The Color Between The Lines with Esther Dillard

Journalist Esther Dillard asked three generations of the men in her life that one question — her son Nicholas, his dad, and his grandfather Anthony Dillard. What came back was not what she expected.

This is not a typical Color Between the Lines episode. There is no expert guest. No author. Just three men. Three answers. And one conversation Esther believes every family needs to have — before it is too late.

This episode is also a tribute to Esther's father — Reverend Michael Miller. Pastor. Reader. Lover of Star Trek, Star Wars, and a good boxing match. He passed from prostate cancer and left behind hundreds of books and a belief that education, hard work, and faith in God were the keys to everything. Esther did not record his voice. She wishes she had.

She hopes this episode inspires you to do what she did not — pick up your phone, press record, and ask the people you love one question before it is too late.

WHAT YOU WILL HEAR: — Nicholas on why fatherhood is about love, not money — and why an Applebee's gift card is a perfectly acceptable Father's Day gift — Anthony Dillard on kindness, inclusion, and why no one is unimportant in the body of Christ — A reflection on family vacations, fishing trips, neighborhood kids, and what it means to feel rich without having much money — Why the pandemic reminded one father that time with family is the most valuable thing of all — Esther's personal tribute to her father Reverend Michael Miller and the voice she wishes she had recorded

This one is for the fathers. And for everyone who loves one.

Free educator discussion guide available at substack.com/@iamestherdillard Full educator bundle: etsy.com/shop/ColorBtwLinesMarket Connect: estherdillard.com

If this episode reminded you of someone — share it. Someone in your circle needs to hear it before Father's Day.

Your story matters.