Inspirational Videos

Age does not stop this 79-year-old grandma from chasing her dream to earn a black belt in taekwondo! From Des Moines, Iowa, Mary Daily Lange is going after something that you don’t see many people her age doing. “I’m not very big, and I’m old,” says Mary. But that didn’t keep her from pursuing taekwondo and going through the tests in order to achieve her black belt. She started learning this skill at the age of 65 and has been smashing through boards ever since. Commitment and practice are important parts of taekwondo training, and you can see that Mary has the determination that is needed for this sport. Mary shares how she told her kids about her newfound activity. “I had talked to our kids, our two sons and our daughter about this and said, ‘Do you want me to buy long-term care insurance or do you want me to do taekwondo?’ And they said, ‘Go for it, Mom.’” With their blessing, she went for it and has been thriving ever since. She loves how taekwondo adds to her life and all the benefits it adds to her health. “I believe that you need to be active. Physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually,” Mary says. Taekwondo has also helped Mary in the way that she carries herself. “I exude confidence, and part of the reason I do that is because I know I can break boards with my bare hand.” As of now, Mary has just one more test to go before achieving her first-degree black belt. She hopes to reach this goal by the time she celebrates her 80th birthday. What an inspiration to see Mary going after such a difficult accomplishment in her golden years. May we all go after the things in life that bring us joy!

Josh Groban sings his song ‘Granted’ during a beautiful live performance at Madison Square Garden. The concert showcased his songs from his new album Bridges, and the DVD of the concert was just released last week. “If you have a dream go chase it If you feel hope don't waste it If you find love embrace it Never take a single breath for granted The story's yours, go write it Tomorrow's undecided Our days are counted on this planet Never take a single breath Take a single breath for granted” With such beautiful and uplifting lyrics, one can see why this song has been an inspiration to so many already. ‘Granted’ is a strong ballad and the large orchestra in the video just adds to the powerful sound of the song. Josh Groban is known for writing empowering songs like ‘You Raise Me Up’ and ‘You Are Loved.’ But when it came to writing this song, he says that he actually didn’t intend on making it an inspirational anthem. “Writing an anthem that's inspirational is easier said than done. Anytime you come at a song like that from...any cynicism, it never works. 'Granted' came about totally organically,” Josh Groban says. "I'm never expecting to write, like, an 'anthem' or an inspirational song. I'm such an over-thinker, I'm thinking, 'I already got a coupe of those, I don't need to do another!'" Thankfully, he did make another inspirational song. One that brings people hope and reminds them to be grateful for this beautiful life that God has given us. It’s a wonderful thing that God has given him such a great talent for singing and writing songs, and he can use this gift to give hope to those who listen to him. His music brings so many people joy and uplifts their spirits.

On this ‘CBS Sunday Morning’ episode, the main topic that was covered was how faith-based films are taking over Hollywood. What an encouraging thing to see! The most recent faith-based film to hit the big screen is the movie ‘Breakthrough’. Starring Chrissy Metz from the show This Is Us, this movie is all about a miracle that happened after a mother’s prayer. “It’s undeniable that something miraculous happened,” says Metz. “You can’t really deny that, literally, on the documents it states, ‘patient died, mother prayed, patient came back to life.’” Chrissy Metz has not been shy about her faith and shares that the message about the power of prayer is part of what drew her to this story. “I’ve seen it work so many times,” she says. “Not only in my life, but my friends, my family.” One faith-based film that has remained popular throughout the years is ‘The Ten Commandments’. It has been on TV every Easter weekend since 1973 and, after inflation, is the 6th highest grossing film of all time. But after ‘The Ten Commandments’ was made, faith-based movies were not that common anymore. That was until Mel Gibson made ‘The Passion of the Christ’ in 2004. After the success of that film, Christian movies started to become more prevalent in Hollywood. Now, there are many Christian production companies producing films that are winning over audiences. Some films like ‘Fireproof’ and ‘Facing the Giants’ were made on small budgets but ended up bringing in a lot of money. The Christian film ‘Miracles from Heaven’ was made in 2016 and starred Jennifer Garner. The movie was made by T.D. Jakes for only $13 million but brought in over $73 million at the box office. With faith-based films getting larger budgets and attracting big name stars, Hollywood is likely to keep seeing Christian films hit the box office. And like T.D. Jakes said, “From an evangelistic perspective, there are more people in the theater on Friday night than there are in the pews on Sunday morning. So, you have a huge chance to reach a wider array and a different demographic of people with a message of positivity.”

'TNWG' / Episode 1 / Character is a video that talks about having the right character that Jesus Christ would want us to have in this fallen and immoral world. Our group talks about the elements of 'Good' character and how we as Christians shouldn't compromise with evil.

Tony and Laureen talk about slowing down.

Laureen sits down with Anne Curtis.

Tony and Laureen talk about slowing down.

Featuring Tony Giorgio

Featuring Laureen Giorgio

Featuring Laureen Giorgio

Featuring Tony and Laureen Giorgio

I was addicted to all different types of things. I finally hit rock bottom when I got pulled over one night after a heavy night of partying with some friends. I was drunk, high on ecstasy, and I realized then that I had to make a change.

In the middle of London, you can find a group of people singing their hearts out together while they try to heal them, too. This group called The Missing People Choir sings for lost loved ones, some who have disappeared decades ago and are yet to be found. The Missing People Choir is composed of 30 different voices from every walk of life. But all the members share the tragic commonality of missing a loved one, many of which are children who have disappeared. The mission of the choir is to raise awareness for the roughly 180,00 people who are reported missing in the UK every year. The choir was started back in 2014 by music producer James Hawkins, who wanted to create a space where people could find comfort with others who are grieving in the same way as them. “There’s something about that communal singing together that has a healing power and property to it,” says James. Peter Bowel is a member of the choir and he lost his son, Lee, back in 1988 when he went to a soccer match and never returned home. He was only 15 years old. Before joining the choir, Peter was not a singer. But now he sings his heart out to his son. “If he is in heaven then I just pray that he can hear us,” says Peter. “And he’ll know that we’re still thinking of him, that we still love him.” Rosalyn can also relate to Peter and the loss that he has experienced. Her 14-year-old daughter, Alice, went missing in 2014. Rosalyn and her eldest daughter, Nina, make up two of the voices in The Missing People Choir. Nina shares about how singing in the choir makes her feel closer with her younger sister, who had many musical talents. “I feel like when I’m singing, I have that in common with her,” Nina says. “I can hear her voice. I can talk to her and say, ‘I’m really not as good as you are but, you know, I’m trying.’” The Missing People Choir even performed one of the songs that Alice wrote when she was just 12 years old. Even though each member has suffered such tragic loss, there is comfort that they feel in their togetherness. When they unite their voices, they know that they are not alone. Even in tragedy, we know that God will heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds. And what a beautiful thing to see how this group is supporting one another and honoring the lives of those that they have lost.

Golden buzzer winner Barry D’Arcy returns to the Ireland’s Got Talent stage for a performance of ‘Wind Beneath My Wings.’ When we first met Barry, this ‘miracle man’ won over the audience and judges with his emotional backstory and incredible voice. At one time, Barry thought he might never walk again. After suffering from a herniated disc, Barry awoke one day and fell flat on the floor. He did not have control of his legs. "I was paralysed from the waist down. They gave me a fifty-fifty chance of ever walking again, and I took it.” But Barry overcame all of the odds to stand on the Ireland’s Got Talent stage. That’s when he belted out the iconic lyrics of the Elvis Presley song 'The Wonder of You.’ Judge Louis was so impressed with the performance that he pressed the golden buzzer, sending Barry straight through to the next round. Now, Barry is back for a semi-final performance of the Bette Midler classic ‘Wind Beneath My Wings.’ “So I was the one with all the glory, While you were the one with all the strength. A beautiful face without a name for so long. A beautiful smile to hide the pain.” When the choir stepped in behind Barry, I knew this was going to be a moment to remember. Just listen as they all sing their hearts out to the beloved chorus. “Did you ever know that you're my hero, And everything I would like to be? I can fly higher than an eagle, For you are the wind beneath my wings.” Barry has certainly made an impression on this talent competition and I look forward to watching this man continue to shine.

29-year-old Filipino Rodelle Borja returned to the Ireland’s Got Talent stage for a powerful performance of ‘Always On My Mind.’ We first met this singer from the Philippines when he auditioned with ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ from Elvis Presley. Rodelle explained that he is a nurse living in Dublin. He takes care of elderly patients and even sings for them every single day. But speaking doesn’t come easy for this young man. Rodelle told the cameras, “I applied for ‘Ireland’s Got Talent’ mainly because I want to inspire other people, especially all the stutterers around the world since I’m also a stutterer myself.” This young man finds comfort in singing and it actually causes him to stutter less. Even when talking becomes difficult, Rodelle can turn to his vocal skills to communicate. His original audition earned tons of praise from the judges. Now, Rodelle is competing in the semi-finals and he’s not holding back. Just listen as he belts out the iconic lyrics of ‘Always On My Mind’ from Willie Nelson. “And maybe I didn't hold you All those lonely, lonely times I guess I never told you I am so happy that you're mine Little things I should have said and done I just never took the time You were always on my mind You were always on my mind” When Rodelle hit those high notes, I knew he was meant to be in this competition. What an inspiration to so many around the world to see this man overcome his stutter and continue to live out his dreams.

Police officer Lt. Austin Garrett shares an emotional final call after 25 years of service. This Chattanooga police officer has dedicated his life to serving the people of his community. Now, he will be joining the Hamilton County office as the chief deputy. But in order to transition, he must first sign off for the final time with the Chattanooga Police Department. His radio call was made extra special because his daughter, Haley, was the Hamilton County 911 Emergency Communications District Dispatcher on the other end of the radio. This viral video shows both father and daughter during the emotional call. Before she even hears her dad, Haley starts to tear up. Then, she recites the sweetest words. “You’ve been a mentor and great friend to many during your career. We all wish you well on your future endeavors. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. I love you, Daddy.” As Lt. Garrett fights back the tears too, he makes one last remark. “Twenty-five years of service. I’ll be out of service a final time. Be careful. Don’t forget who you are.” When the video was posted online, it quickly went viral with over half a million views. Lt. Garrett proudly served the Chattanooga Police Department and now, he is starting on a new path. It’s obvious that he has touched a lot of lives during his 25 year tenure, especially that of his daughter’s. We all thank you for your service and wish you many more years of happiness.

Viral UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi delivers a near perfect routine to end her collegiate career. This 21-year-old gymnast made headlines last year when her Michael Jackson-themed floor routine was shared all over the Internet. Since that time, her unique routines have been the talk of the gymnastics circuit. Katelyn combines upbeat music with difficult moves to create the most entertaining floor routines. Many of her recent performances have earned perfect 10 scores. Katelyn has also used her new platform to spread the message of positivity and body confidence. Originally, this young talent had plans to compete at the Olympic level, but injuries to her shoulder and back, which eventually required surgery, forced her to step back. Katelyn’s course changed and she enrolled in college at UCLA and joined the Bruins gymnastics team. Today, she is ending her collegiate career on a high note with another stunning floor routine at the NCAA Championships in Fort Worth, Texas. With each move, I am more and more in awe of her talent and how she can pull of these seemingly impossible moves. Just when I think it can't get any better, Katelyn does something else, like a split drop, to leave us with our jaws on the floor. Katelyn earned a near-perfect score of 9.950. This talented young woman has certainly made an impression as a college athlete. Not only is she an amazing gymnast but she has also inspired countless girls around the world to follow their dreams with confidence. What a great role model for the younger generation!

I HAVE EXPLAINED THE STORY OF PALM SUNDAY

Award-winning Christian group, Hillsong UNITED, perform their hit song ‘Good Grace’ live on ‘Good Morning America.’ This single is the first song from their newest album, People. ‘So don't let your heart be troubled Hold your head up high Don't fear no evil Fix your eyes on this one truth God is madly in love with you So take courage Hold on, be strong Remember where our help comes from’ Hillsong UNITED is arguably one of the most popular Christian groups of the modern era. Many of their inspirational worship ballads, such as ‘Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)’ and ‘So Will I (100 Billion X)’ are now staple songs in church services across the world. Now, this Australian-based band is blessing us with another beautiful song of praise with ‘Good Grace.’ This powerful tune was written by Joel Houston and it’s been reaching hearts all across the globe. ‘Jesus, our redemption Our salvation is in His blood Jesus, light of heaven Friend forever, His kingdom come’ These beautiful Christian ballads have become an anthem for the younger generation and the lyrics truly resonate with people from all walks of life. The members of Hillsong UNITED always find the perfect words to give praise to His name. And I have a feeling this is going to be another song that will make waves across the world. What a great reminder that the Lord is truly our light and our strength. With God by our side, there is nothing we cannot face. He gave us the keys to Heaven when He sent His only Son down to Earth to die for our sins. That priceless gift is such a blessing that we give thanks for every single day. ‘Good Grace’ is the perfect way to sing of His glory.

It was a miracle captured on camera when these Good Samaritans rushed to save a blind man who fell onto the train tracks. This blind commuter was walking near the platform at the Red Line’s Medical Center metro station in Bethesda, Maryland. As he used his cane to access the area, he fell off of the platform and right onto the tracks. The next train was scheduled to arrive at the station in less than 60 seconds. Bystanders quickly took notice of the situation and rushed to pull the stranger to safety. The video shows more and more people gathering by the tracks to band together and lift the man off the tracks. After he was safe on the platform, the blind man laid on the ground, obviously in shock. Just seconds later, the train comes barreling down the tracks to stop at the platform. This was such a close call for the man but, thankfully, these Good Samaritans did not hesitate to help. The unidentified man was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Once the video was posted online, it quickly became a viral sensation as people praised the quick-thinking strangers. In this day and age, so many people are distracted by the world. It is a refreshing change to see strangers look up and help someone during their time of need. I sure wish that we saw more stories like this in our news feed everyday. What did you think of these kind strangers and their heroic actions?