Hello, my friends and welcome to the Live Inspired podcast Monday morning moments with John O'Leary.

The definition of impossible is this. That which cannot be.

It is impractical. It is not feasible. It cannot be done. 100% total body surface burned.

87% of it third degree degree, significant smoke damage.

Facing these realities, the chance of me surviving the explosion and the fire way back in

1987 was considered impossible.

And yet, my remarkable siblings, my faithful parents, heroic first responders, and committed caregivers

stepped forward undeterred. They were then supported by famous celebrities, humble servants,

and a caring community who prayed and encouraged and loved so fiercely that a little boy

with no chance of surviving survived the impossible.

And yet, although I survived five months in the hospital, years of treatment,

and did sometimes and maybe even most of the time recognize that my life was a gift,

I also struggled tremendously with self-worth.

I hid my physical and emotional scars behind long sleeves and humor and then alcohol, never feeling truly worthy of love.

Remarkably, though, at a college party, a beautiful brunette named Beth, saw beyond my injuries and the insecurities,

and took my hand.

21 years later, four children later, and countless dances to sweet Caroline later,

Beth continues to be by my side through it all.

It's impossible.

Despite her love and her goodness, years into our marriage, I wrestled with a lack of true professional calling and had a persistent feeling of self-doubt.

In the back row of a church service, though, I heard a pastor's challenge to say yes to

opportunities where you can live and use that life

...