How I was able to view SOUL ON FIRE seated next to my dad.
“Sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extraordinary, simply by doing them with the right people.” -Nicholas Sparks, The Lucky One
Earlier this spring, I sat next to Dad in a darkened theater. We shared popcorn, fought over Milk Duds and watched a movie together.
You see, although SOUL ON FIRE won’t be released in theaters until this fall, a client of Live Inspired was considering reserving theaters for several thousand of their employees to see the movie. To ensure the film fit their organizational culture, they asked to preview it. With Sony’s blessing, we agreed on a date, a time, and prepared for the first real showing of the film.
For weeks leading up to this viewing, I considered calling my parents to see if they might want to sneak in and watch it. Each time, though, I came up with some excuse:
- It’s not professional for them to be there.
- Dad’s in too much pain.
- It’ll be hard for Mom to fit it in.
- They’ll enjoy it more when it’s the fully finished film at the premier later in the year.
Fortunately, the day before the showing, the quiet whisper became a roar, and I felt an unmistakable tug to invite them.
They leapt at the opportunity! Mom arrived at the theater early, we got Dad out, rolled him in, grabbed some snacks, entered the theater, and greeted other guests as they arrived. The lights dimmed, I took a seat next to Dad, and we watched SOUL ON FIRE – the movie retelling the story we’d lived together- on the big screen.
(This is probably a good time to pause and ask: In what world does a son get to sit next to his father, watching the story of their lives just months before it’s broadcast to audiences around the world? Surreal!)
An hour and 41 minutes later with the audience applauding and credits rolling, I leaned toward Dad, a man who had already endured so much and asked what he thought.
He looked at me, fought for the right words, and whispered, “John, what a gift.”
My friends, those few words weren’t just our first review of the film. They were a perfect reflection on the story, on life, on love, on redemption, and on the preciousness of time that we all too easily take for granted.
Rolling Dad out of the theater, I had no idea that weeks later he’d fall ill. No idea he wouldn’t recover, and would slowly fade and pass away. No idea that as he held my hand during parts of the film, the day would come just three weeks later when I would hold his hand as he took his last breath.
No, all we knew on that gorgeous April afternoon was that against overwhelming odds, not only had we experienced a miracle as a family, but that our friends in Hollywood had told the story beautifully.
And I got to sit next to my hero, my dad, as we watched it together.
What a gift.
Today is your day. Live Inspired.
43 replies on “What a Gift!”
What a remarkable movie and life you had John. Through all your obstacles you persevered and grew in faith and eventually broke down your wall, that’s the best gift you gave your father Denny and your Heavenly Father 🙏🏼 Truly inspiring, may God continue to work through you, blessings throughout your journey 🙏🏼✝️
I can relate somewhat. My dad passed away with Parkinson’s. It was hard.
Wow! I am so glad your quiet whisper turned to a roar and that you have that great memory with your dad before he passed. I am looking forward to watching the movie! I am so sorry for your loss!
My heart aches for you and your family, although your loving words bring such peace.
love this
John
Thank you for the inspiration to live life grateful and serving others as unto the Lorcd
John
Thank you for the inspiration to live life grateful and serving others as unto the Lorcd
I’m so excited for you John! What a gift indeed! I can’t wait to see your story play out on screen. Thinking about you and hope all is well.
Wolters Kluwer misses you and Matt!
This brings joy to my heart – I felt saddened thinking your dad would not get to see the movie. Thank you for sharing this sweet blessing.
Can’t wait till movie is released. What a great love story.
So glad your dad got to see it! What a gift for both of you!
Lovely!
What an absolute blessing to share together! I cannot wait for October to come and to go and see your life shown on the big screen! I’ve been a long-time follower of yours since hearing you speak years ago. Continue to shine His light and bring your message to Live Inspired to the world!
So happy you listened to the Spirit and Dad got to see the movie with you. John, your life, your words, your family, you repeatedly showing up to inspire us all, are truly gifts to us all. There are so many blessings big and small around us if we only listen, follow and pay attention. As always, thank you for being a light!
Good Morning John, I just read your Monday morning post. I’m so happy that you were able to watch the movie with your parents. God knew your fathers story was not over till after you had a family moment at the movie. God is good even through the sad times. Our deepest sympathy to your family for the lost of your father. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We are excited to see your movie when it comes out. We will need to advertise it in Union Grove, WI as you were our guest speaker for Community State Bank. Love your Monday Moments and your Podcast. We are big fans.
Scott and Andrea
what a precious gift to be able to share this with your dad. This is another reminder that we have to listen to those quiet voices in your head. I look forward to seeing Soul on Fire.
John so glad you got to watch this with your Dad. There would have always been a hole there in your heart. Glad you listened and took the nudge. Teri and I are anxiously awaiting the movie. Thanks for sharing your story over and over. You will never know all the lives you have touched and people you have motivated. God is proud of you.
Crying again!😢 Bless you, John and your family! Can’t wait to see the movie! So happy your dad got to see it! 🙏🏻☝🏻
Thank you John for sharing another important memory that was made with your family, and with your dad prior to his final days. So glad you listened to the little voice.
I am looking forward to finally seeing Soul On Fire with family and friends.
What a beautiful time to spend with your Dad… and yes, what a Gift!! I have read the book, have heard you speak and I can’t wait for the movie to come out. And yes, I will look into reserving a theater. Many continued Blessings and Prayers for you and your Family. I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad.
Once again n tears as I read this. Thank you for sharing all that you do with me and the rest of those fortunate enough to receive your words of inspiration and hope. Hope has always been ‘my word’. Since I was very young. “Tomorrow has to be better than today.”
What a gift.
What a beautiful gift/memory for both of you and now for me! I can’t wait to see the movie and enjoy your story all over again.
Priceless! God speaks to us in so many ways and when we don’t listen right away it can become that “roar” you described. So glad that you listened John.
PS – Susan and I saw one of the early screenings of the movie in Phoenix last Thursday – it is wonderful!
Well… Now that I have had my morning cry, I can say, you are right! “What a gift”. Your story is so inspiring to others and sharing gives courage and hope. It also gives understanding to life experiences of when you had opportunities that first, felt like burdens, later vision clears, and understanding dawns that care for others is a privilege. It gives light to relationships and opens chambers in my soul that I thought long gone. Thank you for the guidance and encouragement to goes beyond my own understanding the courage to live beyond myself. I can’t wait to view the movie with my grown children and the littles (grandkids)
That’s awesome, John!
I’m so glad that you got to share that moment with your fathers.
It’s the whispers that show us the way.
I’ve read your book and I intend to watch your movie and invite others to see it. Not sure about how I’d fill a theater, but I’m so sorry for the passing of your father, but I know you’ll be able to see him one day still it’s hard to be here without them so my condolences prayers and love go to you and your family
You are such a gift to us all John! Thank you for another inspirational reminder that we all need to take time and make time for those we love.
Wow! Yet again, you inspire me on this Monday! What a beautiful thing for you to be able to enjoy with your Dad before his passing.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Thank you, John.
Wow! What a gift, indeed! I’m so thankful you got to see the film with your parents prior to your Dad’s passing. It was only fitting that he should be there to see it unfold. Thank you for sharing your story again and again and again….
Beautiful. God works in mysterious ways. 🩵
Congratulations on the Movie John and being able to have that moment with your Family as well. That is so cool that your mom & dad were able to see the movie!
Now that I am in grateful tears, What A Gift, perfect words as always from you Dad. Thank you for sharing today
My husband passed from dreaded Parkinson’s one year ago. I will never forget our date night a the Skip Viragh theater watching you speak. Alone I want to see your movie now.
Sweet memories
Thanks for letting us experience real love and the work of the Holy Spirit to simply sell being with the other above the perfection of the activity. You shouted how the gift of surrender opened the gates for joy.
Tearing up big time. So precious to share this with your Pop. No better words could have been spoken. “What a gift”! Thank you for extending the gift further by sharing with all of us.
I can’t wait for the release. I’ll be ine of the first to buy a ticket for that!
Wow! Truly – “John, what a gift!”
So sorry for you loss. And a huge congratulations on your continued success and this absolute huge accomplishment. We can’t wait to see the movie!
Such a gift that your Dad was able to be with you to see the film. You are an inspiration to all of us out here! Thank you for sharing your life story and your faith with us!
I can’t wait to see it
What a gift!!!!
I’m not crying, you’re crying.
What a gift describes more than your movie, your life, your podcast that I listen to, it describes our God , who through the Holy Spirit, prompted you to invite your parents. God knows what we cannot know. What a blessing, God is so good.