"DIFFERENT IS AWESOME!" by Jason Hewlett, Covenant Communications, $12.99, 60 minutes
Utahn and professional public speaker, Jason Hewlett, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presents a message geared toward LDS youths in his first solo DVD titled "Different Is Awesome!"
Hewlett begins his presentation to teens in an auditorium setting by joking about how big his mouth is, but how he later realized his big mouth was actually a gift from Heavenly Father. He learned to use his gift to entertain others wherever he went, discovering it was one of his strengths.
Likening his experience to the parable of the talents (see Matthew 25:14-30), Hewlett explains how he was able to find more abilities and skills because he explored his original gift.
Hewlett encourages youths to find their individual gifts and to use them to share their light to bless the lives of others. Using personal stories, zany impersonations of characters like Mickey Mouse and the Chipmunks, humor and music, his uplifting performance encourages the audience members to become their best selves.
His message can inspire youths to explore their unique qualities and find joy in life. This presentation would be well-suited for a youth activity or a family home evening lesson.
Though Hewlett's "Different Is Awesome!" is specifically for an LDS audience, it shares a message people of many faiths can relate to and is enjoyable and appropriate for all ages.
Wendy Jessen is a regular contributor for familyshare.com and does media reviews. Blog/website: https://survivorshopeandhealing.wordpress.com/ for victims of sexual abuse. Twitter: WendyJessen Email: wendyjessen26@gmail