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6 hours ago

Math. Running. Swimming. Recalling names. Remembering birthdays. Paying parking tickets. This is a partial list of things I’m terrible at. For a far longer and more comprehensive list, please reach out to my family.Last week, at an urgent care clinic, I was reminded of one more thing that belongs on that list: Waiting.With a growing infection in my foot and a wild week of travel ahead, I limped into an urgent care for what was supposed to be a quick procedure. Three hours after checking in, still sitting in the aptly named waiting room, I was anxious, in pain, increasingly irritated—and about ready to head home and perform the procedure myself.My friends, I hate waiting. I don’t like waiting for a waiter to come say hello, for a pilot to explain why we aren't pushing back from the gate, or apparently, for a receptionist who says “about ten more minutes” to explain three hours later why no one has called my name.And I know I'm not alone.We live in a culture that has almost eliminated waiting. With the push of a button, groceries arrive at our doors, movies stream instantly and communication is immediate. We track packages, flights, and even our own children in real time.And yet, for all our technological progress, life still makes us wait.We wait for the promotion, the pregnancy, the diagnosis, and the apology. We wait for our child to find their way, for the relationship to heal and for an answer to come.And during the waiting, we waste an enormous amount of energy trying to control the outcome. It’s as if we believe our impatience will somehow make what we want happen sooner.It doesn’t. It never has. And it never will.Perhaps that's why a 3,000-year-old verse from the book of Psalms speaks to me: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” For me, that verse isn’t an invitation to sit passively and do nothing. It’s a reminder that just because I can’t see movement doesn’t mean nothing is happening.Faith doesn't promise that every story will unfold quickly and exactly as we want. But it reminds us that we can trust even when we don’t understand. That there can be purpose in the waiting, growth through the uncertainty, and peace in letting go of what we can’t control.Last week, after many hours of waiting, my name was called.A nurse took my vitals. A doctor performed a minor procedure. That evening, while limping out of urgent care, I felt not only physically better, but emotionally and spiritually, too.Because for three frustrating hours, I had been fighting something I was never going to win: the clock.None of my worrying, pacing, checking the time or growing irritated moved me any closer to what I wanted. It simply robbed me of peace while I waited. And maybe that’s the invitation hidden inside the waiting seasons of our lives.Not to pretend we enjoy waiting, but to loosen our grip on the outcome. To remember that we don’t have to understand everything to trust there is still purpose in the process.So this week, when you find yourself waiting, resist the urge to believe that nothing is happening. Put down the phone, stop looking at the clock, take a breath, and keep the faith. Because some of the most significant growth in our lives happens before the door opens, the answer comes or the waiting ends.Sometimes the gift isn’t simply getting what we were waiting for. Sometimes the greatest gift is who we become while we wait.Today is your day. Live Inspired.#MondayMorningMotivation #LiveInspired #JohnOLeary #InspirationalStories ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

2 days ago

A movie ticket can say more than, “I’d like to see this film.”As DeVon Franklin reminded us at the SOUL ON FIRE premiere, it can also tell Hollywood: We want more stories like this.Stories of faith. Of families who keep showing up. Of ordinary people whose love makes an extraordinary difference.One year ago today, SOUL ON FIRE opened in theaters. And my friends, you showed up. You bought tickets, brought people you love and helped give the film a strong opening weekend.It earned a 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and went on to find new audiences through Netflix, DVD and digital viewing.I’m grateful because behind every ticket was a person—and an opportunity for this story to meet someone who needed it.Thank you for helping carry that hope into theaters, into homes and into lives we may never know.#SoulOnFireMovie #LiveInspired #DeVonFranklin #JohnOLeary #SoulOnFire ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

2 days ago

You never know what someone is carrying when they walk into a movie theater—or what might help them leave with a little more hope.One year ago today, Soul On Fire Movie opened in theaters. Watching these reactions, I’m reminded of why we wanted to share this story in the first place.My friends, thank you for bringing your own stories, struggles and hearts to ours. My hope is that whatever you’re facing today, you remember that your life matters—and your story is still unfolding.#SoulOnFire #LiveInspired #OnFire #JohnOLeary #InspirationalMovies #SoulOnFireMovie ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

3 days ago

“How are you?” is an easy question to ask. Giving an honest answer can be much harder.With #WorldMentalHealthDay tomorrow, I want to make room for that honest answer—and share some conversations that might help us listen more closely to ourselves and one another.Our Mental Health playlist on the Live Inspired Podcast brings together guests with professional expertise and personal experience, exploring everything from burnout and the importance of rest to building healthier relationships.My friends, if you’ve been carrying more than you’ve let on, I hope these conversations offer encouragement to reach out, ask for support and give yourself some grace.And if someone comes to mind as you listen, consider checking in. Then leave room for the real answer.Listen here: johnolearyinspires.com/podcast_cat/mental-health/#WorldMentalHealthDay #LiveInspiredPodcast #LiveInspiredSome of the MANY wonderful guests on this playlist that are featured here: well.guide Dr. Bertice Berry Stephen B. Panus, Author/Speaker Jon Acuff Erin Stafford John Register Inspired Communications International, LLC ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

4 days ago

Laura Wifler is a bestselling author, poet and co-founder of Risen Motherhood who finds beauty in life’s mix of brokenness and joy. Her daughter, who has intellectual disabilities, has taught her so much about loving others just as they are and finding joy in the unexpected.Today, Laura shares how childhood rejection inspired her to help others feel included, how motherhood changed the life she imagined, and how poetry helped her put words to both the beautiful and difficult moments. We talk about finding strength in faith, creating even when we doubt ourselves, and why her son is grateful disability is part of their family.My friends, if life looks different from what you hoped, this conversation is for you. Laura reminds us that we can carry grief and still experience joy, and that every one of us has something valuable to offer. You’ll leave encouraged to give yourself a little grace, help someone feel seen, and notice the beauty right in front of you.Listen to Laura Wifler on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 922 now. ... See MoreSee Less

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