After 24 years, Shaurn Thomas is finally free. Thomas claimed for over 16 years that he did not kill a popular Philadelphia businessman in a street robbery. He was 16 then, and said he had been at a juvenile court proceeding for trying to steal a motorcycle when the daylight murder occurred. But the courts…

Jonny Benjamin was elated to finish his first race alongside Neil Laybourne, his savior. Benjamin managed to complete the marathon with the stranger who talked him down from a bridge when he was at his lowest point, feeling suicidal. They spent the majority of the race with their arms around each other for emotional support…

Our “People Who Do Good” series has been a blast and I’ve enjoyed highlighting the stories and lives of everyday heroes. This one comes to us from writer Rebecca Brittingham who traveled to Florida to find a cake-maker with a heart for the less fortunate. When most people hear the word art, they usually think…

In March, I proudly started a series on people who go the extra mile to inspire and enrich the community around them. First, we met Shari Grimes and the work she does for the Hope House, then we met a few lovely young ladies at the Focus Institute who challenged each other to go without…

More from Beliefnet and our partners
More from Beliefnet and our partners