Every morning starts very much the same way for Fox News co-host Ainsley Earhardt: early, with a Bible study, a devotional and a few minutes in prayer.
“No matter what stories I’m doing, I try to continuously have the mind of Christ,” the “Fox & Friends” host told Faithwire. “I am just constantly thinking about my faith and what people are going through.”
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When the mother of one was given the opportunity to create her own special on Fox News’ new streaming service, Fox Nation, Earhardt jumped at the chance to tell the faithful stories of those who have given so much of their time, talents and treasures for others.
The 42-year-old host’s new show, “Ainsley’s Holiday Special,” is streaming now on Fox Nation.
One of the most moving moments Earhardt experienced while filming her holiday special came during a visit to the home of a military veteran she met several years ago, when she filmed a segment for fellow Fox News host Sean Hannity’s show.
Earhardt interviewed Army Sgt. Joel Tavera, who was deployed to Iraq in the fall of 2007, when he was just 19 years old. When the soldier returned, 60 to 70 percent of his body had been burned and he was hardly recognizable.
The Humvee he was riding in was blitzed by five rockets, killing three of his fellow service members.
Tavera, who just graduated college and has a girlfriend for the first time since before being deployed, was one of the first veterans to receive a house from Building Homes for Heroes, a charity featured in the Fox host’s special.
The last time Earhardt saw Tavera, he had just received the house, which has since become a home and is decorated for the holiday season.
“His story really changed my life,” Earhardt recalled. “I remember doing that story and sitting on set with Sean and some of our producers and we all said, ‘You look at life differently. You can’t really complain when you see what our men and women who fight for our country go through.’”
Stories like that, the anchor said, serve as reminders that we “have to go through the valley to get to the mountain.” And the best way to stay strong in hard times is to “stay in the Word,” she encouraged.
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Earhardt likened the Lord to a parent eager to speak and spend time with his children. God, she said, “wants us to go to him” when we’re in the valley and on the mountaintop.
“I’ve been down on my knees many times in my life and life has not always been wonderful and perfect,” she explained. “But I have found joy and peace in the midst of my struggles by really getting in the Word and trying to have the mind of Christ.”
As for the holiday special, Earhardt encouraged anyone looking for “feel good stories” to watch the show, which includes an extended tour of this year’s White House decorations.
“It’s just majestic,” Earhardt said of touring 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. “It’s just historic. It’s moving, it’s emotional and it’s just a beautiful experience. What an honor.”