HGTV is a popular channel with Christians and non-Christians alike.
Sadly, too often the channel has given in to the world’s attacks on Christians who dare appear on the network.
You may remember back in 2014 when the Benham brothers’ new home renovation show, ‘Flip it Forward,’ was canceled before it even aired because of their Christian faith.
But God is continuing to use these two Godly men, and they just released a new book that you have to read!
The year was 2014. David and Jason Benham had already experienced successful baseball careers, were married, and on their way to growing their precious families to the multitude they bless God for today.
They had also moved to Charlotte, North Carolina and began their real estate business, Redwood United.
Their faith was a huge topic of media during their sports fame years, and they continued to loudly proclaim God’s Truth to the world through multiple organizations and businesses which promoted Godly principles. These organizations included advocacy and protest groups, as well as general work businesses.
No matter the environment, even what many people see as mundane, the Benham brothers sought to live life for the Gospel: “Your work is worship. We as Christians should be the light of the world there. The way that we work, the process that we deliver. We don’t cut corners, we can be counted on, we’re trustworthy, we’re diligent.”
Jason Benham continues: “Those are some simple principles, but man, if you’re going to live your faith boldly, especially if you’re going to speak conservative values, you’ve got to have the other side of the coin which is a life that’s worthy of the Lord.”
These “simple principles” have guided them their whole lives, thanks to the excellent and beautiful story of family faith that began with their mother and grew to envelop the whole family.
So in 2014, an amazing opportunity both for business and the Gospel presented itself for the brothers. HGTV began filming ‘Flip It Forward,’ featuring the brothers’ Redwood United renovation business.
According to the home improvement channel, David and Jason Benham would “leverage their good-natured sibling rivalry to help families find a fixer-upper and transform it into the dream home they never thought they could afford.”
However, as the trailers began to roll, the anti-Christian backlash flooded forth from various activist groups as they caught wind of the fact that Christian brothers were daring to take on such a public role.
And while the trailer said nothing of the brothers’ faith, the very presence of Christian role models was enough to stir up toxic anger among activists who worked swiftly and aggressively to force HGTV to end the show.
The Benhams’ response?
According to Liftable by Western Journal: “The brothers now consider losing the HGTV show as a high point in their lives because of the truth laid out in Matthew 5:11: ‘Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.'”
They have felt this blessing personally and even in the ways God has brought unique opportunity to their family for Kingdom advancement in the very face of an attempt to halt God’s work.
It wasn’t easy though, especially at first.
David Benham explained that they lost both money and an opportunity for influence in a way that was pretty discouraging.
But as they chose to stand firm in the Spirit and walk in the way of Truth, they walked right into various interview opportunities, the inspiration to write and publish four books, and many other platforms to encourage believers to “stand boldly for Jesus whatever the cost.”
Their ability to proclaim that so honestly in a time when anti-Christian outrage is ramping up to historic levels is powerful.
David said, “You first gotta face your fear, just like David did when he stepped out on the battlefield. When you face your fear, God takes over the fight. But before you face your fear, you first have got to die to your dream.”
They had to give up one dream for sure, but when we lay our human-made dreams down as a living sacrifice for God, He inspires us and leads us to a new reality that is bigger and brighter than we could’ve ever asked or imagined (Ephesians 3:20).
And now the Benham brothers are really excited for what God will be able to do for people through their newest book, ‘Bold and Broken: Becoming a Bridge Between Heaven and Earth.’
Already this book is changing the perspective of all who read it; many report of the empowerment and spiritual encouragement it stirs to rise up for God.
Pray that as the brothers seek to advance the Kingdom, God continues to provide platforms and means for them to do so.
Pray also for a hedge of protection around their families who are on this journey with them. Not only may God protect them from obvious attacks, but from evil influences on their children.
Follow their story for more encouragement and support. They seek to do everything for the glory of God and the benefit of His people. Their social media can be found here and their podcast is available on most podcast apps.
