospital means someone is sick and needs medical attention.

For that reason, hospitals are often frightening places. When one is administered to a hospital, many questions and scenarios will inevitably pop up in your head. Now, imagine you're a child who’s in the hospital because you badly need a new heart. That was the exact scenario facing 6-year-old John-Henry Lee.

A clip posted on YouTube catches the young man's excitement and utter joy as he walks around the Cleveland Clinic, informing hospital staff members of the good news.

"Phyllis, "I'm getting a new heart!" John-Henry tells one woman sitting down.

"What! Oh, my goodness, John-Henry!" she responds to the young man's good news.

While walking down the hallway, the 6-year-old meets another staff member and tells her the good news.

"I'm getting a new heart!" he says"

"I know! Yes!" the woman says as she gives John-Henry a high-five.

Right before getting on the elevator, John-Henry lets someone else know about his upcoming transplant surgery.

"I'm getting a new heart!" the sweet child says.

"Yeah, that's wonderful," the man standing outside the elevator responds.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the young man was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which is "a rare congenital heart condition where one side of the heart doesn't develop correctly," John-Henry has undergone several operations over the years to try and correct the condition.

However, doctors later determined that John-Henry needed a new heart. In May, John-Henry and his family learned of a match.

"When the transplant coordinator said they found his special heart, I immediately broke down," said John-Henry's mother, Sarah Lee.

Sometimes life seems so “not worth it!” Ever feel like that? #toughquestionsforgod #dailydevotion

Wrestler and actor John Cena has a unique and touching reason for wearing two watches, and it will melt your heart.

Everyone wants to experience success. No one goes through life hoping to fail at everything they try. However, regardless of that desire for success, failure is most certainly a part of life. Everyone will miss the mark, stumble and fall at some point in life. So, we had better get used to it and learn how to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and try again.

However, even those individuals most people would view as monumental successes still have moments of weakness. They still experience anxiety. They still question themselves and their abilities and wonder whether they are good enough.

In a clip posted on social media, John, during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, explains how he overcomes these times when he feels insecure about himself and his abilities. It all has to do with a couple of watches.

“This one tells time,” John says while pointing to his wristwatch. “This one tells perspective,” he says as he pulls out a pocket watch.

He goes on to explain that special messages are engraved on the watch.

“I keep it with me,” he says. “It’s got engravings on two sides. The back is something I use to feel comfortable in rooms like this, in front of people. I used to think I was not enough. I did not value self. So, on the back of this watch, it simply says, ‘Comparison is the thief of joy.’ So, I take this, and every time I feel uncomfortable or of low self-worth, I just give it a little reminder, and it reminds me that I am enough and I’m worthy of love.”

He also states how the message on the watch's other side helps keep him grounded, that he would not be where he is if not for those who love and support him in life.

Proverbs 3:26 “For the Lord shall be your confidence, and shall keep your foot from being taken.”

A grandfather took an unexpected and heartwarming detour as a family arrived excited to meet a newborn baby.

Children are among the best ways the Lord blesses our lives. They will forever positively change and impact your life in every way imaginable. There is nothing quite like being a parent. Watching a youngster grow, learn and explore will fill you with immeasurable joy and contentment.

Everyone loves children, especially babies. Look at how people flock to newborns. Immediately after a child is born, many visitors, even people you haven’t seen in years, will visit and parade through the hospital room. Then, they all quietly await their turn to hold the young one.

That is the typical behavior of people after a child has been born. However, some people will become so concerned and consumed with the newborn and not the woman who had just given birth to the baby. They badly want to see the child that they forget about the exhausted mother whose body has just gone through a physically and mentally demanding ordeal.

A sweet video posted on social media shows that not everyone forgets about the mother after a child has been born. The clip begins with text explaining that a baby girl has just been born and shows a family excitedly rushing into the room to see the child.

However, one person, the grandfather, makes a detour. Instead of running up to the infant, he heads over to the hospital bed to see his baby, his daughter, who has just given birth.

After sneaking a peak at the child as he walks by, the grandfather comes over to his daughter and gives her a big, loving and warm embrace.

Yes, the birth of a child is exciting. It’s a new life that the Lord has brought into the world. However, let’s not forget those women who helped bring in those little miracles.

What a sweet, special and tear-jerking moment between father and daughter.

Psalms 103:13 “As a father has pity on his children, so the Lord has pity on his worshippers.”

Can we be honest … it’s sucks when someone else does something that hurts us deeply. Sometimes it changes everything about our lives. We’re left contenting with the rubble of circumstances — and the pain of betrayal. How could they? Why would they? I can’t give an answer to either of those questions. But I do find a lot of hope in Joseph’s story. Sold by his brothers into slavery. This led to 13 years of what felt like a literal hell to him. And then God redeemed it. And Joseph, on the other side of all this is able to see Gods sovereign hand in his circumstances as he says, “it wasn’t you who sent me here, but God.” First, let’s be clear, this does NOT excuse sin. And this does not minimize your pain. But what it should do is help us trust in the goodness of God. That he will redeem. That he will bring healing and hope back into our lives. That he is good, even when people are not. If you are in the “literal hell” part of your journey… I’d love to pray for you. ⬇️Comment PRAYER and I will pray. Im praying you will catch a glimpse of the truth that God is working. That you know know that you will find the other side of this. And that God will bring something beautiful from the ashes. It’s just what he does. So, don’t give up. Hang in there. Read Genesis 45 and let Joseph’s story help you find courage and trust again.

God pursued you from the far corners of the earth. And he is with you. He will help you. Right now, today. I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:9-10, NIV As you move through your day, don't forget who you are... you are chosen and loved. And because of this, God is with you. And he will help you through whatever you are facing. Meditate on Isaiah 41:9-10 with me on the So Much More podcast. Release date 9/2/24. Search So Much More: Creating Space for God wherever you listen to podcasts.

Ever wonder if God would “really” forgive you? Ever doubt in His promises? #toughquestionsforgod #dailydevotion Share & Like

While sometimes depression hits without any known or perceivable cause, other times it stems from, or is exacerbated by overwhelming circumstances and situations involving those we love. But while we can't always control the things that impact our emotions, there are helpful things we can choose. In this episode, hosts Jennifer Slattery and Carol McCracken talk with therapist Stefanie Rowe about some of depressions roots and why it's important to seek help sooner rather than later. Bible passage discussed: 1 Kings 19

Consider the last time you felt cherished and as if you held infinite value. Sadly, many of us might encounter more criticism than affirmation and acceptance. But that is precisely why it’s so important that we recognize how God views us. Hear Reverend Kyle Norman’s and Chaka Heinze’s insights on how such understanding helps heal our wounds, remove unhealthy defensiveness, elevate our perspectives, and replace our insecurities with godly confidence. Hear all episodes on lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

A young man discovers he is being adopted in a beautiful surprise. Birthdays are often filled with cake, presents, and joyful celebrations, but for one young man, his special day brought an unexpected and life-changing surprise. Surrounded by the love of his foster parents, he had no idea that this birthday would mark the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

As the candles on his banana glowed warmly, he read the message tucked inside: a surprise awaited him outside. Eagerly, he followed his foster parents, who blindfolded him and handed him a bat. In front of him hung two piñatas—one labeled "Trip to Disney" and the other "Adoption."

With encouragement from both his foster mom and dad, he swung with all his might, the sound of cheers filling the air as he worked to knock them down. When both piñatas finally gave way, his foster mom gently instructed him to remove the blindfold.

As his eyes adjusted, he saw the remnants of the piñatas and the joyous expressions on his foster parents' faces. His foster mom, full of love and emotion, told him how much he meant to them, how deeply they cared for him, and that they wanted him to be a part of their forever home. It was at that moment that he realized—he was being adopted.

This beautiful surprise was more than just an announcement; it was proof of his foster parents' love and commitment to him. It was a moment that embodied Jesus' call to care for the orphaned, to welcome them into our hearts and homes just as God adopts us into His family.

The joy and love in that moment were undeniable, a true reflection of what it means to be cherished and wanted. For this young man, his birthday became more than just a celebration of another year—it became the day he found his forever family.

What a beautiful way to show someone they are loved, valued, and truly home. This story is a powerful reminder of the importance of family, the joy of adoption, and the unconditional love that binds us all together.

James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

A grandfather’s heartbreaking and sweet request was promptly fulfilled by his loving granddaughter.

Unfortunately, aging is a natural process that no one has been or will be able to avoid. Whether we like it or not, it impacts everyone. The ability to stop or rewind time has yet to be discovered. If that had been invented, likely everyone would gladly and quickly take advantage of such a procedure.

We are getting older with every passing second, minute, hour and day. Understanding this fact, watching loved ones advance in age, particularly a grandmother or a grandfather, can be heartbreaking. Time takes its toll on them, and the aging process becomes more apparent. They can become severely diminished, unable to do what they were able to do at one time.

A clip posted on social media documents a sweet but heartbreaking request from a lonely grandfather in his 90s. He desperately wanted human interaction, so he asked his granddaughter if she would like to come and enjoy a sleepover at his house.

“Hi Megan it’s grandpa. Would you like to come over and have a sleepover? I haven’t been feeling well and miss you. We can order food and watch a mystery show. Love, grandpa,” the text reads.

The young woman responded immediately to her grandfather, confirming that she would be over to spend some time with him. She also asked if he needed her to pick anything up on the way. His only request was for applesauce.

The young woman came through, bringing her elderly grandfather KFC mashed potatoes, ice cream and the requested applesauce.

The video text states that they also enjoyed a “mystery show.” They watched a black-and-white one, which was one of his favorites.

Before going to bed, the young woman’s grandfather showed her where she would be sleeping, ensured she had water and gave her a flashlight in case she got scared at night.

What an incredible, moving and tear-jerking act of love. Showing someone you care and love them doesn’t require big grand gestures. Sometimes, you only need applesauce and a good black-and-white murder mystery show.

Psalm 71:9: “Do not give me up when I am old; be my help even when my strength is gone.”

Basketball star Caitlin Clark helped uplift and encourage children and their families during her visit to a hospital.

Athletes are some of society's most looked up to and admired people. Athletes especially captivate children and young people. They can pull off thrilling maneuvers on the field or court. Through years of intense, dedicated and focused practice, athletes can do things that most people can only imagine.

For that reason, children commonly look up to and adore athletes. Athletes excel in games that children play with their friends. Many children want to become a New York Yankee or a Los Angeles Laker when they grow up. So, that's why any attention from a notable athlete always means so much to children. They don't care if it's five minutes or five seconds with their favorite player.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Caitlin Clark, a member of the Indiana Fever and arguably the most well-known athlete on the planet, stopped by a children's hospital in Indianapolis. The basketball star spent time visiting and chatting with children in the NICU and their families.

The short two-minute clip begins with the former Iowa Hawkeye holding a young woman and presenting the child with a stuffed animal. It's the Indiana Fever's mascot, Freddy. The child is taken aback by the gift from Caitlin, unable to take her eyes off the stuffed animal.

Throughout the clip, Caitlin signs and presents a small basketball to some of the hospital's tiniest patients.

A mother of one of the patients appreciated Caitlin stopping by to see and visit with everyone.

"Well, for her to stop her busy schedule and to just check on all the babies here it means a lot," the mother said. "It means a lot."

Near the end of the clip, Caitlin mentions how much she enjoyed visiting with the patients, their families and hospital staff. She said hopes to do it again soon.

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."

A mother read a kindergarten teacher’s moving poem written specifically for parents.

Children are undoubtedly one of the biggest and best blessings in life. There is nothing like being a parent and welcoming a bundle of joy into your home. A child will forever change your life in every way imaginable.

However, all children seem to have a genuinely nasty habit of growing up and not remaining little for long. As every parent understands, childhood does not last long at all. Blink, and that child you brought home from the hospital is walking and talking. Do it again, and they are going off to kindergarten, leaving their parents’ protection and care for the first time.

For parents, a child going off to kindergarten can be an incredibly emotional experience. It’s essentially a sign that one part of a youngster’s childhood has ended. That little boy or girl will now spend a good amount of time at school and not all day at home with mom or dad.

In a clip posted on YouTube, one mother, who had just dropped off her twin girls at kindergarten for the first time, received a poem from her children’s teacher. It’s a sweet piece that perfectly captures what every parent feels and goes through at that moment.

One part of the poem helps to reassure parents worried about their children that they are in good, loving hands and will be treated as their own.

“Just know that as you drive away

And the tears down your cheeks may flow

I’ll love them as I would my own

And help them learn and grow”

The woman in the clip mentions that she and her husband were in tears after dropping her kids off at school and while trying to read the poem.

The teacher who wrote the poem for the parents fully understood what those moms and dads felt. In addition to the poem, she gave each of them a packet of tissues.

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

Two sisters reunited in a heartfelt moment after a lengthy overseas deployment.

Those who voluntarily decide to join the United States armed forces deserve our respect and admiration. Those individuals willingly step forward, agreeing to put themselves in harm’s way in some of the most dangerous places on Earth. Those men and women do that to protect you and me. If that selfless act of bravery is not heroic and courageous, then nothing is.

While those men and women are rightfully honored and recognized for their service and sacrifice, their families can often be forgotten. Long deployments can be hard on families. No one wants to be away from their father, mother, son or daughter, husband or wife for long periods of time, especially when that person is potentially in harm’s way.

Whenever a military member returns from a long deployment and is reunited with their family, it is always a moving and touching occasion. There is usually a long, loving embrace and many tears are often shed in those moments. That is precisely what happened when two sisters were unexpectedly reunited after one of them who had been deployed overseas for more than a year returned home.

The clip posted on YouTube shows a young woman surprising her sister at work after returning from her deployment overseas. To make the moment even sweeter, the woman’s co-workers made it even more special, telling her they had a “gift” for her and that “it was in a box.”

Tears started immediately flowing as the sisters, two-thirds of a triplet set, saw one another. It’s a sweet moment that shows how much the two siblings care for and love one another.

But that wasn’t the only surprise reunion in the short, one-minute clip. The video also shows the soldier surprising her mother, who sprints across the room to her daughter, giving her a big, warm and loving embrace.

These moments of people reuniting with a loved one who has been away bravely serving their country overseas will never get old!

1 Corinthians 16:14 “Let all you do be done in love.”

Sometimes I just can’t figure things out! I get lost in “my” understanding, and “my” personal experiences which can lead me down the proverbial “rabbit hole.” #toughquestionsforgod #dailydevotion Please Like & Share

Healing, in this context, can be viewed as a journey influenced by both spiritual and practical factors. Whether one is dealing with physical illness, emotional distress, or spiritual turmoil, healing often involves a combination of self-care, professional intervention, and spiritual support. The belief that "God only knows" may be a source of comfort, suggesting that there is a divine plan at work in the healing process, even when outcomes are uncertain. Prayer can play a significant role in this journey, serving as a channel for hope and a source of inner strength, while also fostering a sense of connection to something greater than oneself.

Ever feel like “faith in Jesus” is a scam, a waste of time, foolishness? #toughquestionsforgod #dailydevotion SHARE with others …

A kind man rescues a scared, injured kitten darting across a busy interstate. In the bustling morning traffic of the Wantagh State Parkway, where the hum of engines and the blur of cars create a relentless rhythm, a little black kitten with a touch of orange and white on her face faced a dangerous situation. Her name was Wanda, and her story of survival began with a heart-stopping rescue.

John Debacker from Long Island Cat Kitten Solutions received an urgent call about a feline spotted along the center divider of a freeway. His heart likely raced as he envisioned the danger the tiny kitten was in, navigating the busy highway amidst speeding vehicles. John knew that every second counted.

When arriving on the scene, John’s eyes scanned the chaotic traffic, but Wanda was nowhere to be seen. Determined not to give up, he looped around the freeway, maneuvering through the congestion with urgency and caution. The risk was immense; the highway was a maze of speeding cars, and every moment without the kitten was a moment closer to disaster.

Realizing the situation's gravity, John wisely called the New York State Police. Understanding the urgency, the officers quickly responded, halting traffic to ensure John’s safety and to allow him to work without the constant threat of oncoming vehicles.

With traffic momentarily stopped, John returned to the center divider. His heart skipped a beat as he spotted Wanda, huddled and frightened. Seeing the small kitten was both a relief and a call to action. With fast hands, a large net, and a calming voice, John almost captured her before she ran away, scared. But as he approached the second time, he captured this wild but tiny kitten from her precarious spot.

The rescue was far from over. John carefully cradled Wanda and made his way back to the side of the road, ensuring her safety and avoiding any further close calls.

The New York State Police, having ensured that traffic was safely resumed, offered their congratulations and support. Wanda’s rescue proved the incredible effort and coordination between John and the police, who swiftly protected the tiny life at risk.

Back at the shelter, Wanda was given a warm bed, nutritious food, and the care she needed to recover from her harrowing experience, where she now awaits a loving, forever home. 

John Debacker’s heroic efforts, coupled with the timely intervention of the New York State Police, had turned a close call into a story of bravery and compassion. Wanda’s narrow escape from the Wantagh State Parkway was a reminder of the fragility of life and the immense impact of those who dedicate their efforts to rescuing those in need.

Luke 12:6-7 "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." 

Many people fear death and the process of dying. This can lead to enslaving behaviors like obsessively following health trends, avoiding airplanes, or losing the ability to think of much else when our loved ones travel. But God doesn't want us to live in fear and has provided numerous truths in Scripture to assure us of His presence in our every moment, including when we pass from this present earth, and of the joy that awaits us in paradise. In this episode, hosts Carol McCracken and Jennifer Slattery discuss some of the underlying causes for our fear of death and biblical truths that can help us view our eternal future with anticipation rather than fear. Bible passages referenced: Luke 8:40-45; Acts 7:40-55; Romans 8:31-29; 2 Samuel 12:15-23; Isaiah 7:16 Book referenced: In Light of Eternity: Perspectives on Heaven by Randy Alcorn

All I have to do is just believe in Jesus, right? Hmmm … #toughquestionsforgod #dailydevotion Please SHARE with others!