The release of a film, the loss of my dad, and the surprising ways grace shows up.
In preparing to close the chapter on another year, I find myself reflecting on the innumerable ups and downs of 2025. If your year looked anything like mine, it held moments of soaring joy but also heartbreaking loss.
On one hand, after years of persistently investing in SOUL ON FIRE, the film finally released in theaters, and audiences responded with an enthusiasm we never could’ve scripted. The reviews, the handwritten notes, the standing ovations at the premier and the quiet tears in darkened theaters reminded me that people still long for true stories of brokenness being redeemed. I remain utterly blown away by the response and humbled by the impact of the film on those who watch it.
And yet, midway through this year and right before the film came out theatrically, we added words to the final scene of the film: “Dedicated to Denny O’Leary.”
A year overflowing with blessings also brought with it the loss of my dad. His passing after a long and valiant journey with Parkinson’s disease still feels unreal. He was my hero, and I miss his voice, his presence, his humor, and the joy he shared in every interaction.
Although Dad’s death was something our family faced, all of us wrestle with our own challenges. Illnesses, professional uncertainty, relational conflict, societal unease. We worry not only about what we’re navigating now, but also out of concern for what comes next.
So how should we live in this season of uncertainty? How do we remain optimistic and hopeful with such much chaos around?
Years ago, a man I deeply admire lost a child and shared a scripture verse from the book of Job:
“The Lord gives.
The Lord takes.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
At the time of this family’s unimaginable loss, I couldn’t fully grasp the weight of those words or understand how they could speak them aloud. But haltingly and gradually, I’m beginning to recognize the wisdom of those words.
My friends, that type of sentiment won’t prevent future struggles from showing up in our lives. However, living it will remind you that you are not alone, that your life matters, and that your best is yet to come.
So today, give thanks not merely for the gifts that will be wrapped under the tree, but for the litany of ups and downs from the past year that have perfectly guided you to this moment…and will fuel you in the seasons to come.
Today is your day. Live Inspired.
31 replies on “What a Year of Joy, Loss and Love Taught Me”
I loved your inspirational movie. I’ve been a widow going on 11 years. And it even hurts to say that it’s been so long since we’ve been together. I know I’ll see my beloved Tony again. But loneliness creeps in and it seems like a long wait. I want to live my life making a difference in my girls’ lives, a godly Mom and Grandma.
I saw “Soul on Fire” and found it to be an inspiration, a tear-jerker, and an overall excellent story. My own husband is in the late stages of Parkinson’s so seeing your dad’s journey in this film touched my heart in ways that go beyond words. Thank you, John, for sharing your story with all of us as it challenges us to live each day Inspired!
John — I am so very sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. Mine has been gone since 2013 and the “missing him” is still so very present and often at the most unexpected times. Keeping you and your family lifted in prayer for God’s Comfort and Peace this Holiday season and always.
I am living with a huge loss this year and having a hard time believing that my life matters and the best is yet to come. My 20 yo son took his life just weeks ago. My husband and I are feeling the tremendous loss that remains. The huge hole and the grief that only comes from losing a beloved child.
This year has definitely been filled with ups and downs. I am beyond grateful that one of the ups was the pleasure of meeting you at a restaurant after you spoke at our sons high school. He came home from school that day so inspired and moved by your presentation, he told us we had to go see you that night. My husband and I, of course, had to show up. It is not often a 17 year old boy opens up about feeling so emotional from a speaker that came to school. We were blown away and so happy we went. Little did we know we would have the pleasure of meeting you that night! God works in mysterious ways…and we are grateful he gave us all the gift of shaking your hand and letting you know you inspired each one of us! Thank you!!!!
John
Loved the movie, loved your Dad. I still remember you spoke at Althoff Catholic High School. Your parents attended. It was Catholic schools week and we were having a coat drive. After you spoke your father and mother were in the foyer and your dad told you to get his new coat and donate it. I thought your mom was going to have a heart attack. She said honey it it your new coat I gave you for Christmas. He said I know I am donating it. I will never forget his lesson 💕. By any chance will you be speaking in January or February near Belleville that we could piggyback on?
At a time of unspeakable grief you shared some beautiful words. Thank you.
What a wonderful reminder for us all.
Loved hearing you at Oakland University. My husband receives your email. I want to too! Thank you for all that you do. Your movie was amazing along with the book. We bought several
To give to our children and loved ones.
After reading this today, thank you. My heart is full of gratitude for your words of hope in the midst of great loss. I hope you never doubt the impact you make on many others. God bless you.
John, your quote for today at s one that I will ponder. My husband Rich and I saw your movie recently and were very moved. We met you I believe at either Chrissie Hitler Clune’s wedding OR at Meghsn Clune Woltman’s. Kevin & MaryKay Clune are dear friends of ours. We raised our families together at St Peter’s in Kansas City. Keep touching prople with your amazing outlook on life!
John. thank you for sharing and for your perspective on life and its many ups and downs. Here’s toa a 2026 filled with love, peace, happiness and good health. May God continue to so richly bless you as you tell your uplifting story and give hope to those who feel lost.
Thank you. Best of all, God is with us. Amen.
Amen. So blessed to have seen the film and to have an autographed copy of your second book to give to my son who was at the film premier as a Christmas gift. And the film music cheers me on my car radio.
Blessings to you and your family on this sacred holiday and in the new year.
John, I’ve been following your journey through your weekly newsletter. It was truly an unforgettable year for you in so many ways. I’ve had a similar year, losing 12 friends and family members, including my stepmom and my dad. Yesterday, my mom fell and broke her hip, so that’s one more thing to add to the list for my unforgettable year. What a blessing that your movie was released! My husband, John, and I loved it! We hope to celebrate my book, A Very Chapel Falls Christmas, making it to the big screen someday as well. We’ll see what God has in store for us. Merry Christmas! Here’s to a fantastic 2026 for all of us!
Thank you for your weekly words. They truly help me to cherish both the good days and difficult ones. I try to “Live inspired.”
You are an incredible example of just that.
Thank you.
John,
I too lost a parent hero, she was both my mom and dad as she raised us alone. We lost our home in the California fires, almost lost my brother, lost my job and we also have many things going on in our life’s beyond the loss of our mom. I saw your movie just after my mom passed and watched your eulogy as I had to deliver my moms. I’ve read your books on fire and in awe.
You have been an angel and an incredible source of strength to me. Thank you for all you are doing selflessly for this world. I’m grateful for you.
And I’m all lit up!!!
Thank you for always putting life in a proper perspective! Sorry to hear about your fathers death. You do inspire me to be grateful for all I have. I thank God for putting you in my life. Thank you.
Your life and your current ministry are truly an inspiration. Thank you! My girlfriends and I ( all from St. louis) loved the movie!
Although some things are a loss to some they may be viewed as a blessing to others. When my grandson Cole died it was a terrible loss to us, but for Cole it was a blessing as he was free from the ravages of cancer and he was no longer suffering. Many continue to be inspired by him, his struggle and his story of hope always!
So sorry for you and your families loss John. Losing parents and children test one’s inter strength and faith to the core. Today’s message describes my families life this year as well. The surreal death of a daughter after 20 months of cancer and then a week later the joy of a two year planned wedding for our youngest daughter. God took and God gave within days. God bless the human spirit, the gift of joy and faith for better times….It will be OK.
Thanks John for the timely words of inspiration!
John, of course your entire life journey is inspirational to many. What struck me today is your words at the end of today’s story … that “the litany of ups and downs…. will fuel you in the seasons to come”. These carefully orchestrated words inspire. Thank you.
Just wanted to tell you that your words are such a blessing every time I read them. Thank you so much for spreading your light everyday.
You are a true blessing to me.
Well said, John. This year has been a lot of ups and downs as well. And how we choose to handle the difficult situations is up to us.
Ultimately, life is a gift… I choose to learn and grow from the tough stuff and celebrate, be grateful for the wonderful moments!
Thanks for the reminder!
You being you in this world… is a gift to us all. Merry Christmas John!!!
Thank you John for sharing these wonderful words and thoughts as we prepare to enter 2026!
Bill A,
John, my Dad died 6 years ago and I miss him so much. I am so thankful for my memories that I have with him and of him. I am so thankful for the ability to recall all the wonderful times with him and the laughter we shared. I hope your memories of your Dad will bring you warmth and comfort this holiday season and years to come!
Hello John and Live Inspired community. I have always been a big worrier. Now as a mother of three young adults trying to find their footing in the world and the wife of an incredibly courageous husband battling ALS, I have been turning to Matthew 6:25-32. It has touched a chord within me. I reread it daily and it is really helping me. That and meditating everyday!
John: Such a beautiful message. Days and years are filled with ups and downs. Your ongoing example and modeling of navigating these times on our lives is so important. Thanks for your words.
While retired now and in and out of St. Louis, I would welcome the opportunity to treat you to a breakfast or lunch and tell you about my new work with CharacterPlus and character education.
So uplifting. Sorry for your loss; cherish the memories.
Thank you for your blog. I also lost my dad to Parkinson’s a few years ago. It is such a difficult disease to encounter. This year we also lost our mom so this is the first holiday season without her. It’s harder than I thought it would be but in the midst, there are good memories and the comfort that we have hope in Christ. They are healed now!
I’ve followed you since I heard you speak at Emory a number of years ago. Thank you for all you do. And I also loved the movie!