Everyone faces change and challenges, but no one should be defined by them. Chris suffered a severe spinal cord injury playing college football and was told he would never walk again. He defeated all odds and walked across the stage of his college graduation which has been viewed over 300 million times across the world. Chris calls us to focus on response, instead of situation to be defined by attitude rather than circumstance. He shares a compelling story filled with laughs, tears and life changing moments that give audiences hope and a new perspective. He demonstrates how attitude, effort and purpose can navigate the most challenging obstacles. Chris calls us to recognize the great power within us all. THE POWER TO STAND.
In our carefully planned lives, unexpected detours often leave us drowning in doubt, questioning God's goodness and wondering if things will ever get better. But what if these shattered plans are actually invitations to be part of a greater story? Drawing from his remarkable journey after a college football injury at just 18 years old left him paralyzed with just a 3% chance of moving below the neck, Chris Norton's story of perseverance reveals how God can turn seemingly impossible situations into beautiful opportunities for faith and purpose. Chris would eventually regain enough strength to walk with assistance across his graduation stage and then 7 yards down the aisle with his wife Emily. These videos have been viewed over 400 million times across social media and major news networks. Their family has fostered 23 children and adopted five, and their story has been captured in the award-winning documentary "7 Yards.” Chris Norton’s journey demonstrates how our darkest chapters become our most powerful testimony when placed in God's hands.
Audiences will discover three practical truths:
● Surrendering Comes Before Fighting: How yielding to God's strength unlocks unexpected power
● God's Not Done: Seeing God as an author writing a greater story through every challenge
● Shared Faith Wins Battles: The importance of community when doubt challenges our hearts Perfect for church services, Christian conferences, and faith-based gatherings, this message connects with anyone facing unexpected detours.
He was told he'd never walk again. She was losing hope that she'd ever feel whole again. This is their miraculous true story of defying the impossible.
In my very first impression of Chris, I was blown away by his determination to stay positive, do the work, and trust that God had a bigger story in mind . . . this book is a master class in the power of perseverance. -Tim Tebow
Quadriplegics simply do not walk again - yet millions watched as Chris Norton defied incredible odds and took step by impossible step across his graduation stage. With his fiancée Emily by his side, those unbelievable steps became the start of an extraordinary journey for them both. Told from both of their unique perspectives, this moving story invites you to find, as Chris and Emily have, that God can transform our lowest points into life's greatest gifts.
In a moment, Chris went from a talented college football player with a promising future to a quadriplegic with a 3 percent chance of ever moving or feeling anything below his neck, much less walking again. Determined to prove the doctors wrong, he pushed himself through grueling, daily workouts to achieve his goal four years later: walking the stage to receive his college diploma with Emily's help, and to the world's astonished applause.
Meanwhile, Emily faced her own challenges as she sunk into a deep battle against anxiety and depression, despite her life's outward blessings. Day by day, decision by decision, Chris and Emily committed themselves to taking the extra step, trusting God, and leaning on the help of others. In a story of courageous faith and grit, this extraordinary couple's journey ultimately led them to tackle the seven longest yards - down the wedding aisle and into a new life together.
And what a new life it is: Chris and Emily have adopted five beautiful girls and welcomed foster children - seventeen and counting! - into their home and hearts. Let this book be your inspiration for defying your own impossible, and finding joy on the other side.