Testimonies

Matthew McConaughey revealed the powerful childhood lessons that shaped him. The popular Hollywood actor shared three of the most important things his parents taught him as a child. Watch the short but insightful clip to hear what Matthew learned as a youngster that has had a profound impact on his life.

Life isn't always easy or even a pleasant experience. Many times, as you probably already know, life will knock you down, and it will hurt. No one enjoys going through those situations; pain and failure aren't any fun. However, oftentimes, if we're willing to stop, look at the situation and think about how we arrived at this point, some valuable lessons can be learned in those circumstances.

Failure isn't really failure if we learn something from it and apply those hard-won lessons to the future. Not everything we learn in life will come easily, as all children know. A parent's firm and immediate punishment and correction are rarely, if ever, an enjoyable experience.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Matthew mentioned that growing up, there were three things his parents would not tolerate. He was not allowed to say, "I can't," "I hate" and lying was strictly forbidden. He provided specific examples of how his mother and father reacted when he broke those rules and failed to live up to their standards, and how these reactions have shaped his life ever since.

"If I said, 'I can't,' my dad's teeth would just start to go, 'Excuse me? You sure you're not just having trouble?'" he recalled his father saying to him.

Later in the clip, he shares a time when he told a sibling that he hated them.

"I said, 'I hate you' to my brother 'cause I heard the word at school, and I thought it could make me feel like I was older," Matthew added. "So, I threw it out there one day – at my own birthday party! My own birthday party, I said to him, 'I hate you!' And my mom, whooped, stopped the entire party. Forty kids my age in the backyard. Stopped it - my birthday. Stopped it. Pulled me around the side of the house, and says, 'What did you say? You don't ever use that word, especially to someone in your family.' "

He added that he got "licks" with a belt, and then she told him to "dry his tears," resumed the birthday party, adding again that he was never to say that word.

"Well, what I was learning is the antonyms to those words," he said. "Because saying, 'I can't,' lying and saying, 'I hate you' were bringing me pain. So, the opposite must bring pleasure, right? Tell the truth, love and believe that you can. Those were the values, how I remember them getting instilled in me and to this day, I still have them."

Proverbs 22:6 "If a child is trained up in the right way, even when he is old, he will not be turned away from it."

“Malcolm in the Middle” star Frankie Muniz shared what led him to Christ. The actor discussed his faith journey and described the situation that ultimately led him to find Jesus Christ. Watch the short, yet powerful clip to hear actor Frankie Muniz discuss how he came to know Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.

None of us would have a chance if not for the love, mercy and grace of Jesus Christ. We all know what we deserve, and it’s not eternal life spent with Him in heaven. No, the Bible says that the wages of sin are death. We are all sinners, having willfully turned our backs on Him and His commands. Death and to be eternally separated from Him are what we rightfully deserve.

However, thankfully, that verse in Romans, which mentions death as the price for sin, does not end there. It goes on to say that “but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” He does not want to see any perish and is constantly chasing after the lost sheep. In a clip posted on YouTube, Frankie mentioned how the Lord used music and a poor connection to reach him.

“I’ll be honest with you,” the actor said. “It’s something new into my life. I found it on accident. I was driving across the country. If you had a really long time, I could tell you the whole story. But I was driving across the country, and everything that could possibly go wrong was going wrong. And, I was almost in tears, and the only station that would play was K-Love.”

Later in the video, Frankie mentions the specific songs that were playing at the time.

“The song came on, and it was Kari Jobe ‘Cover the Earth,’ and it was Big Daddy Weave ‘Overwhelmed,’ like back-to-back,” he added. “And where I was, I was somewhere in New Mexico at the time, and it was like the perfect moment, and I haven’t turned off that radio station since. And that brought me, I started going to church every Sunday, and really being involved in my faith, and definitely become a big part of my life.”

Romans 10:17 “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Two generations of comedy greats – Carol Burnett and Kristen Wiig talked about humor and legacy. The two funny ladies sat down for an interview together, where they discussed the art of comedy and expressed their admiration for each other’s body of work and comedic gifts. Watch the short but insightful clip to listen to Carol and Kristen talk about the art of comedy.

It has been said that comedy is much more challenging to do than drama. That’s because everyone has a different sense of humor. What one person finds hilarious will likely not be the same thing that makes the next guy double over in laughter. So, when someone has been able to have and sustain a long career in comedy, you know they have a ton of talent.

One woman whose comedic talent is undeniable is Carol Burnett. If there were a Mt. Rushmore for comedy, she would most certainly be on it. Her legendary show, The Carol Burnett Show, continues to make people laugh all these years later. It’s hard to keep a straight face while watching one of the show’s many classic skits.

Similarly, Kristen, best known for her years on Saturday Night Live, is also a very funny lady. In addition to her many iconic characters on the long-running sketch show, she wrote and starred in one of the funniest films of the last 10 years or so, “Bridesmaids.” In a clip posted on YouTube, the two women sat down to discuss comedy and why they admire each other so much.

Of course, whenever Kristen or the interviewer heaped any praise on Carol, she sidestepped it, deflected it and was extremely modest. Even when Kristen said that The Carol Burnett Show inspired her to get into comedy, Carol said she would have done well in comedy regardless. Talent will always win out, Carol contended.

Job 8:21 “The time will come when your mouth will be full of laughing, and cries of joy will come from your lips.”

Anne Wilson shared how God spoke to her in the middle of pain and heartbreak. The Christian country musician shared what the Lord said to her during one of the darkest and most devastating situations of her life. Watch the short but powerful clip to hear what the Lord said to Anne and how her listening to his message and direction changed her entire life.

Sadly, painful, agonizing situations and circumstances are unavoidable. They have a way of finding all of us at one time or another. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, job loss or some other hardship, those dark times are real, and they hurt -  every single one of them.

But even when we are hurting and struggling, God remains faithful and loving. He can take even the most devastating tragedy and bring about something beautiful. The Bible states as much in the New Testament book of Romans: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”

In a clip posted on YouTube, Anne shared how she heard the voice of the Lord only moments after learning about a huge and devastating loss. She had just been informed that her brother had been killed in a car accident.

“So, I walked in, and the first thing I knew to ask was, ‘Dad, is he dead?’ she said. “And he looked up at me with tears in his eyes, and he said, ‘Yeah, Anne, Jacob’s dead.’ I turned around, and I faced these doors in this living room, and they were these glass doors. And I remember seeing myself in the reflection of these glass doors. I heard the voice of the Lord for the first time in my life, and I’ll never forget. He said to me, clear as day, ‘Anne, are you going to trust me or are you not?’”

Immediately after hearing that question, Anne decided to rely on and trust the Lord as she and her family navigated this horrific and devastating tragedy.

“I remember saying, ‘Jesus, I trust you,’” she said. “And in that exact same moment, I felt this peace that I have never experienced since then – the Lord’s presence, of like, I just knew I was going to get through it. I didn’t know what it was going to look like.”

It was at her brother’s funeral, while performing for the first time, that the Lord revealed His plans for her life to her. He was calling her to create music to bring praise, glory and honor to His name.

Psalm 23:4 “Yes, though I go through the valley of deep shade, I will have no fear of evil; for you are with me, your rod and your support are my comfort.”

Inner Peace

How can we truly live out our faith online? In this video, I’m sharing practical ways to honor Christ in the way we post, comment, and engage on social media. From the words we use, to the content we share, to the way we treat others—even behind a screen—we’re called to reflect Jesus everywhere we go, including online. I have been making content for over 7 years and I want to tell you what I have learned over the year!

And shout out to ‪@jacobpetersen‬ for always being a good brother in christ and sharing his thoughts on this too!

📖 Bible Reminder: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

If this encourages you, make sure to like, share, and subscribe for more faith-filled content!  Drop a comment: How do YOU try to live out your faith on social media? Also let me know if you end up taking the challenge I gave at the end of the video!

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Candace Cameron Bure opened up to John Crist about how she has been able to blaze her own career path. The actress, writer and podcast host mentioned that with her work, she is doing what she wants and saying what she wants. Watch the short but powerful clip to hear how Candace has been able to do this in an industry that typically puts up many barriers.

Conventional wisdom has been that you must do this or that or say this or that to succeed in Hollywood. Basically, if you want to be in the game, you have to play by the rules. To be honest, that is how it is in nearly every job and profession. We have always done things a certain way, so that is how you must do it, too.

Some people refuse to play by someone else’s rules. Simply because that’s the way we have always done things isn’t the greatest reason or argument for continuing to do things a particular way, especially if it’s not working. Candace is one of those people who has gone against the grain, choosing to do and say things in Hollywood that have gone against the norm.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Candace told John how she has been able to do this throughout her career. She says what she wants and puts out the movies and television shows she wants.

“I’ve always kind of been that way, and we’ve always,” she said. “I say ‘we.’ I’ve been with the same business partners for almost 30 years. I’m a loyalist at heart and love my team and my people. But we’ve just kind of forged a path when a lot of people were like, ‘Nope, you can’t do that. We can’t. You can’t.’ And we’ll say, ‘Well, we’ll find a way.’”

She added that her determination and perseverance have allowed her to “stay true to the things that I’ve wanted to and been willing to say no and find a different route to do it.”

Galatians 6:9 “Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up.”

God doesn't need your perfect attendance if you're preying in the pews. I expose how faith and betrayal collide. It reveals the predators who exploit sacred spaces and how faith can arise from the deepest wounds. This is a story of overcoming injustice, and a spirit that will not be silenced.

At 19 years old, I walked away from my faith. For over 20 years, I battled alcoholism and lived a life far from God. At 43, I found the strength to get sober, but it wasn’t until I turned 48 that I truly found peace—I found God again. This is my testimony. A story of brokenness, redemption, and the undeniable grace of God. If you’ve ever felt lost, hopeless, or too far gone, I hope my journey shows you that it’s never too late to turn back to Him.

His promises provide hope and reassurance during difficult times, guiding individuals through life's challenges with faith and confidence. By trusting in His promises, people often find renewed strength and a sense of purpose, leading to personal growth and a deeper sense of peace. Ultimately, believing in these promises can inspire a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Stream/Download : https://ditto.fm/testimony-precious-e... Playlist : https://radio-chart.com/playlist/21/

Explore faith, false prophets, and the cost of true discipleship. Includes a call to spiritual discernment in a time of awakening.

What happens when searching for spiritual truth leads you into darkness instead of light? This powerful testimony shares the journey from New Age deception and demonic attacks to freedom, peace, and victory in Jesus Christ. 🙌 After years of seeking, surrender brought a life-changing encounter with the love of Jesus—a love stronger than fear, stronger than lies, stronger than the enemy’s attacks. If you’ve ever felt stuck, deceived, or under spiritual attack, this story is for you. You don’t have to be a casualty of Satan’s lies. In Christ, you can walk in truth, live in victory, and discover the eternal value of your soul. ✝️️

Ariana's story showcases how a life-altering event can deeply impact one's faith and path toward christianity. Her spiritual journey demonstrates the power of God and how unexpected events can lead to profound spiritual growth. This is a testament to the power of Jesus Christ and a true spiritual awakening. Arianna's story highlights a powerful spiritual awakening after a life-altering event. She shares her journey from being a lukewarm christian to a profound connection with God, demonstrating true faith. This is a testament to the power of christianity and spiritual growth through true conversion**.

A devotional reflection on Haggai’s post-exilic message, calling the modern church to rebuild with reverence, truth, and obedience.

What do we really lose when love ends? It’s not just the person. It’s your identity. Your purpose. Your future. Even your grocery list. In this brutally honest episode of UnYoked, Todd Turner and author Marcus Ferris unpack the hidden grief that hits after a breakup or divorce. From shared memories and meaning, to purpose and neededness, this is the conversation most people wish they had years ago. In this episode: Why grieving a breakup is more than emotional pain The lost virtue domain—and why Christian men especially feel it How to rebuild when the shared goals, friends, and rhythms vanish The danger of dating too soon (and what to do instead) Why men and women numb differently—and how to fight the real monster If you’re single, divorced, or still reeling from the quiet fallout of a breakup, this episode is your mirror, your guide, and maybe even your elixir. 🟡 UnYoked is a podcast for Christian singles, empty nesters, and anyone rebuilding after loss. 🎧 Guest: Marcus Ferris | Mission 22, Coach, and Author https://stan.store/IronStrongLife Instagram @ultrarunfarris Bio Marcus Farris is an author, counselor, health coach, and Army Reserve officer. He currently works full-time for the veteran non-profit, Mission 22 as the Post Traumatic Growth Director. He joined their team in January 2020 after serving as an Engineer Officer in Alaska for four years. He has his undergraduate degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering and holds his Masters of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He is also a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach.

This episode is for those Christian men navigating divorce and searching for something more. Learn how to start over, find true healing from divorce, and experience real personal growth. It's time to rebuild yourself and discover a new life centered on faith. Seven years post-divorce, God stopped me in my tracks. I thought I was rebuilding, but I was still chasing idols — money, relationships, validation. This episode is my raw story of how He burned it all to the ground so I could start over with Him as my foundation. What we cover: The danger of isolation and “lone wolf” living Why dating too soon often backfires The “arrow in the back of the head” wound we try to hide Why repentance is the real starting line for healing How to rebuild on the Rock, not sand Scriptures: Matthew 7:16–20, Luke 15:20, John 15:5, Psalm 51:10, Proverbs 3:5–12

God can and does turn life’s messes into something beautiful. He often demonstrates the ability to make masterpieces out of ashes and rubble. Watch the short but powerful clip to hear about how the Lord can take the seemingly broken, destroyed and ruined and turn them into something beautiful and breathtaking.

People are fallen, lost and broken. We are all sinners who have willfully turned away from God. We disobeyed, choosing our way over His commands and directives. Of course, you know what happens after we ignore God: we make a complete mess of things, which occurs every time.

Human beings have a knack for screwing things up and taking the good and utterly ruining it. If there’s a way to make a bad situation worse, just give a human a little bit of time with it, and they’ll find a way. Luckily, God is in the business of providing forgiveness and offering grace because we’d all be totally and entirely lost without it. The Lord can also take those situations that we’ve wrecked and ruined, and use them for something good, making what was once broken and destroyed into something new and beautiful.

In a clip posted on YouTube, one man explains how the Lord does this, mentioning a specific and important verse in Scripture. He points to Romans 8:28, in which Paul writes how God uses all situations to bring about good for those who love Him. He adds that God can use messes that we’ve created or ones that we had no role in creating. It does not matter to Him because He can do it all.

“So, it’s almost like God is just so crazy redemptive that He can use even the worst parts of our stories,” he said. “He doesn’t just want to use the beautiful, polished, shiny parts of our stories that we can brag about. God wants the ugly, shameful parts of our story, and He’s committed, not just to working in the good things, but working in the bad things, too.”

Romans 8:28 “And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.”

This video features Chris Ballard’s story - a Cherokee from Tahlequah, Oklahoma - along with the Native American drum, flute and keyboard recording 'Send Me' written and performed by Dan Adler, (c) 2025 Heart of the City Music. This song and story are featured on the Heart of the City band CD 'A New Kind of Warrior', (c) 2025 Heart of the City Music. All are available for purchase or download at www.danandsandyadler.com

This video features Darla Provancial Yellowcloud’s story - from the Sicangu band of the original Seven Council Fires in Rosebud, South Dakota - along with the Native American guitar, drum and keyboard recording 'When the Light Shines' written by Dan Adler and performed by Dan and Sandy Adler, (c) 2025 Heart of the City Music. This song and story are featured on the Heart of the City band CD 'A New Kind of Warrior', (c) 2025 Heart of the City Music. All are available for purchase or download at www.danandsandyadler.com

This video features Kwsind Clelland’s story - a Lakota Sioux and Apache from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe - along with the Native American guitar and flute recording 'I See You Now' written by Dan Adler and performed by Dan and Sandy Adler, (c) 2024 Heart of the City Music. This song and story are featured on the Heart of the City band CD 'A New Kind of Warrior', (c) 2025 Heart of the City Music. All are available for purchase or download at www.danandsandyadler.com