What People are Saying About Gabe Murfitt’s Life Message

One look at my friend Gabe raises a lot of questions. Yes, about his physical limitations, but more so, about his smile. Where does this young man get his bright, upbeat attitude? What keeps him going? Answers to these questions and more are what make Gabe’s story of faith and courage so riveting. I’m especially excited that he is lighting the fire under a whole new generation of young people. So enjoy getting to know Gabe . . . your outlook on the future will be a lot more clear! ~Joni Eareckson Tada Joni and Friends International Disability Center

I have enjoyed getting to know Gabe. He gives true meaning to the word “perseverance,” and he and his strong family have used the platform that Gabe’s disability has provided to spread a message of hope and courage. It seems that Gabe has no limits and his story is one that we can all learn from. ~Cal Ripken, Jr. Hall of Fame baseball player

Gabe has spent a great deal of time in my fourth grade classroom. He demonstrates how to thrive in spite of a handicap. His C.L.E.A.R. message really gets students thinking about their own lives, as well as how they treat others. He has practical suggestions on bullying, an area getting great attention in elementary schools. I highly recommend Gabe. Everyone is changed by his presentation. ~Kathy Goodheart Teacher, Sandstone Elementary School

Gabe captivated the attention of our students in a recent assembly, where he presented his message. Our school has incorporated his C.L.E.A.R. message into our morning meetings. I would invite Gabe back to our school in the future. He had a profound effect on the students, and if I could hire him permanently, I would! ~Stacy Lemelin Principal, Sandstone Elementary School

Gabe is able to communicate with students of various age groups in an engaging manner. They remember his C.L.E.A.R. message. The kids loved Gabe and would love to have him come back to Valley Christian! ~Gloria Butz Principal, Valley Christian School

When I hear Gabe Murfitt tell his story, I am mesmerized. This young man is an inspiration to anyone fortunate enough to hear him. Kind, warm, humble, humorous, and insightful—all these things characterize Gabe’s presentation. ~Bill Butterworth Author and speaker

Gabe created a wave of excitement with his dog, Ruth, and his razor scooter. His C.L.E.A.R. message has been incorporated into the lives of our children, both at school and at home. He profoundly changed one kindergartener forever. Gabe is a hero to the children of McKinley School, as many of them battle homelessness and other trials and tribulations. He has given them HOPE, and they look forward to his arrival each year. His classroom and whole school delivery is stellar, and he invites questions and comments, responding in a very thoughtful and thorough way. ~Pat Lowthian Fourth Grade Teacher, McKinley School

Like a modern-day David, Gabe Murfitt refuses to let his physical stature keep him from confronting his Goliaths head-on. Through the years I have watched this extraordinary young man push against athletic, musical, and academic boundaries to achieve amazing results. I have seen him face the giants of discouragement, disappointment, and loneliness and emerge on the other side with greater confidence, strength, and wisdom. From the moment I met Gabe, I sensed that he and his story would impact many, many lives. This has already happened, and yet, something tells me that he has only begun to influence his generation. ~Marty Nystrom Author, worship leader, and songwriter Composer of the worship classic “As the Deer”

Gabe’s book got my students thinking in a real way that is relevant to their experience, while at the same time, taking them out of any experience that they have been familiar with up to now. Gabe’s voice is clearly heard as he shares strategies for dealing with adversity and embracing diversity. Readers are connected to Gabe at the heart and share his roller coaster ride through adolescence to young adulthood. There are many arenas in education that could benefit from the inclusion of this book in the curriculum. Character education, equity, empathy, and leadership are just a few of the critical child-development issues that have fallen to schools to teach. By sharing his story, Gabe shows students how to “walk the talk”, become leaders in their own lives, set goals and build on their failures as well as their successes. This book is a must for inclusion in the curriculum for any school that aspires to promoting inclusion and a safe school community. ~Charmaine M. Everett English Teacher, Fred Moodry Middle School

As a mental health professional I was drawn to Gabe first by his radiant smile and now by the power and hope offered in these pages. You can learn a great deal about how to reignite a courageous heart, how to walk strong despite circumstances, how to develop a victory attitude. Soak in the powerful lessons in these pages. It’s a page turner and life changer. There is Hope. ~Gregory L. Jantz, PhD, C.E.D.S. Founder of The Center, A Place of Hope

Gabe Murfitt is a rare and exceptionally inspiring person. I am certain that anyone who reads his story will be encouraged by the incredibly positive outlook he has on life and living with his particular physical disability. He challenges me personally to see opportunities amidst trials and to trust God who is far greater than what we might see as limitations. This young man is a hero with a powerful message of hope. ~Jana Alayra Singer/Songwriter, Speaker