How one pilot’s act of kindness changed my day.
Looking back at last month, I’m in awe of all we’ve been a part of. I had the honor of speaking at dozens of events around the country, participated in more than 100 media interviews, and shared SOUL ON FIRE with nearly half a million new friends at movie theaters nationwide.
It was a month overflowing with goodness, gratitude and grace.
And yet in the midst of that race, if I’m honest, I occasionally felt exhausted, a little lost and in need of others to guide me forward.
One of those moments occurred at Midway Airport.
After speaking in the morning in Chicago, I was scheduled to fly to Nashville for a live interview with Dave Ramsey that afternoon, followed by presenting at the Dove Awards that evening. It was a packed day!
After boarding the plane at Midway, I loaded my bag in the overhead compartment, took my seat and reached into my pocket to grab my phone…only to realize it wasn’t there.
The last time I’d used it was at a coffee shop in a completely different terminal.
I asked the flight attendant if I could sprint back to get it. She shook her head gently and said, “Sir, if you get off this plane, you won’t be able to get back on.”
While missing that flight wasn’t an option, missing that phone felt just as impossible. My entire schedule, contacts, and directions were all in that little device. Making all the events later that day would be difficult with the phone, and impossible without it.
And that’s when a pilot approached.
“You know,” he said, “it’s true that you can’t get off this plane…but it’s also true that I can. Tell me where it is, and I’ll go get it.”
I told him how far away it was and confessed that it might not even be there anymore.
He just smiled and said, “We have to at least try. Let’s get after it.”
Ten minutes later, the last person to board the plane was that same pilot, Chad.
He walked down the aisle with his head lowered, shoulders slumped. Then, after a beat, he broke into a grin, lifted his right hand high, and proudly held up my phone.
The plane erupted in applause.
My friends, tracking down my phone wasn’t Chad’s problem. He had every reason to stay comfortable, to stay seated, to stay focused on his schedule, his flight, his life.
But instead, he saw someone in need and decided to act.
That’s what exceptional service looks like. And even more than that, it’s most certainly what love looks like in action.
No, you don’t have to be a pilot with Southwest Airlines to live this way. You just need to look up. To pay attention. To care about something bigger than yourself.
In the words of my new friend, “We have to at least try. Let’s get after it.”
Because when we make someone else’s challenge our own, we remind them—and everyone else that’s watching—that people are still good, that light pushes back the darkness, and that the best is yet to come.
This week my friends, choose to live with your soul on fire. Choose to live like Chad.
Today is your day. Live Inspired.
58 replies on “Live Like Chad”
John, you are such an inspiration! What John did was so thoughtful! It makes a person realize what kindness is! Thank you for sharing!!!
Love this story!
John, This is just one more incredible story in your life. Thank you for sharing this with us. God bless your work inspiring all of us
It is SO refreshing to hear goodness is still out there! We need more of it! Thank you for sharing and bringing a bright spot to my day.
I love the Chad story. We all sometimes get to wrapped up in our own difficulty and fail to see how many others have a much more difficult time that we do. In difficult times we need to count our blessings and share them with others. Thanks be to God for all our blessings.
Quote: Today is the beginning of a new day. We can choose to waste it or use it for good. However, what we do with it is very important. Because we are exchanging one day of our life for it.
God is good. Every day
Bravo to Chad for shining his light.
Love this. It’s the little things you do every day that are the most impactful.
I heard you speak at SIFMA SII at Wharton in March of this year.
Been following you ever since.
John,
My team had the privilege of listening to your story this past October in Bethlehem Pennsylvania where you spoke at a leadership conference held
by the St. Luke’s Health Network. You inspired each of my coworkers in a way that none of us ever experienced. We all had tears throughout your story. Thank you for sharing your story with honesty, compassion, courage and a little bit of humor.
About 15 years ago, my friend was doing a construction job with his son by his side. They inadvertently hit an underground propane line and an explosion occurred. Their son did not survive the blast, my friend Kraig was burned severely -90% of his body. The doctors did t know if he’d live or not for About 6 months. Kraig is doing ok now. Dana, his wife, took the pain and turned into a program where she helps kids who are grieving. Your story reminded me of their story and how your took your pain and turned it into a powerful message.
Thank you for reading my message. This leads me to my question. Do you ever autograph and then sell your books? If so how may I purchase two autographed copies?
Way to go, Chad!!!!!! This was the best story ever!!!
This is awesome! Very inspiring and great reminders to be grateful for what we have and don’t. Thank you for sharing!
Amazing! And this is one more reason I LOVE Southwest! They have never disappointed me and this is why they will always be my #1 airline. Way to go Chad👍
https://youtu.be/VaL6Z9_KmD0
I’m living my life with my soul on fire due to my ‘story’ (above) about a life altering diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
I’ve taken every opportunity that I have to raise awareness about this terrible disease.
Life is a gift, something I am so very thankful for.
Blessings to you in all your endeavors and in the midst of those unexpected moments like the one with your phone ❤️
Love. This story wow it made my day and prayers for all the pilots and TSA. Team members working tirelessly to keep things going.
What a great story. Just experienced your story, message at D219. Thanks for sharing it all!
John, Thank you for sharing this. It made my day. I am so grateful for your Live Inspired emails. Keeps me greatly inspired!!!! Blessed to know you. Donna
Yes, we have an AWESOME God who has a wide band of caring soldiers 🙏🥰
My experience today was like this one. I was having breakfast with a friend who complained about the cost of getting a crown on a tooth. I called my dentist who has the capability of making a crown on office. they talked to friend and gave a price five hundred less than previous dentist. Just a simple call to make a friend HAPPY.
I felt I was meant to read this Blog. I was driving home (Alton, IL) with my cousin from Branson, when she suddenly discovered that she couldn’t find her phone. I called her thinking if it was lost in the car we would hear it ring. No such luck. No phonee ringing in the car. Luckily she had her receipt from our last stop, Freddy’s in Ozark, Mo. Based on the time stamp we were 1 1/2 hours away. We called Freddy’s & spoke to Asst. Manager Austin & yes the phone was there. Austin was very kind & helpful. Well, I said we have to go back & so we did. I wouldn’t have felt right not going back. It was the only option.
What an encouragement! Thank you for sharing this. I saw SOUL ON FIRE the day it came out in our theatre. It was great! I remember when you spoke a few years back at the Super Inservice for our school district. I will never forget you and your story!
That is amazing. Amazing that he did that for you. Amazing that the phone was still there. Amazing that no one turned it in to security. God is good all the time. Nothing is impossible.
That story is just amazing. Amazing that he volunteered to do that. Amazing that the phone was there. Amazing that no one moved it at all. God is good all the time! Nothing is impossible.
I love Southwest Airlines!
I love this so much. Especially envisioning him finding the phone and walking back to the plane thinking how he was going to try to fake you out. Can just imagine the look on your face. What an awesome message to start Monday. Thanks and God Bless Chad!!
John, I thought I was the only one who was forgetful when stressed and over committed. I think I go on auto-pilot and have some hiccups along the way- lol.
So happy that Chad rose to the occassion!! What a generous problem solver he was! Such a blessing!
This is an example of what a pastor I always admired once termed, “A Jesus Moment.” God bless you, Chad!
A wonderful reminder that it’s not always about us. We live in community and need to think about that more often.
“Choose to live like Chad”….i’m tryin’ my best
What a great story.
Good morning John. I just read your devotional for today( Nov 10) and as always before it left me in tears. I wont take up all your time this morning to explain why your story is so dear to my heart, but I will share with you as a Hospital Chaplain I can relate to your story of giving to others from your heart. I have had many trials in my life have have blessed me , this the need to hear and hold others pain . Thank you for all you do, have done but more that that, you always give God the glory. I would love yo meet you someday. If you ever come by the Detroit or Toledo areas, I will try to find you there. May God always your source of love and strength. In Christs name ,
Love this! It just goes to show there are many good people in this world!
Wow, so awesome! We have to at least try. Let’s get after it!!!!
Those moments can be presented in a big way as evident in your missing phone story. In my world God moments happen in small ways, many ways. You just have to be aware and keep your heart open to all possibilities.
Love your inspiration!
It’s Monday. Let’s get after it.
Chad to the rescue! That’s awesome! Well done Chad! I love his quote too! “We have to at least try. Let’s get after it.” No doubt that your good energy, John, propelled Chad to want to help you. I love Southwest Airlines, and Chad is a perfect example of their model of service.
Amazing! Got me in the best way possible yet again, Mr. O’Leary! On behalf of all those you have gotten off the plane to “at least try” to serve at FOCUS Marines on this our 250th birthday, thank you, and may God bless you!
God works in mysterious ways and he uses other people. God is so good all the time and all the time God is good.
I LOVE this!! The world needs more Chads!👏🏻
Love it and couldn’t agree more……..“We have to at least try. Let’s get after it.”
So glad he did that for you John! That is an inspiring Monday morning story! Thank you for sharing. Losing your phone is the WORST! Just a girl from Toledo, Ohio who once heard you speak compliments of Savage & Associates, and I have been one of your loyal podcast listeners ever since.
What a wonderful testimony of how great our God is. He is always with us.
What a great reminder to at least try….! Too many folks just accept the failure… Exactly the message I needed today!
John,
A truly heartwarming story! Thank you for that lift this morning.
When flying I always remember to lean in towards the cock pit and thank the pilot and-co- pilot for a safe journey. It takes such little effort, but means so much to someone else.
Blessings to all this Fall morning🙏
Wow. To see someone take such an interest in helping someone else, truly speaks volumes to the character of Chad. “We have to at least try. Let’s get after it!”
What a great new mantra, nee, war cry to add to my arsenal… “We have to at least try. Let’s get after it.” Make it a great Monday my friends!
Thanks for sharing this story that features INSPIRATION TO HELP ANOTHER PERSON. It warms up the cold air in Wisconsin today!
Love this story
Thank you for sharing
Great story! I recently fell and hurt my hip. Throughout the last 8weeks I have been amazed at all the good people who go way out of their way to help a stranger who happens to need a walker or cane for mobility.
Yet another amazing story of human kindness!💕
Dear John, thank you for sharing the very inspiring and uplifting experience with your lost cell phone. God bless you and Chad.
P.S.: I had the great honor and pleasure to meet you in Erie, PA a few years ago.
Exceptional customer service from an exception person. Great story to start my week of travel. Thank you for sharing!
Oh, my gosh! What a fabulous story of unselfisness and love toward a stranger who has become a friend. I could relate to the anxt of losing my phone and the feeling of helplessness. Thank you for sharing this incredible story. May it inspire all of us to look up, and look around to see how we, too, can be a hero in someone else’s life.
I LOVE this story. I do Believe in Miracles every day. That pilot was your Miracle when you needed a Miracle. You make such a presence, John. I’msure that Chad felt special to be
able to do something for you. It is important to be Thankful , as you did by tellingthis story
We are in the season of THANKS , We remember Gratitude, Blessings and Thankfulness every day !!
After losing my wife of 57 years in February, my life hit rock bottom in a way I had never expected. Because we had no children, my sister insisted I relocate 100 miles to be close to her family of seven. After seeing Soul on Fire, I stopped feeling sorry for myself and have become more compassionate toward others. Thank you, John O’Leary, for sharing your journey and Monday newsletter with me. I’ve already become a better person.
Awesome story John. On my way to WBC TOMORROW. That’s where we met several years ago. I was inspired by your talk and continue to follow you. 👍👍👏👏🦃🦃
This is fantastic John!!
I knew before I ever got to the end that you had to be on the southwest flight. Those people are among the best. Right now they’re taking a lot of criticism because of the changes Southwest has made, but the people are what makes Southwest so great. Ultimately, God has a plan every time.
This makes my Monday morning. 🙂 With everything going on in our world right now, we need more of these thoughtful acts of kindness! Thanks for sharing, John.
Thanks, John.
I needed this today- “to get after it”.