$150.00 – $1,012.00
Start your holiday shopping now! For a limited time only, take advantage of these deep discounts!
Delight family, friends, clients & colleagues with autographed copies of #1 national bestselling book ON FIRE. Order sets in quantities of 10, 20, 30 or 75. The more you buy, the more you save! Plus each purchase comes with a surprise gift for you!
*Please allow up to 10 business days for delivery from the time your order is placed. Free shipping is included within the Continental US.
Start your holiday shopping now! For a limited time only, take advantage of these deep discounts!
Delight family, friends, clients & colleagues with autographed copies of #1 national bestselling book ON FIRE. Order sets in quantities of 10, 20, 30 or 75. The more you buy, the more you save! Plus each purchase comes with a surprise gift for you!
*Please allow up to 10 business days for delivery from the time your order is placed. Free shipping is included within the Continental US.
| Number of Copies | 10 copies ($150), 20 copies ($290), 30 copies ($420), 75 copies ($1012) |
|---|
Thursday night.
That's the last time I could use my voice. I awoke Friday morning and it was fading, by that afternoon it was gone. For a guy who makes a living from his voice, laryngitis can kind of be a bit of a drag.
And yet.
And yet the last few days have provided some awesome gifts, too.
* It's hard to listen when you're busy talking. For 72 hours I've been able to sit back, and just listen to the little things. Kids playing upstairs. The dog's tail happily hitting the floor anytime someone walks past her. Leaves blowing outside. My own heart beating... all beautiful sounds I seldom hear during the race through life.
* Because I can't speak, I also can't yell for my kids. So when I want something from them I need to physically go to wherever they are, get them, look them in the eyes, and play a little game of charades. It's been fun, actually. I feel even more connected with them this weekend than I normally do. And, the reverse is true, too....they know they can't call my name and get a response... so they need to seek me, face-to-face, and then we can communicate.
* And thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, I've been forced to keep my opinions to myself. Met with a men's group Saturday morning [didnt say a word,though]. Overheard my parents talking about a political issue [yup, remained on the sideline]. A married couple we're dear friends with shared a very big decision that will impact their lives and their family's life [ again, wasn't able to muddy the water with my take, but was able to be there, hug them, and whisper we’d be there for them].
In a time when we raise our voice so often, scream out our opinions so frequently, have a rebuttal to everyone we disagree with, and fill any momentary silence with idle chatter...what a gift to just sit back, observe, listen, reflect, pray and have gratitude for all already possessed.
My friends, I want my voice back [and feel it's coming around], but have experienced enough of life to know that God uses all things to draw us closer and is able to use all people, too.
Sometimes, though, we need to shut up long enough to actually listen... silently reply Yes... and then step back into life.
Wishing you all the gift to truly listen today. Have a great Sunday. J
{PS: if you want to listen to something beautiful, check out this conversation with my friend Smitty Harris. 8 years tortured as a POW....60 years of marriage....90 years of life. One of the most grateful, beautiful guys i've ever met. Listen to him here: johnolearyinspires.com/2019/12/smitty-louise-harris-210/?unapproved=282208&moderation-hash=79fbc1...
While her husband was a POW, Louise Harris was in Mississippi raising 3 young children and using her voice to advocate for other wives of POWs. Hear how she endured those 8 long years away from her husband on this week’s Live Inspired Podcast.
Website: bit.ly/2spQ8Y7
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/36uLM0U
Solitary confinement can have profound effects on one’s mental and physical health. This week’s guest spent nearly 8 YEARS in and out of this imprisonment when he was a Vietnam POW.
He shares how the simple yet effective “tap code” helped combat some of these negative effects… It’s an truly incredible + humbling story.
Listen to #LiveInspired Podcast ep. 210:
Web: bit.ly/2spQ8Y7
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/36uLM0U
Colonel Carlyle Smith “Smitty” Harris spent 2,871 days (that’s nearly 8 years!) as a Vietnam POW. At the same time, his beautiful bride Louise was courageously raising three young children while becoming an advocate and role model.
Today, Smitty + Louise take us on a 60-year journey that’s packed with love, but also the horrors of a North Vietnam prison and how a forgotten military code changed everything.
If you’re looking for a story of forgiveness from a decorated war hero or a romantic love story filled with drive, sacrifice and compassion, you’re going to love today’s episode.
Listen to #LiveInspired Podcast ep. 210:
My website: bit.ly/2spQ8Y7
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/36uLM0U
Believe in that person in your life who may not yet believe in themselves. Remind them that the best of their journey remains in front of them.
Today I’m thankful for the hero attending @FOCUS Marines Foundation this week who had the courage to share a small yet LIFE-CHANGING chapter of his story: the former coworker who stepped up and urged him forward when he needed it most.
Marcus Dodson (verified owner) –
This is an amazing offer. I can’t wait to share Johns book with friends, family and coworkers. Autographed copies too. AWESOME! John’s book changed my life and want to share it with everyone.