LAUGHTER IN DISGUISE

Michael Austin Miller

What if laughter isn’t a distraction from the sacred—but a doorway into it? In this episode, Michael Austin Miller explores the holy ember of humor—how joy sneaks in when belief runs dry, and how even a giggle in grief can be a sign your spirit’s still alive.

From Jesus and the disciples likely laughing their way down dusty roads, to unexpected laughter in the midst of sorrow, a hypnotic sermon gone sideways, and the unexpected grace of Mediwipes—these stories will make you laugh, think, and maybe—just maybe—see grace in a whole new way. Because sometimes, joy is the last ember still glowing when belief feels burned out. And if you’ve ever needed a laugh to remember you’re still alive—this one’s for you.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Reflect on a painful moment where laughter surprised you.
 Then, think of a time you made someone laugh during a hard moment. Write it down. Call them and remind them.

PRAYER God of joy and gentle mischief,


thank you for the holy interruption of laughter.


For sneaky giggles, snort-laughs,

and sacred silliness


that remind us we're still alive

—
and still held by grace.


Amen.

MANTRA Laughter is grace

B.O.N.F.I.R.E:

Be Open Now For Inner Renewal Experiences

Be — Be still enough to notice joy sneaking in through the cracks. Laughter often arrives in the pause between what hurts and what heals.

Open — Open your spirit to the unexpected. Sometimes grace wears a punchline, not a halo.

Now — Now is where holy humor lives. Not in what was, not in what might be—but in the moment that makes you laugh before you cry.

For — For every tear you’ve shed, let there be a laugh that reminds you: you’re still here, and grace still has a sense of humor.

Inner — Inner light isn’t always solemn. Sometimes the soul giggles. Sometimes healing sounds like a wheeze-laugh and ends with a snort.

Renewal — Renewal begins when the weight lifts, even for a second. Laughter clears the air and resets the heart.

Experiences — Experiences that made you stumble may one day make you laugh—and that laughter may be the most sacred part of the story.

EMAIL: embersofgracepodcast@gmail.com

The Sacred Doesn’t Wait for Sunday Michael Austin Miller

What if the presence of God was never meant to be confined to a building, a schedule, or a set of credentials?

What if sacredness shows up in casserole kitchens, car cries, dandelion gifts, and snack time with Jesus?

In this episode, Michael Austin Miller unpacks what it means to live a life awake to the Sacred—beyond stained glass and Sunday services. With storytelling, laughter, and holy honesty, he invites us to reclaim sacredness as something God already placed within us—no permission slip from the church required. This one’s for the wanderers, the bruised believers, the LGBTQ+ beloveds, and anyone who’s been told there wasn’t room at the table. If you’ve ever whispered a prayer in the grocery line or found holy ground in someone’s grief, this episode is for you.

Passage:

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… All the believers were together and had everything in common.-Acts 2:42–47


Prayer: Sacred Spirit,
You are not confined to walls or worship times.
 You meet us in messes, meals, and moments of grace.
 Tear down the walls we build. 
Open us to each other.
 And help us gather — not to impress — but to love.
 Amen.

Practice: Find a table. Sit down. Light a candle. Take a breath.
Ask yourself: Who have I shared life with lately? Where have I offered or received care? Where have I seen the Sacred lately? What would it look like to build community with casseroles and conversation instead of perfection and performance?

Mantra: The Sacred doesn’t wait for Sunday.

BONFIRE: Every episode ends with this soul-centered guide:
 B.O.N.F.I.R.E. —

Be Open Now For Inner Renewal Experiences

Be — Show up honestly. Open — Let go of control; make room for growth. Now — The sacred is already here. For — Something larger than yourself. Inner — Your soul and story matter. Renewal — Let grace do its slow work. Experiences —The sacred comes to you in ordinary experiences.

Email: Embersofgracepodcast@gmail.com

An introduction to Embers of Grace where host Michael Austin Miller invites you into a space where spirituality doesn’t come with a dress code or a doctrinal quiz. With warmth, humor, and hard-won honesty, he shares what this podcast is (and isn’t), who it’s for (spoiler: you), and why you don’t need permission from a church to live a deeply spiritual life. If you’ve ever felt too spiritual for religion, too skeptical for spirituality, or just burned out on trying to belong — pull up a chair. The fire’s just getting started.