Hope & Faith

Hi there, welcome back to another episode of our podcast, The Heart of a Trailblazer! ! I'm super excited to have the opportunity to share with you WISDOM MOMENTS. I'm Elaine Benson, your guide on this journey of wisdom and encouragement.

Robert Irwin, who is the son of the late Steve Irwin, praised his mother’s strength and resilience following his father’s passing.

Steve Irwin was a beloved conservationist who earned legions of fans due to his infectious, upbeat personality and interactions with strange and odd-looking animals. His television program “The Crocodile Hunter” was a success specifically because of the show’s host.

Sadly, though, Steve passed away in 2006 after being stung by a stingray. Millions mourned his untimely death. Steve left a wife, Terri, and two small children, Robert and Bindi, behind. 

Losing a loved one is always an awful and heartbreaking experience, especially when it is a father of two small children. In a recent podcast appearance, Robert praised his mother for her strength and resiliency following his father’s passing. He said that since he has gotten older, he has come to understand what his mother did for him and his sister while undergoing such pain and heartache.

“And through everything, she had this stoic, sharp-as-a-tack determination within the business to keep what Dad felt most passionate about alive,” he said. “And then at the same time, 100, I’m not talking 90%, I’m talking 100% of the time was there for Bindi and I. That was always the biggest priority.”

Robert went on to call his mother “the most influential human being” in his life.

In a comment on the clip posted on Instagram, Robert’s mother, Terri, responded to her son's kind and loving words.

“Thank you, Robert, for your thoughtful and moving words,” she wrote. “You and Bindi have always been the joy of my life. I love you more than words can express.”

It appears that God has blessed Robert and his sister Bindi with a kind, loving, strong and determined mother.

Exodus 201:12 “Give honor to your father and to your mother, so that your life may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.”

Comedic Legend Carol Burnett, in an interview, reflects on her storied career, her life and some of the lessons she’s learned along the way.

The entertainment world is a difficult, cut-throat business. Everyone wants a career entertaining others. Look at shows like American Idol, America’s Got Talent and The Voice; they never struggle to find contestants. Breaking into and sustaining a long and successful career in entertainment requires talent. 

Carol has talent in spades, as evidenced by her 70-year career in show business. However, while she has appeared in films, on Broadway and on television, she will always be most closely associated with The Carol Burnett Show. 

It’s an iconic program whose skits continue to provide laughter to thousands. Who could watch Harvey Korman and Tim Conway in a skit and not burst out laughing within minutes? 

However, in a clip posted on YouTube, it wasn’t all fun and games for Carol, especially growing up. The clip mentions that Carol’s parents were alcoholics, and she was eventually sent to live with her grandmother in her one-room apartment. 

Carol says that for 21 years, her grandmother slept on a Murphy bed while she made the couch her bed.  

However, while The Carol Burnett Show is iconic for its many classic skits and won dozens of Emmy Awards, not everyone thought it would be a hit. Carol says that one CBS executive said it would only make it 30 episodes. He was more than a little off with his prediction.

Even though she has experienced all kinds of success, Carol has not forgotten about others and encourages them. She says she often gets fan mail from little girls and has even called a few of them out of the blue. 

As she approaches her 91st birthday, Carol hopes her comedy career has helped provide laughter to people when they needed it most.

“There’s a quote, ‘People may forget what you said, forget what you did, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel,’” she said. “So, I’m hoping that I made them feel good at times when they were down; they needed a laugh.”

Proverbs 17:22 “A glad heart makes a healthy body, but a crushed spirit makes the bones dry.”

One of the most talented and popular musicians in Christian music, Lauren Daigle, shared a powerful Gospel message with prison inmates.

The world is a broken place filled with lost, hurting and struggling people. Ever since sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden, it has done nothing but cause death and destruction. Sin and its repercussions have ruined lives and torn apart families. 

Everyone is a sinner. The Bible states that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. However, even while we were still in our sin, God still loved us. He even sent his one and only Son to earth to die on the cross, taking our place and all our sins and shame on Himself. 

That’s how much God loves and still loves sinners and those who have willfully turned away from Him. While God cannot and will not bless and approve sin, He still loves sinners. He constantly reaches out and chases after them. It was that message of God’s enduring love that Lauren shared with a group of female inmates.

In a clip posted on social media, Lauren visited and played for a group of inmates. She also states in the short clip that, surprisingly, one of her favorite places to visit is prison. 

The video shows Lauren putting on a concert for the women. The beautifully written lyrics about God’s unfailing love, mercy and grace moved some women to tears.

But the most powerful moment of the clip happens when Lauren, holding a Bible, tells the women that God still loves them. Yes, God wants all to turn from their sinful ways, but God’s love never ends or fails.

“God yearns for you,” Lauren says. “He yearns for all of us. How amazing is that? ‘God, I see what I’ve done wrong. I definitely turned away from you. I didn’t want anything to do with you. And He says, ‘Don’t worry, that didn’t stop me from loving you.’

Lauren ends her message by telling the inmates that they can have hope and no longer live in sin because of God's grace and enduring love.

“There is hope for your future,” she said. “There is.”

Praise God!

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.”

A young woman, a 13-year-old actor and author with Down syndrome captivates and inspires.

Life is often not a fair experience. No one will get through this life without knowing the feeling of pain and hurt. There will be instances that leave their mark, leaving us battered and bruised. However, some people seem to encounter and confront more than their fair share of hardships and trials. 

But, despite those trying situations and circumstances, quitting is not an option. In fact, those difficulties can be used for good, making us stronger and propelling us on to bigger and better things. 

Mia Armstrong is an excellent example of this idea. The teenage actor, author and activist with Down syndrome has not let anything hold her back. 

With humor and grace, Mia explains in an interview on CBS Mornings that she believes Down syndrome is her superpower. She also talked about her book, “I am a Masterpiece.”

Mia adds that she wants people to be kind to one another, whether they have a disability or not. 

However, Mia understands that even when people say mean or hurtful things to her, she tries to give them grace and be patient with them because people will sometimes “forget their manners.”

Mia is a lovely, inspiring young woman with a beautiful heart and outlook. It’s clear that Mia also has a wonderful, loving mother. Mia’s mom joined her daughter during the interview segment and called the opportunity to raise a child with Down syndrome a “privilege.”

“It is a privilege to raise a child with Down syndrome,” she said. “Mia has taught our family so much about patience and persistence.”

She also told Mia that she is inspired every day by her because she never gives up, no matter the situation or circumstance. 

Mia is an inspiring young woman who has accomplished so much in her young life. Who knows what she will do next? 

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.”

Legendary comedian Jeff Foxworthy spoke in front of a large crowd and shared a powerful message about not being ashamed of the Gospel or the name of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ can take anything and everything and make something beautiful out of it. It could be the worst situation imaginable, and God can use it for good and the building of the Kingdom. Or it could be a seemingly insignificant, hilariously awkward speaking engagement that can be used to change the lives of others. 

In a clip posted on social media, Jeff mentioned how he was invited to speak at a wild game dinner in his home state of Georgia. Jeff told a friend of his that, for some reason, he believed God was calling him to speak at that event. 

When Jeff got there, it wasn’t exactly what he expected. He made a startling discovery. There was no stage, light or microphone at what turned out to be a goat rope. But thousands of people did show up to hear Jeff speak. 

So, on a makeshift stage, Jeff did some comedy and then talked about Jesus Christ. Years later, God revealed to Jeff how his appearance at the odd gathering made a difference in someone’s life.

While at church, one man informed Jeff that he had attended that event and gave his life to Jesus Christ that night. 

Jeff encouraged the audience to listen to God whenever He speaks to us, pushing us to act and do something for Him.

“So, whatever it is you do in your life, be bold for Him,” Jeff said. “Do not be ashamed of the name of Jesus Christ because He is our only hope.” 

Jeff added that we must be bold for Him because there is a lost and dying world that needs to hear about the love, grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to everyone that believes; to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

The kind and caring Judge Frank Caprio of Caught in Providence fame has issued a teary-eyed reminder to “enjoy every minute” of life.

Life is precious and must be protected, cherished and cared for in every possible way. It’s the most fragile and precious gift on earth. No one knows how long they have been given on earth. Nobody knows what the future holds. We aren’t promised tomorrow or even the next hour or minute.  

Likely, everyone believes they have much more time than they actually have left. That’s why being grateful for the time the Lord has given you is so important. It’s important to savor and cherish time with family and friends because you never know when it could be the last. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, the kind judge, with tears in his eyes, reminds us that no one knows what the future holds. All we have is the present moment, and we should cherish every second we have been given. 

Frank correctly mentions that we all take things in life for granted. We often take our health, family, friends and jobs for granted, believing they will always be there. We aren’t nearly as thankful or grateful for them as we should be until we no longer have them.

“I don’t know what the future holds,” he says with tears. “I don’t know. So, I tell you, enjoy every minute of your life.”

In late 2023, Frank revealed that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to People. 

Since he revealed his cancer diagnosis, Frank has posted several videos on YouTube of him reflecting on his life and reminding people to love and care for one another. 

Instead of asking the Lord to do this or that the next time in prayer, spend some extra time thanking Him for what He has given and has done in your life.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give praise: for this is the purpose of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

In an interview, Hollywood actor Mr. T explained how his “tacky” shoes help him keep his “head toward heaven.”

Everyone wants to experience success. It’s only natural and human for someone to want their efforts to succeed; there is nothing wrong with that desire. I mean, no one who goes out into the world hopes and wishes to fail, right? 

But what happens when someone sees their efforts greatly prosper? They usually become wealthy and obtain some level of fame and recognition. This can often lead people to be consumed with money, fame and success. All they want is more, more and more. Nothing is ever enough for this kind of person. 

This person will also forget their humble origins, the people who were with them initially, and the source of their money and success. In an interview, actor Mr. T found a unique way of helping him stay grounded and reminding himself of what matters in life.

Mr. T, who has been around for decades and starred in the beloved show The A-Team, is best known for his catchphrase, “I pity the fool,” and wearing many gaudy gold necklaces. But he explained that it’s his shoes that keep him grounded despite all his success. 

In the clip, the woman interviewing him notices his shoes. She laughs at them and even calls them “tacky.” His response to her question about his shoes was likely not what she expected. 

He stated that those shoes had been in his family for years, and his father and brothers had worn them. He says that the shoes remind him to stay humble, remember where he came from, and not get too proud and consumed with success. 

He also added that his shoes remind him to always think about the true source of his fame and success.

“They keep me level,” he said. “As I said, I want to keep my feet on the ground and my head toward heaven.”

James 4:6 “But he gives more grace. So that the Writings say, God is against the men of pride, but he gives grace to those who make themselves low before him.”

This video clip is an interview from the Kelly Clarkson Show, with Savannah Guthrie, broadcast journalist, and co-host of The Today Show. In the interview she talks with Kelly about how her faith has been a rock through hardship. 

Her new book called, Mostly What God Does: Reflections On Seeking His Love Everywhere, was recently published. Kelly first asks her what she does to chill, especially since her job on The Today Show is talking about the news. 

“What I try to do is keep it in perspective. I mean I think that’s why, I mean faith has always been important to me but I really lean on it,” Savannah says. “I feel like faith gives me a perspective…”

Kelly then asks Savannah about a time in her life when faith really pulled her out when she was really down. Savannah talks about when her father passed away when she was 16. People would ask her if she still believed in God after that and she says that she remembered thinking, “This is when I need him the most,” which is so true.

When we are going through a difficult time, that is when he need to reach out to God to help us through. We need to depend on him and know he is in control of the whole situation. 

She goes on to talk about how her book is a journey of faith. She says that, “Mostly what God does is love you,” which is a really amazing sentiment. Focusing on God’s love is so important and a reminder of who God truly is. 

You can tell from the video that Savannah is strong in her faith, has learned many lessons about life and God over the years, and is happy to share them with others through her latest book. 

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God.” - 1 John 4:7

Hundreds of people have come together to help a man who is legally blind with his commute to work.

There will never be too much kindness and love in the world. Given the state and condition of our fallen world and the many hurting and broken people around us, it’s impossible to be too loving, caring and kind. Anyone and everyone can benefit from an unexpected act of kindness and love.

Those acts of kindness and love can and do come in many different shapes, sizes and forms. Kindness and love can be shown in a million different ways. To be kind and show someone the love of Christ, all anyone has to do is spot a need and then act accordingly. However, as Jesus mentioned in Matthew, “The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few.”

As a video posted on YouTube explains, people in one Arkansas town saw a need and acted. They have shown one man unbelievable kindness and love. 

Bill Moczulewski is a janitor and is dedicated to his job. Bill is also legally blind and unable to drive a car. However, this does not stop Bill from going to work. He would walk five miles every day in all kinds of weather. 

One day, Christy Conrad spotted Bill on his commute to work and offered him a ride. During this ride, Christy learned that her passenger is legally blind and does this same five-mile walk in all types of weather. 

So, to help Bill out, Christ started a Facebook group, hoping to find people to give him a ride to work. The response to the Facebook group was overwhelming. The group has expanded to 1,500 people. 

Bill says now he never has a problem getting a ride. He adds that the person behind the wheel is never the same. It’s always someone different stopping to help Bill.

“There’s a lot of good people in this world, all over the place, you know?” Bill said. 

This all started because one woman was kind enough to pull over and offer a man walking down the street a ride to work. She saw a need and took action. 

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.”

Everybody Ignores And Walks Pass this Crazy Street Preacher

Agree and be Healed amen.

Actress and Christian Candace Cameron Bure mentioned that while reading the Old Testament book of Job, there was a verse that caused her to laugh out loud.

When most people think of the book of Job, laughter is not commonly associated with it. Job, in the Bible’s Old Testament, tells the story of Job – a righteous man of God. The Lord had blessed Job. He was a wealthy man with a wife, many children and an abundance of livestock.

However, Job’s life soon took a dramatic turn. Satan told God that Job would not praise Him if all his material blessings, family and health were taken away. So, that’s what happened – everything was taken from Job. But Satan was proven wrong, and Job continued to praise God. 

Later in the book, as Candace mentions, as Job is enduring these hardships, he has individuals giving him advice. Their advice is not helpful for what he is going through, and it is one verse in which Job responds to them that caused the “Fuller House” actress to react with laughter.

“There’s a line in there that he says back to them, and I’m paraphrasing: ‘If only you would just shut your mouth, and let that be your wisdom,’” she said. “I was like, ‘Job, that’s so smart.’ 

She added: “Sometimes people think they are so wise, and I’m, like, if you’d only shut your mouth and being wise from keeping silent. It made me laugh out loud reading that in the Bible.”

One of the nation’s presidents, Abraham Lincoln, has a quote often credited to him that also expresses this idea. “It is better to remain silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.”

Sadly, we all know people who would benefit greatly from Job’s and Abraham Lincoln’s wise words.

Job 13:5 “If only you would keep quiet, it would be a sign of wisdom!”

A reading from the book, Holiness by J.C. Ryle. This is the first reading, The Preface.

A 28-year-old and father of five gave a stunning and emotional performance of Sam Cooke’s classic, “Bring It on Home to Me,” during his audition on American Idol.

Most people want to better their situation in life and take steps toward making that vision a reality. They desire a better future for themselves and their children. That’s something all parents want for their children. Anyone who doesn't want to provide or at least try to do so for their kids isn’t much of a parent.

One of those people hoping to change his lot in life and make a better life for his children is Odell Bunton Jr. In a clip posted on YouTube, Odell reveals that he and his wife are the proud parents of five little bundles of joy. To provide for them, he works security during the overnight shift at the Dallas airport.

But Odell and his family live in a hotel, and he wants more. He sees music as a way to do that for him and his family. After his stunning audition on American Idol, Odell may be right!

Moments after singing the first few words of the iconic song, it’s clear that Odell has a ton of musical, God-given talent. Given the expressions from Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan during his audition, they also agree.

All the judges gave the father of five plenty of comments and compliments on his audition. However, Katy gave him the highest, kindest compliment.

“I would say that you’re the best soul singer we have this season,” Katy said. 

Lionel and Luke agree with Katy’s assessment. Luke said that he even got chills while listening to Odell.

Odell is on his way to Hollywood and is one big step closer to giving his family the better life he desires for them.

Psalm 95:1 “O come, let us make songs to the Lord; sending up glad voices to the Rock of our salvation.”

The Lord is WITH you woman of God! The Lord is with you man of God! You are about to see the hand of God move mightily in your life to move you into the NEXT level of DESTINY and what He has promised you! The Lord is with you! Come, let us encourage our faith with this brief exhortation! Check out my FREE podcast also on the following below: SPOTIFY podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/masteringyourlifewithjay AMAZON podcast: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1e112dcb-2916-4352-a84e-0645343ae2b8/mastering-your-life-with-jay IHEART podcast: https://iheart.com/podcast/127020364 GOOGLE podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/search/mastering%20your%20life%20with%20jay Check out my BLOG by clicking the link below: https://mysteriesofmastery.com/ #jesus #divinedestiny #blessings #success #victory #propheticdestiny #breakthrough #wealth #faith #warriors #warrior #gideonsarmy #chosenones #chosenone #chosen Rooted: SI3OMZPMLOAMOG2L, Just look up: BRMAR9UVXSVDL0H9

Fun and community for writers--3rd Day Writers meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month to talk and pray a little, and to write a bunch. Fiction, non-fiction, or just some scribbles and scratchings--it's all writing and we'd love to have you with us!

A host of the Today Show, Savannah Guthrie, has opened up about her deep faith and God's impact on her life.

One’s faith and belief in God is very personal to many people and can be hard to discuss openly and publicly. Some people will completely disregard it, and others may even ridicule and mock the person who brings up God and faith. However, someone talking about God and Jesus Christ and the difference He has made in their life may be just what someone needs to hear.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Savannah, who admits that she had fears about discussing her faith publicly, put them aside. Savannah, in her book, “Mostly What God Does,” opened up about her faith and how God has touched her life. 

She states that she grew up in the church. But it was during a devastating time as a teenager that she grew even closer to Him, clinging to his healing, comfort and protection.

Her father passed away when she was only 16 years old. She came home one Friday night to learn that he had passed unexpectedly. 

“My father was a deep man of faith and conviction,” Savannah said. “I remember being asked by friends, ‘How can you still believe?’ And I remember saying, ‘Oh no, this is when I need Him the most. I can’t lose my dad and lose God at the same time.’”

Later in the clip, Savannah talked about becoming the mother to two beautiful children and how God uses parenthood to show His deep and unending love to us.

“I came to understand that parenthood is God’s greatest metaphor,” she said. “I look at my kids, and I think about how I love them and how they delight me and how much I enjoy them. And when I clued into the way I feel about my kids is how God feels about me and how God feels about us, that was transformative.”

1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has given us in naming us the children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not see who we are, because it did not see who he was.”

This video clip begins with Billy Grammer telling the audience that this song, ‘Unknown Solider’ is one of his most requested songs. Then he starts to play. 

With his guitar, Billy is sitting in a chair, playing to the audience at Larry’s Country Diner. The clip is from the 2nd season of the show, which was quite a few years ago. 

Billy Grammer was an American country music singer and accomplished guitar player. One of his most popular songs is ‘Gotta Travel On,’ which made it onto both the country and pop charts in 1959. He was also popular at the Grand Old Opry and designed his namesake guitar, the Grammeer Guitar.

 

Sadly, Billy passed away in 2011 when he was in his 80s. But his music and his spirit live on through his music and past performances. 

The song he is singing here has a sad quality to it. It is the song of the unknown soldier. And begins, “I looked down from heaven’s window on a grave so all alone. I’m the soldier whose body lies there and my grave is marked unknown.” 

The idea of an unknown soldier is a tragic one. We often think of those who have passed as having family who mourn them, but in the case of an unknown soldier, their family could be out there not knowing what happened to them. 

At least we know that God was with the soldier as they passed and he is with the family, who are probably missing that soldier, even if they don’t know what happened to them. 

Larry’s Country Diner is a unique hometown variety show. They have many different musicians and entertainers come on their show. While it does appear to look like a local diner, it is a show and not a normal restaurant. 

“For whether we live, we live to the Lord; and whether we die, we die to the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.” - Romans 14:8 

One mother found out her daughter was bullying another student at school, acted and used her daughter’s punishment to send a powerful message.

Most people are struggling and battling against something. There is not a single perfect person walking on Earth. Everyone has their problems, failures and flaws. That’s why picking on and ridiculing someone is never helpful. Such cruel and hateful treatment will only serve to make things dramatically worse. 

As everyone knows, kids can be some of the cruelest and cold-hearted people, especially to one another. So, when one mother found out that her daughter had been treating a classmate of hers in a less-than-optimal manner, she punished her daughter in a pretty incredible and moving way. 

In a video posted on TikTok, a mother showed what she made her daughter do to apologize for her actions. The short, 40-second video begins with the mother and her daughter walking through the aisles at Target.

Text in the video explains what viewers are seeing as they watch the short clip.

“POV (Point of View): Your child decided to be a follower and bully another kid today knowing you hate bullies! This is how we apologize in our house hold,” the text reads.

Next, the video cuts to a basketful of items. There is also a card in which the child wrote a message apologizing to the other young lady for her actions.

The note inside the card reads: “Im sorry for being mean to you and talking about your hair, you are a wonderful friend to me, so I apologize for that.”

The mother, who posted the video on social media, wrote how she always tells her children that they never know what someone else is enduring and what they are experiencing.

Children can be cruel to one another, teasing and making fun of others for something they have no control over. However, it appears that this mother is doing things the right way. She is trying to teach her children to be empathetic and to show kindness and compassion for others.

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.”