In this episode, Father Bill shares the story of adopting a spirited dog named Mystic—an experience that becomes a powerful metaphor for the messy, beautiful process of personal transformation and the boundless, unconditional love and forgiveness of God.
Get your copy of The Gospel According to Sam: Animal Stories for the Soul on Amazon.
Visit Father Bill online at https://www.fatherbill.net/.
In this episode, Father Bill Miller centers on the theme of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. It uses Tom Petty's song "I Won't Back Down" as a foundational text, detailing how Petty wrote the song after his home was destroyed in an arson attempt. He then relates this theme of standing one's ground to several different narratives, including a personal anecdote about neighbors saving a dog named Sam from a house fire, and examples from the Biblical figures Paul and Jesus, all of whom embody the refusal to give up. The message concludes by emphasizing that "I Won't Back Down" serves as a universal anthem for strength, citing numerous testimonies from listeners who found hope and motivation in the song during challenging times, urging the audience to also stand their ground and not lose heart.
Get your copy of The Gospel According to Sam: Animal Stories for the Soul on Amazon.
Visit Father Bill online at https://www.fatherbill.net/.
In this episode, Father Bill focuses on the spiritual practice of pausing and embracing challenging or transitional periods in life rather than rushing through them. He uses several personal anecdotes to illustrate this theme, including the story of seeking housing in Round Top, Texas, which involved a "pregnant pause" from a trusted contact that led to an unexpected solution. He also draws upon biblical teachings, referencing the children of Israel in Babylonian captivity and the Apostle Paul writing from prison, to argue that transformation often occurs during discomfort or displacement. Finally, Father Bill recounts a humorous travel story involving a sold-out concert and a chance encounter with Kevin Costner to emphasize the importance of pausing and trusting in God's timing and provision.
Get your copy of The Gospel According to Sam: Animal Stories for the Soul on Amazon.
Visit Father Bill online at https://www.fatherbill.net/.
In this episode, Father Bill tells the story of a pastor named John who experienced professional and personal collapse due to betrayal, only to find renewed ministry and deeper faith by learning to depend on God at the "end of his rope." This concept is further explored through Biblical examples, such as the lamentations of Jeremiah and the parable of the dishonest steward, suggesting that adversity is often where spiritual insight and God's intervention are found. He concludes by drawing parallels between finding grace at one's lowest point and the compassion of a father who grants his son a favorable score during a game of miniature golf. Father Bill's message is that faith and grace are most evident in moments of defeat and imperfection, often appearing when individuals have exhausted all other options.
Get your copy of The Gospel According to Sam: Animal Stories for the Soul on Amazon.
Visit Father Bill online at https://www.fatherbill.net/.
In this episode, Father Bill excerpt explores the dualities of moving and life changes, using the act of relocating as a metaphor for spiritual inventory and reassessment. He contrasts his biological family’s religious strictness with the soulful abundance and generosity of his surrogate family, the Bartos, who lived across the street. Father Bill defines the "soulful life" as one characterized by knowing one is beloved by God, extending grace and forgiveness to others, possessing a generous heart, and being willing to humbly seek wisdom through continuous questioning and listening. He concludes by urging listeners to embrace this "life that really is life," marked by love and sharing.
Get your copy of The Gospel According to Sam: Animal Stories for the Soul on Amazon.
Visit Father Bill online at https://www.fatherbill.net/.
In this episode, recorded live at the book launch of the 20th anniversary edition of the book, The Gospel According to Sam: Animal Stories for the Soul, which serendipitously falls on St. Francis Eve, Father Bill reflects on the spiritual lessons learned from dogs, particularly his late Airedale, Sam, and other dogs that followed. He draws parallels between the resilience and loving nature of dogs—illustrated by Sam's survival of a fire—and the concept of grace and second chances in the life of faith, referencing the life of St. Francis. He shares anecdotes about dogs, including Sam and his newest companion, Mystic, to highlight how these animals teach humans about loyalty, forgiveness, and the importance of meeting others halfway.
Get your copy of The Gospel According to Sam: Animal Stories for the Soul on Amazon.
Visit Father Bill online at https://www.fatherbill.net/.
We all make plans—carefully mapped and full of hope—until life interrupts with wildfire, heartbreak, or disappointment. But what if those disruptions aren’t accidents? What if they’re invitations?
Father Bill Miller had planned a quiet retreat at a cabin in Idaho, only to have wildfires cancel the trip. Stranded in Santa Fe, he spent unexpected days with his godson James, an aspiring filmmaker. Their deep talks about pain, faith, and purpose turned a ruined plan into a divine appointment for connection.
Scripture is full of such detours. The Apostle Paul, imprisoned and forgotten, used his confinement to write letters that would shape Christian faith for centuries. His lowest moment became his strongest platform.
Spiritual teacher Richard Rohr writes, “All mature spirituality is about letting go.” Real growth happens when we stop trying to control the story and learn to trust the Author.
And it always leads us back to love. From Paul’s bond with Onesimus to the boy at Father Flanagan’s home who carried his disabled friend saying, “He ain’t heavy—he’s my brother,” the message is the same: our greatest purpose is found in carrying one another.
So when your plans fall apart, don’t ask, Why me?
Ask instead: What might this make possible?
Because sometimes the road you didn’t plan is the one that leads you home.
Get your copy of The Gospel According to Sam today.