09/08/2025
I’m too busy.
I’ll get back to them later.
I’ll just ignore it.
These are common ways to respond to life’s interruptions.
But while filming SOUL ON FIRE, I was reminded by some remarkably busy people just how powerful it is to say yes instead. Let me explain.
I had just wrapped a long day on set. The cast had been working since early morning, were exhausted, and already bracing for a 4:30 a.m. call time the next day. Still, I texted a few actors, letting them know I’d be speaking that evening to FOCUS Marines Foundation, a remarkable group that inspires hope in veterans. I invited them to come but told them there was no pressure.
Honestly, I didn’t expect anyone to come. William H. Macy, Joel Courtney and John Corbett were still filming. James McCracken, the little boy playing me, was still in hair and makeup. And DeVon Franklin had left town for a few days.
But then, two messages came in: Yes. Would not miss it.
The replies were from Masey McLain Stanley (who plays my wife, Beth) and Stephanie Szostak (who plays my mom, Susan).
I picked them up and drove an hour from their hotel into rural Missouri. As the road darkened, they joked, “We’re glad we know you, or we’d be nervous!”
We walked into the room where 50 veterans —men and women wounded while serving our nation—waited. After being introduced by a Gunnery Sergeant, I shared parts of my story, invited them to share theirs, reminded them that brokenness can be used for good and even played a little piano. It was a powerful evening that involved lots of laughter, plenty of tears and the promise of healing.
And yet, what moved the room most wasn’t my words or music. No, it was the simple presence of Masey and Stephanie. The veterans were stunned that two Hollywood actresses cared enough to leave the comfort of their hotel to spend several hours with them. And they were blown away that in a world that had beat them down with lots of no’s, these two women were willing to say yes.
That night reminded me power isn’t in saying the perfect thing, doing the extraordinary or demanding the brightest light. Real power is in showing up, loving the one in front of you, being present, saying yes.
So let me ask you: Where in your life have you grown too comfortable with no? Where are you waiting for a better time, a lighter schedule, more certainty? Where are you so preoccupied with your life that you’ve become unavailable to the interruptions of serving others?
Today, I invite you to say yes.
Yes to being fully present with your spouse.
Yes to calling your mom.
Yes to forgiving someone who offended you.
Yes to the invitation that scares you.
And yes to the interruptions you didn’t plan for.
Because the real gift we bring for others isn’t our résumé, achievements, or awards. The real gift is our presence.
If you don’t believe me, ask the tough veterans who lined up for more than an hour, not to thank two actresses for their film careers, but to thank them for reminding them they still have so much to live for.
Today is your day. Live Inspired.
