SOUL ON FIRE Movie

How the impossible became a miracle.

Impossible: That which cannot be; impracticable; not feasible; cannot be done.

100% total body surface burned.  87% third-degree.  Significant smoke inhalation and lung damage.

Facing these realties, the chance of me surviving the explosion and fire in 1987 was considered impossible.

Yet, my remarkable siblings, faithful parents, heroic first responders, and committed caregivers stepped forward undeterred. They were then supported by famous celebrities, humble servants and a caring community, who prayed and encouraged and loved so fiercely that a little boy with no chance of surviving, survived the impossible.

And yet, although I survived five months in the hospital, years of treatment and recognized my life was a gift, I also struggled tremendously with self-worth. I hid my physical and emotional scars behind long sleeves, humor and alcohol, never feeling worthy of love. Remarkably, at a college party, a beautiful brunette named Beth saw beyond my injuries and insecurities and took my hand.  21 years, four children and countless dances to “Sweet Caroline” later, Beth continues to be by my side through it all. Impossible.

Despite her love and goodness, years into our marriage I wrestled with a lack of a true professional calling and persistent self-doubt. In the back row of a church service, I heard a pastor’s challenge to say “Yes” to opportunities where your life can be used for good. It led me, a man who had never shared his story privately with anyone except family, to speak with a group of Girl Scouts. Those first few 3^rd grade girls sparked a global speaking career with over 2,700 events.  Impossible.

After one such talk, a couple of women approached me about turning my life into a movie. Not expecting anything to come from it, I agreed.  It took almost a decade, but they raised millions of dollars, changed state laws, attracted stars like William H. Macy to participate and just 15 months ago, Director Sean McNamara called out, “That’s a wrap!” on the final day of filming. Impossible.

And still, many great stories remain unknown. Most books aren’t read; most scripts don’t become films; and most independently produced films like ours never enjoy distribution.

It’s why with all these odds stacked against us, in the face of impossible, we are so excited to celebrate our partnership with one of the largest studios in the world, Sony’s AFFIRM Films!  Sony will release our movie – now titled, SOUL ON FIRE – in theaters nationwide starting October 10, 2025.

No, that’s not impossible.  It is a miracle, though.

Miracle: a wonder or wonderful thing; a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency.

Thanks for being part of our miracle. Thanks for being part of my family. And thanks for knowing that the most powerful weapon on earth is indeed the human SOUL ON FIRE.

Today is your day. Live Inspired.