That story hits close to home for me. I was given to the next door neighbor when I was 5 and my family moved away but the welfare department found out and made them take me back. a couple years later my parents gave me to my grandparents till my dad married yet again and they came back and got me again. when I was 11 I got sent outside to sit on the front steps to cool down from being bad and this little red hair lady came walking up and stopped and starred at me and and said you must be charlie. i replied my name is Charles who are you? why I'm your mother. i ran in and told them some strange lady said she was my mother. they said well Charles we've been meaning to talk to you about that. when I was seventeen dad had already divorced that one and I was told he didn't want me so if I didn't tell the judge that I wanted to live with step mom then I'd go to the children's home. so I did tell tell the judge. a year later I talked to my dad on the phone and he asked why I stayed and I told him. he said I do want you to live with me , I'll send you a ticket. stepmom got very angry because it would put an end to her child support check. so she said , go ahead you little bastard and go live with him but he's not your father anyway. i said your just saying that because your mad. she said nope , call your mom she'll tell you. so I did . she said well Charles,,, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. Ive never known my biological dad. So after 50 some years of my life I slowly became aware of who he really is. And yes That governor and I are brothers in Christ we share the same Father. He was the only one who never turned me away.

That was a wonderful story. The poor child. It gave me a choked up feeling thinking about that little boy. I'm glad he had a good life after meeting that new preacher.

Rest in peace Mr. Hooper. You are not forgotten.

The family name is "Hoop-er" as in basketball hoop. They still live in Cocke County, TN. His grandson, Ben W. Hooper III, was in the State Legislature and later a Circuit Court Judge.

What a precious story! Praise the Lord for that man of God who was blessed with such compassion & insight!

Thank you for this story! I am a child of God and a public school teacher. Lots of people forget how powerful words can be. We all need that reminder at some point. When you work with students, no matter their age, you see how others’ words have shaped them and changed them. Carefully chosen words can start to undo the damage. I’ve seen it happen just as those words completely changed Ben Hooper’s future.

Thanks for sharing this, I'm from Asheville NC and was in a orphanage with my 2 sister's and was asked the same question and I can truly say I'm also a child of God.

Thank you for this historical heart warming story; Like Paul Harvey would say "Now you know the rest of the story!" I'm going to look this biography 👀

Awwwww...it made me cry... my dad never loved me... what a wonderful story ❤️

This blessed my heart. That poor little boy, I wish people wouldn't be so hateful n cruel. Especially to a child. Kids learn to be cruel from their parents. Thank the LORD GOD sent that preacher that little boy's way. He s always on time. So Happy the little boy made a good life for himself and realized he was a child of GOD . This made me cry but I really enjoyed it. ❤

That was a great story. I’m so glad the new preacher spoke life to the boy. What the minister said really changed the boy’s life and how he saw himself.

Quit possibly the best short story I've ever heard. I was born and raised here in Tennessee and thought I was pretty knowledgeable in state history. Especially in and around my stompin grounds but, I don't recollect ever hearing that one. Thank you sir.

Thank you! I needed this message today. My mama was young & doesn’t know who fathered me. I’m 55 this year and it has bothered me. God used you to tell me, doesn’t matter who the earthly father is, I’m a child of God ❤

This is absolutely beautiful it's so wonderful how God sends people to speak a simple word and it changes people's lives forever thank you for this special story! Everyone is important to God! God bless you and keep you safe and meet your every need Peggy Lynn Smith from Corbin Kentucky! That man spoke what God told him to say and it turned a lonely depressed child into a man of importantance thank you

Wow! The Governor of Tennessee!

It goes to show that at the most unexpected time a blessing is just waiting for you. The truest test of your character, is how you overcome adversity.i know, I am another example how a football coach gave me the courage to take on any challenge. Encouragement comes from the most unlikely person. I went on to live a life where I met challenges head on, and through the grace of God, I can stand proud.

If at all possible I would love to hear the most accurate account of the lost boys of the Appalacians. My mother was born and raised in WVa and was a coal miners daughter. She love to tell me stories about growing up in the Appalacians in the early 1940’s. The lost boys of the Appalacians was one of the stories she told me. Thank you for sharing your stories with us!

This is what our schools should be teaching our beautiful children 🙏❤✝ Blessings to you for sharing this amazing story 🙏❤✝

I never get tired of hearing this story. It’s so heart touching and inspirational how God can change someone’s life in an instant.

That was just an amazing story! It touched my heart ❤️🙏

Whoa! I didnt see that coming! What an inspirational story!

Dang. The book’s out of print. Great video. You never know how impacting an encouraging word is to a child.

I am going to remember this story for the rest of my life. Thank you for posting.

Did not expect this story to make my eyes start leaking. Bad thing is, I was at work with the fellas.

It just goes to show you that we don’t realize the things we say can have a great effect on a child negative or positive. It doesn’t take a preacher to encourage his child each and everyone of us could say something that could encourage a child to realize what a special person they are and to go and claim their future! Thank you for the great story!

What a brilliant story. Loved it

What a awesome and inspiring story! We are All special in God’s eyes! Thanks for sharing!

Reminds me of my grandfather whose father died when he was just a child, then his mother threw him out of the house that he really owned because his dad had willed everything to him. little boy no place to live, none of the GOOD people would take him in, but 1 old man who lived in a cave did take him in and raised him

WOW! What a mighty God we serve! His compassion and love is immeasurable!! 🥰

Loved this story. The grace of God never fails. 🙏💖🇦🇺

The kind words at the right time can do wonders.

That kind of story I can listen to always ... it somehow enriches the spirit that says "never give up.on life and chance" !!

Thank you Lord for your kindness to all of us.

What a great story! None of us should ever need to wonder where we came from. We all are GODS children!! Mr. Hopper really turned his life into something meaningful and also after that day knew exactly who his Father is!! Thank you!!

I was adopted as a baby due to 60s stigma, mum married dad but dad was a bigamist. The adoption by Mr an Mrs Scotford was the best thing ever. They loved and cared for me so much. I owe them my entire life. Got a daughter and five grand children now and they are everything. One of the lucky ones.

Another gem I found hidden on KZfaq. Thanks for sharing sir. You make listening easy.

Wow! I really like the story! There is WAAAAY too much hate in the hearts of some people!🙏🙏🙏

I love this story ❤

Truly this story shows how one can do anything. Once one person instills in them confidence. 💪🏻🙏🏻✨

Thank you, I think one of the main causes of all of the anger and discontent today, is because we have chosen to forget our roots, our history as a nation and our family backgrounds. If we do not know what went wrong yesterday, we won't fix it for tomorrow. Your channel we open up our hearts to our past and help us to be more understanding and considerate of others. God bless.

A wonderful story, and God Bless both the Preacher and the Right Honorable Ben Hopper.

What an amazing story. RIP Mr Hooper.✌🏻💟🌎🫡🇺🇸

it's just amazing where life will lead to. another great story.

Got a little tear in my eye hearing that one. We just never realize how much what we say can affect another person

I’m a new subscriber and I’m looking forward to hearing your stories. Thanks for spending your time doing this:).

Gatlinburg was such a big part of my life. So many memories. I really enjoyed this story.

INSPIRING TRUE LIFE STORIES LIKE THIS ONE MAKES ONE STOP AND REFLECT 🙏🏼. 👑✝️🕊️

What an amazing and heart-warming story. Thank you!

Thank you for that beautiful story!! It touched my heart ❤️

What a completely lovely story!

What a heartwarming story. Thank you!

I'm also a child of God. He's been in my life ever since I can remember. When I learned to talk and think for myself that's who I would talk to. He was the only Father I ever knew. I know that if it weren't for Him I wouldn't have made it. He's been with me every step.💞

Now that was a great story. Thank God for that preacher. And your story of the goat man. What a hoot!

I've never be so touched by a story. and it was a true story!

The power of speaking blessing into other's, regardless of the age. Never underestimate it. It's a life giving and light giving force.

What a beautiful story....just found your channel this morning and sir and subscribed. I believe I must have lived a life in Old Appalachia because my heart is always drawn to any kind of history I can find. God led me straight to your channel.🙏🏼❤

That story sent chills chills down me I loved it

Such a sweet story, and so true!

WODERFUL STORY. GOD IS SO GOOD.

I have cousins last name hooper might be related. How sad that no one wanted him. Thanks for sharing this true storey.

I can remember in the early '70's the only kid in school without a father. He had a mom so he wasn't too badly off. Great story. 👍 I can also remember the girl with fancy toys. I saw a newspaper article years later about her finding her birth mother.

Thank you for sharing this story, my heart is full and I have tears of joy running down my cheeks..!

What a lovely story. Thank you for sharing. 💕

A wonderful video based on a true story..

You are a great story teller! I've watched 2 of your videos now & am getting ready to watch another one & I'm subscribing to you channel. Thanks for the stories!

Words can cut deeply, or raise you up. I prefer to raise people up.

Another terrific story.... just asked my wife to track this book Down for me .. governor hooper sounded like a hell of a guy... Dee 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿✝️

Enjoy the stories you share. In today’s world unfortunately, there are way too many unwed mothers.

Awesome story…… We need more preachers like that…..

Amazing what a few kind words of God can change a person's life forever. This is another great story

Such a great story! We are all children of God!

Lt governor Robinson of N.C. has a similar story. God can do things with us we could never imagine. Praise be to Jesus 🙏🇺🇸😍

Praise Jesus

Heartwarming story, thank you for sharing.

What a amazing story I just love it

That was a heart felt story. I loved it thank you .

I love that story.🙏🏽❤️

I do love stories with a twist and a happy ending! Well-done!

That is a great story! Thank you for sharing.

What a great story!

Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you.

Unexpected, very much appreciated. Thank you.

I love your story telling. Thank you, it remoinjds me of front porches with family listening to stories from my Moma, Daddy aAunts and Uncles. I was not blessed to know my grandparents past my 7th birth year. Stories were my way of knowing them.

Wonderful story 💖

Mr. Hopper remained a child of God till his last day on earth and I believe he went home to be with his father. Mr. Hooper memories still live on

What a great story. Thank you.

Thank You for that piece of history from our great state of Tennessee !

Help support the preservation of Appalachian History by Subscribing to this channel. Support this channel by clicking the "Thanks" Heart above or at www.theappalachianstoryteller.com Follow me on Facebook facebook.com/theappalachianstoryteller

Loved this story!! But I'm confused, his name written out was Hooper but you were saying as Hopper? But anyway, being from Robbinsville nc in the beautiful Great Smoky mnts, this story really hits home for me. My great grandfather Lynn Trull actually taught music in the churches in Cades Cove for years. He traveled all.over these mountains teaching music. Nearly everyone in my family is musically inclined in one form or another 😊 thanks for this story I enjoyed it very much!!

What a great story!! Thanks for sharing.

It is so wonderful that there is a loving Father who is willing to pick us up out of the mud hole our lives have become, wash us clean and take us to be His child! All we have to do is accept His offer to make us brand new so we can live with Him forever and always. What a deal!

If you didn’t get goose bumps and a lump in your throat listening to this, then how? It brought a tear to my eye. So many children have been blamed for the sins of their parents. Not that I’m calling them sinners but that was the perception of many in the not too distant past.

How do you not redo this video and pronounce his name correctly? I think he deserves that much.

What a beautiful story!

Amazing story how it shows how anyone can make a great life no matter where they come from. Thank you for sharing this amazing story

I dislike and love stories like these. My parent's tried pawning me off to relatives but none of them took me so for the year's I lived with my birth family it was awful. I'm 61 now and have a grown daughter of my own and 2 Grandson's but my past haunt's me everyday. No kid should have to grow up alone in a house full of blood siblings and parent's . If you have or plan on having kid's please love them unconditionally .

I would have loved to care for him and see him grow up. To be his mom.

What a beautiful story.

This brought me to tears. TY

This was exactly what I needed to hear today.. Thanks & God Bless You 💔