UpLift Media

 There is an expression that says, "a coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous." Have you ever felt like that? Most people experience a wide range of coincidences where things just seem to work out in an unexpected but pleasant way. But when it comes to the story of Brenda Rivera and Isiah Stern the coincidence was not a small one and it actually started with a Bible verse. You see Rivera was trying to send a friend an encouraging scripture via text quoting from Philippians 2:  do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself. Wrong number leads to marriage & kids After hitting 'send' the message actually went to Stern as Rivera typed her friends number but was one digit off. Seeing the scripture on his phone from an unknown number he couldn't help but reply so Isiah said, "Amen to that. Who is this?" Soon the mistake led to conversations. Conversations led to a growing trust. Trust...

 Parenting any child comes with challenges in this crazy world with all its potential pitfalls. But add to the mix attempting to give your son or daughter all the same advantages as everyone else when a disability is part of the equation. Suddenly things that most take for granted, like holding cards during an UNO game, can seem like monumental problems if that disability means missing most of your fingers. Enter Luke Dennison, an 8 year old with parents that were determined to even the playing field. They initially did what most would do, turning to doctors and companies who make it their business to create and fit prosthetics to each unique patient. Sadly for Luke, he never could adapt to the conventional options. While they could increase some functionality there always seemed to be something missing. Luke demonstrating one of his hand attachments Luke's dad Gregg decided to think outside of the box. He soon began learning and experimenting with the world of 3D printing. Before ...

 Normally when a professional athlete makes it to the pages of UpLift Media its because they decided to do something to give back to the community using their celebrity as a platform. However, in a strange but wholesome twist this will make the third NFL football player in just two months span to be covered by our social media pages for saving someone's life. Just two months ago UpLift shared the story of NFL backup quarterback, Blaine Gabbert , who saved passengers that crash landed a helicopter into a body of water off of the Davis Islands. Then just a month ago, UpLift posted the story of NFL former running back Peyton Hillis for saving his kids from drowning off the coast of Pensacola. KJ Osborn at scene of car crash Maybe because events seem to occur in threes or maybe just a coincidence, we now have our third NFL athlete saving a life in that of Vikings wide receiver, KJ Osborn. Having just arrived in Austin, the athlete got into an Uber and was headed to his destination. Su...

 In a world where we are glued to our cell phone screens you are lucky if people stop to help one another. At best they might use that very phone to video your emergency or predicament rather than assist. So for a couple of teens from De Moines, Iowa to stop watching TikTok due to some commotion outside, put down their phones, and go to render aid is practically a miracle and such a heartwarming assurance of our younger generation. Sisters, Jasmine Morris who is 15 and Jacora Morris who is 17 noticed some kids playing on the iced over pond behind their apartment complex. However the ice had given way and two kids ages 7 & 8 were now fighting for their lives. Jasmine & Jacora telling their story "They're drowning, they're drowning?" shouted Jasmine as she and her sister dropped everything and ran to the scene to help out. Both kids were in trouble but one was actually trapped under the ice with one finger sticking through signaling for assistance. "I grabb...

 Pro athletes and celebrities of have a unique position in life to give back and spread kindness. Their fame can open doors to opportunity and simultaneously encourage the publicity that comes with it. In a world where bad news is so easily spread, its refreshing when good news is flowing and even more so when someone is using their position in life as a platform to do so. Enter Spencer Knight, the Florida Panthers goalie, who felt compelled to give back one summer while in the off season. In searching for what that looked like specifically he connected with the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and came up with a unique idea. What if I had the kids help me design a new hockey helmet to wear in the upcoming season? Spencer admiring one of the kids designs Soon he was in a hospital corridor brainstorming ideas with a dozen or so eager kids to come up with some cool designs. Many thought sticking with a Florida theme seemed relevant contributing drawings of the state, the sunshine, an...

 "My daddy can beat up your daddy," was a common phrase in the school yard at recess time when many of us were growing up. For some reason it was important to show strength was on your side even if it didn't come directly from you. This boast implied that though I might not be able to handle you, my dad can handle you and he can even handle your dad, so watch out! Earthly fathers if they are doing their job correctly allow you to securely boast about them because they supply a safe home, play the role of protector and provider which creates that sense of confidence. It didn't matter that these claims were never played out, it mattered that you could boldly stand before any foe and utter those scary words to make them think twice about coming at you. Shirer shares the Lion King analogy Priscilla Shirer has a talk online that takes this relatable concept a step further drawing parallels to the movie The Lion King and our Heavenly Father. She recounts the scene where Si...

 "I am not limited. I am not disabled. I can do anything anyone else can do," says Steve Fischel as he prepares to go wakeboarding. That kind of attitude coming from anyone would be refreshing but in this case, its coming from a 57 year old man who just lost his leg to amputation last October due to an aggressive infection. After his procedure he was contacted by the Hanger Clinic in Colorado who specializes in prosthetics. This amazing group takes people with their devices out on Standley Lake in Westminster to show them that they can enjoy watersports with just a bit of training and practice. Learning to stand on a wakeboard Doctors first advised Steve to schedule the surgery a year before he finally conceded. With hindsight being 20/20 he admits he wished he hadn't waited so long because now there is no pain, he feels much better, and he really doesn't see a deficiency in what he is able to do. When asked by USA Today what advice he has for others in his situation...