Last week millions were touched by the incredible video of Ariah Danae Ware, an infant in the NICU, lifting her hands in worship as her mother softly sang JJ Hairston’s popular song “You Deserve it.”
Now, with over 8 million views, the viral video has gotten the attention of notable people, including the Multiple Stellar Award and GRAMMY nominated Hairston. He and his wife Trina were so moved by the infant’s worship that they invited her parents, Cristin and Cory Ware, to be interviewed on Facebook Live.
Unbeknownst to the couple, the Hairston’s invitation was for much more than an interview. They surprised the Wares by including some of their friends in the gospel music industry for a star-studded virtual baby shower.
The likes of Kirk Franklin, John P. Kee, Todd Galberth, Travis and Jackie Greene, Donnie McClurkin, Warryn and Erica Campbell, Teddy and Tina Campbell, Kierra Sheard, Kenneth Leonard and Tasha Cobbs- Leonard, Jekalyn Carr, Willie Moore Jr., and William Murphy all gave words of encouragement and motivation to the Wares.
“I woke up to that video one day, and it blew me away. I was done all day,” said gospel artist John P Kee. “I watched it today and got caught up again. I love you. I want to be in the baby’s life. I’m the god-daddy. I’m the uncle.”
Tina Campbell of the gospel duo Mary Mary, expressed gratitude to the Wares for sharing the video because it serves as a reminder of the greatness of God.
“I’d like to say to you guys, thank you. Thank you. Your hardships have brought us to the feet of God. You have brought us all to our knees. You have brought us all to repentance. Your hardships and your challenges have displayed the greatness of God,” Campbell said. “This baby that can’t hold a bottle has shown us grown people how to praise our way through.”
Pastor and gospel legend Donnie McClurkin assured the Wares that their daughter has a divine purpose that will be fulfilled.
“To see a newborn worshiping God, that’s a sign to the generations. That’s a sign that God will be heard; He will be known; He will be represented,” stated McClurkin. “God bless you…this is just the beginning. The baby was born into this world for a divine purpose and it will be accomplished.”
Indeed, little Ariah is well on her way to achieving her divine purpose. Her mother commented on how Ariah’s life is already surprising doctors.
“The doctor said it was miraculous what my baby did and for the doctor to use that word, says something,” revealed Cristin.
Hairston asked Cory, who does not appear in the video, how he has been handling the enormity of the moment, both having a child that’s a worshipper and in the NICU.
“Jesus. It’s pushing me in my faith,” Cory shared. “In the midst of everything going on…I’m saying God is in control. And my wife, we just speak the positive word of God. We’re just saying ‘no weapon formed against out baby shall prosper in the name of Jesus.’”
(Photo: artist)