See our classic commercial about Teaching by Example

Pass It On^®

About Holding The Light

"Teach by Example" is a spot where a simple statement can be profound. Our hero thought that "all he did was hold the light," but now, looking back as an adult, he saw the wisdom his father was sharing with him, and how important it was to serve.

Production of "Teach by Example" was strenuous, as it involved filming in many different locations such as basements and garages. In one short scene where the boy and his father run out of the garage, FBL employed a rain truck sending water over the boy and his father, and another small rain simulator in front of the camera's lens to give the impression that rain was falling from the viewer's standpoint right up to the action.

Video Transcript

MUSIC: There are heroes
ANNCR/SUPER: My dad fixed things for everyone.
MUSIC: whose names we never hear, reaching out to help their fellow man.
ANNCR/SUPER: and me?
MUSIC: There are dreamers
ANNCR/SUPER: Well, I just held the light.
MUSIC: who are making dreams come true, taking time to teach the children that theres nothing they cant do. All it takes is a point of light
ANNCR/SUPER: Over the years we fixed things for friends we knew, and some we didnt. He was teaching me more than just how to fix things.
MUSIC: a ray of hope in the darkest night. If you see whats wrong and you try to make it right
ANNCR/SUPER: Teaching by example
MUSIC: You will be a point of light.
ANNCR/SUPER: Pass it on. A message from The Foundation for a Better Life.

Teaching By Example. Pass It On!

COMMENTS

gabriela waldowska from polska JANUARY 15, 2017
like my dad

gabriela waldowska from polska JANUARY 15, 2017
love :P

Anonymous NOVEMBER 2, 2015
Great. Super good. I love this video

Anonymous JULY 14, 2015
This video is really great, and it is also the epitome of Teaching By Example, too. I like it. :)

aajani brown from killeen tx DECEMBER 31, 2013
like foreal some of these videos made me beak down and cry

Patricia Cole from Covina, California DECEMBER 12, 2013
I love these spots--just watching and listening made me a better person.

Rob Austin from Lawrenceville, GA DECEMBER 6, 2013
My son held the light and watched me for years. Now he is a Jet Engine Mechanic on Air Force One!

Debra Brown from Red Oak, OK SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
Pass it on! Great! We do teach by example!

liz from ok SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
When parent's take time with their children, the children seem to turn out better

Angela Owens from Huntington SEPTEMBER 15, 2013
This is a nice video, I remember sharing times with my dad when I was kid learning to do stuff he done. That is why I know how to do electrical work, and plumbing today, and he also past it a long to my child!

Jerry Colbert from Howe, OK SEPTEMBER 14, 2013
Good advice for anyone.

AVT from CH MARCH 8, 2013
I always did that for my dad. :) Great commercial, as always!

Glen from Milwaukee,WI NOVEMBER 17, 2011
RANDY TRAVIS! I've seen him twice with someone I pray for every day now. He sure sings some awesome songs that do make me cry. All the commercials are great.

May G from Philippines SEPTEMBER 7, 2011
It made me remember my Father and my brother doing the same thing when we were young a few years back.

Chad from Lehi, UT JUNE 16, 2011
I have a friend just like this. He fixes everything for everyone in the neighborhood. I get to "hold the light" for him occasionally but it is usually his son. Great man, really makes a difference.

wisdom A from Charlotte NC JANUARY 15, 2011
Great work. You're making a difference.

Elys Ch from New Jersey JANUARY 3, 2011
Just like my dad. I love you...

Vickie M from Dallas TX DECEMBER 27, 2010
I miss my father and all the times I held the light he was a light that shines everyday I live.

Amanda T from Denton, MD DECEMBER 1, 2010
It's called Point of Light sung by Randy Travis.

Erica, m from Savannah, Georgia OCTOBER 5, 2010
I can't help but smile every time I see this commercial. It reminds me of my Father, and the song stays in my head most of the day. Great spot!

Paul S from Kentucky SEPTEMBER 24, 2010
Great message.

Nancy C from PflugervilleTX AUGUST 26, 2010
Reminds me of my Dad....very inspiring and think my students will appreciate it!

Frank S. from Waterloo, Il. AUGUST 11, 2010
For Peggy W. from Belleville, Il. It is Randy Travis singing and the words sound like his song, "A Point Of Light"

Peggy W from Belleville, IL AUGUST 3, 2010
Who sings this song? I love this song. : )

Jessie Labiste Jr. from Iloilo, Philippines MAY 28, 2010
This makes me say that it is always the parents who can teach their kids the best lessons in life. No doubt, I am what my father taught me.

Deborah A. from Ontario, Canada MAY 8, 2010
This touching and moving ad is so powerful in its own way; I personally have a friend, aged in years, who thinks of others before himself. He demonstrates to myself and others, that we don't have to take credit for our actions if given freely from the heart... The accompanying song is truly outstanding! Thank you for reaching out to others, by teaching through example!!

Gary S. from Pioneer elementary MARCH 19, 2010
I am so pleased with your site and I have used it for the past five years in teaching the kids in elementary school how to live life and achieve their dreams to become the best they can be.

Claudia E from High Point, NC MARCH 11, 2010
Thanks for this wonderful bits of hope. I needed them today. I held the light for my dad too. I never realized all the good things I was learning. Kids don't get much of that these days. I work in a K-8 school and I want my kids to appreciate the messages here. Thanks for all you do!! Please make more!

Rachel A. from Denver, CO MARCH 9, 2010
I believe the song is "Point of Light" by Randy Travis.

Toni from Ucelo MARCH 8, 2010
What is the name of this song? I love it!!!

Paula F. from Knoxville, TN JANUARY 22, 2010
Thank You. You are spreading hope and the belief that evil does still have a true opponent in man.

Scott Wexler from Brighton, MI JANUARY 7, 2010
That was me forty five years ago. I held the light for my dad. I handed him the tools and the parts. We didn't realize then. It wasn't about completing the project as much as it was building our relationship. My dad was and always will be my hero and my best friend no matter how long he is gone, no matter how long I live.

Marcel Myrick from Brooklyn, New York DECEMBER 14, 2009
I Love that TV Spot

Laarni A. from Philippines SEPTEMBER 26, 2009
I love, love this site! Everyday I watch it for guidance! Helps a lot really! Thank you very much!!

Robert J., US Army Constractor from Umm Qsar, Camp Bucca, Iraq SEPTEMBER 18, 2009
These messages remind me years ago of Hallmark messages. Very good production and very good messages. Thanks for your work.

Graciel S. from San Diego, California MAY 31, 2009
While I was watching this spot I heard my 6 year old son talking with my husband (who is not the boy's father). And as soon as the spot ends I could understand that maybe he is not my son's father but he is his DADDY.

Bev M. from Canada DECEMBER 28, 2008
You all did great work with this spot and I love the message - its so true.

Bruce T. from Waterloo, Canada NOVEMBER 13, 2008
The best teaching method EVER!!!

Destin S. from Texas OCTOBER 1, 2008
What is the name of the song? ["Point of Light" by Randy Travis]

Jack C. from Brazil APRIL 29, 2008
May you be Blessed for this work...Love you all!

Alex L. from Matthews, North Carolina JANUARY 18, 2008
This commercial reminds me of the saying, "give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will eat forever." I love these commercials. Keep up the good work.

Steve O. from York, Pennsylvania USA NOVEMBER 25, 2007
Every time I start something and my 3 1/2 year old son wants to help I think of this ad and I find patience within to let him help.

Curtis F. from Douglas, Arizona NOVEMBER 1, 2007
What a flood of memories of times gone by. I hope we can bring back the values of those days!

Brad M. from New York, New York USA OCTOBER 22, 2007
This is so great!! I wish everyone in this country could watch this ad!

Maliya H. from Salt Lake City,UT, USA OCTOBER 10, 2007
This reminds me of my parents. I also think that parenting is a VERY hard job.

Jim F. from Commerce, GA, USA OCTOBER 9, 2007
Brought tears to my eyes, lost my 14 yr old stepson last year. Truly inspiring.

Jung-in Kim from Seoul, Korea MARCH 22, 2007
Parenting is one of the most important and hardest things in this world. Glad I found this website and TV spot.

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