Hayden Paul (left), Jackson Paul (center), and Charlie Smith (right) | Image via YouTube
In a recent episode of the Stick of Joseph YouTube channel, hosts Hayden and Jackson Paul (the Paul brothers) had a special guest that caught everyone off guard: Charlie Smith, who traveled from the UK to attend General Conference and experience the uplifting music of the Tabernacle Choir.
The Paul brothers shared how a powerful video featuring Charlie’s emotional reactions to the choir’s music had impacted them deeply. As they welcomed him, Hayden reflected, “I immediately sent it over to these guys. And I think the text that I sent was, I dare you to watch this video and not cry from the Spirit.”
Charlie shared the story behind his YouTube channel, which began as a personal project and evolved into something much larger. He recalled, “I started my channel about 17 years ago, and I just figured I was watching a lot of YouTube myself at the time and looking for things in other reactors that I felt I possessed myself.”
His journey led him to discover the profound emotional connections that music can create, especially when performed for a higher purpose, as he noted during his reactions to the Tabernacle Choir. “There’s something anointed about the music when you’re singing for a higher purpose. You know, you’re singing for God, the Creator,” he explained, emphasizing how listening to the Tabernacle Choir was a unique experience for him.
Image via YouTubeReflecting on his personal journey, Charlie opened up about the challenges he faced earlier in his life before finding his path back to faith. He admitted, “I was suicidal, and I just felt I couldn’t take it anymore.”
Life had thrown many obstacles his way, but he ultimately turned to God in his darkest moments. “I looked to the sky and I said, if you’re there, just help me out,” he recalled, sharing how he felt God’s presence and support as he navigated through his struggles.
Image via YouTubeHis testimony resonated with the Paul brothers as they discussed the importance of personal experiences with God over mere religious practices. Hayden passionately stated, “I think that a lot of times we forget that the stories in the scriptures are about real people who had real experiences with God.”
As the conversation continued, it became clear that Charlie’s passion for music and his desire to share uplifting messages through his reactions has created a sense of community. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from his audience.
“The comments have been overwhelmingly positive, and just everyone has shown such love.” This appreciation for connection and love through shared experiences was a testament to the power of faith and music in bringing people together.
Charlie then shared his perspective on faith and personal practices that have deepened his connection with God. He humbly acknowledged, “My life is… more just sort of living testimony at this point.”
He emphasized that while he recognizes the importance of scripture, his spiritual journey is driven by personal experience. He also highlighted the value of prayer in his life, describing it as a comforting dialogue with God: “It feels like I’ve got a friend to talk to, and that He really listens.”
Charlie then spoke about the transformative practice of journaling, which helps him reflect on his experiences and recognize patterns in how his prayers are answered. He explained, “When you really try and get as much detail about how your prayers have been answered… it might not just be one day that a prayer was answered, but it’s answered in stages, over a long time.”
Image via YouTubeAs the conversation shifted, the Paul brothers asked Charlie about his experience at General Conference. He expressed overwhelming positivity about the event, saying, “I knew it would be… but out of all the messages that I heard, I really didn’t hear anything that I disagreed with.”
He appreciated the diverse messages tailored for different audiences and reflected on the reminder he received of taking time to listen to the Holy Spirit amidst life’s busyness. “We can get bogged down with the busyness of life and often forget to take time to just be quiet.”
Charlie’s encounter with the Tabernacle Choir was a particularly special highlight for him. He fondly recalled the sense of connection he felt while addressing the choir, saying, “It felt like I was speaking to family.”
In closing, the Paul brothers presented Charlie with a copy of the Book of Mormon, sharing its significance in their faith. They explained, “The Book of Mormon is ancient scripture… irrefutable evidence that Jesus Christ really did die for our sins.”
The Paul brothers presenting Charlie with a copy of the Book of Mormon | Image via YouTubeCharlie expressed gratitude for the gift, acknowledging its potential to further enrich his spiritual journey. He noted the parallels between his experiences and those of the hosts, recognizing the power of learning together in faith.
This conversation encapsulated the heart of community, faith, and the journey of seeking a deeper relationship with God. Charlie’s reflections remind us that spirituality is not just about knowledge but also about the genuine experiences and connections, including with music, that draw us closer to the Divine.
Watch the full video here:
How has music influenced your relationship with God? Share with us in the comments below!
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
