Beyond the Headlines: 10 Best Feel-Good Stories That Shone Amid the Tragic News of 2023

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In 2023, despite its challenges, we were presented with opportunities to impact the lives of others through small acts of kindness. Conscientious people worldwide embraced these moments of divine calling, making a difference one gesture at a time.

Here are 10 real-life feel-good stories from Epoch Inspired that broke through the tragic narrative of 2023, celebrated compassion’s transformative power, and restored our faith in humanity. Get ready for an inspiring journey that uplifts and awakens. Enjoy reading!

1. Wisconsin Dad Quits Job, Teams Up With Son to Make Awesome American Flags—and Millions of Dollars

(Courtesy of Shane Henderson)

A father who quit his stable 9-to-5 job to craft designer American flags of steel together with his son lived the American dream, becoming an overnight millionaire. Read the full story here.

2. ‘Divinely Inspired’: Single Dad With No Arms or Legs Gets Key to His Dream House Thanks to a Kind Epoch Reader

Pablo Acuña from Paraguay was given the key to his dream house, thanks to kind Epoch reader Kyle Johnson. (Courtesy of Elida Acuña); INSET (Courtesy of Kyle Johnson)

After reading our story on a single father in Paraguay with no arms or legs who raised his daughters alone, an Epoch reader went above and beyond to help. Four months later he called the dad with amazing news: his rented home now belonged to him, forever. Read the full story here.

3. Man Writes ‘Hi Kevin’ in Christmas Lights Every Year to Honor Neighbor Who Died of Cancer

Mike Witmer has incorporated Kevin Muller's name in his light display for over 20 years. (Courtesy of Mike Witmer)

Mike Witmer has been keeping the memory of his young neighbor, Kevin Mullen—who lost his life to cancer—alive by creatively incorporating his name into his Christmas light display and has now done it for over two decades. Read the full story here.

4. Soldier Got Life-Saving Surgery for Boy With Severe Facial Cleft 20 Years Ago—Look At Him Now

Left: (Courtesy of Soldier Magazine via Wayne Ingram); Right: (Courtesy of Wayne Ingram)

The soldier who, 20 years ago, was deployed to Bosnia and saved a boy stricken with a horrible facial deformity shared his tale of reunion with the now confident, prospering young man. Read the full story here.

5. Mom of 3 Puts Her Kids on ‘TV Fast’ for Months and Is Blown Away by the Results

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(Courtesy of Jill Winger)

A homeschooling mom from Wyoming who encouraged her three kids to adopt a “TV fast” struck a chord with many parents. Affirming the transformative impact of limiting screen use, the mom says her family uses their newfound free time for creative pursuits. Read the full story here.

6. A Godly Marriage': Mom of 5 Greets Husband at the Door Every Day, Her Small Act Impacts Him So Much

(Courtesy of Bethany Rose)

A mom of five started greeting her husband at the door every day after noticing that he often had to come find her in their busy home. She had no idea her small gesture of love would make a profound impact on their family and inspire others. Read the full story here.

7. God’s 15 Miracles: Abortion Survivor Tells How Her Dad’s Prayers Doomed Her Mom’s 6 Abortion Attempts

Abortion survivor Lauren Eden was born in 1982 at 26 weeks. (Courtesy of Lauren Eden)

In a moving story, a second-trimester abortion survivor shares how her young mother tried hard to abort her 40 years ago, while her father prayed for God’s timely intervention. Soon, 15 miracles unfolded one after the other, protecting her in the womb, and transforming her mother’s heart in the process. Read the full story here.

8. 11 Sisters Who Were Separated as Kids Survive Child Abuse, Reunite After 43 Years

Barbara Lane with her 11 sisters at their reunion. (Courtesy of Barbara Lane)

Eleven sisters, separated as children, spent 43 years searching for each other. At their emotional reunion, they learned of the horrors they'd each suffered, but in sharing their pain, they formed a sibling bond stronger than ever. Read the full story here.

9. Longest-Married Couple in Arkansas Credits God for 84 Happy Years Together

Arwilda Whiteside, 98, and her husband, Cleovis, 102, at their 84th anniversary. (Courtesy of Arkansas Family Council); Inset: (Courtesy of Kathy Whiteside-Sims)

Arkansas’s longest-married couple has stood the test of time, sharing 84 years of marital bliss. In this special feature, the pair share their insights into building a life together and their secret to a long-lasting marriage. Read the full story here.

10. Mechanic Son Fixes 102-Year-Old Dad’s ’46 Cadillac That Hadn’t Run in 50 Years for One Last Drive

(Courtesy of Jerry Heasley)

The story of the 102-year-old mechanic who lived to see his cherished 1946 Cadillac restored by his son for his birthday touched hearts, reaching as far as the Trump White House. Read the full story here.

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