The Seven Longest Yards: Our Love Story of Pushing the Limits while Leaning on Each Other

by Chris Norton, Emily Norton, Mark Tabb (With), Tim Tebow (Foreword by)

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310356929
Publisher:	Zondervan
Publication date:	07/09/2019
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	656,313
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Chris Norton is an in-demand motivational speaker with a message of hope, resilience, and faith. He has spoken everywhere from small classrooms to stadiums with audiences ranging from schools and colleges to non-profits and corporations. Past clients include John Deere, the NCAA, Culvers, and the University of Iowa football team. Chris was named to ITA Group's list of "The Hottest Event Keynote Speakers for 2018" that includes Michael Strahan, Mark Cuban, Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, and Magic Johnson. Currently residing in Florida, Chris wouldn't take back the play that left him paralyzed due to the positive influence his story has had on millions of people worldwide. His Chris Norton Foundation has raised close to one million dollars to help others with spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders.

Emily Norton's lifelong passion is to make a difference. Growing up in the small town of Muscatine, Iowa, Emily encountered many kids who came from unfortunate circumstances causing her to be heartbroken. Not one to sit by idly, Emily sought out ways to love and care for everyone who was hurting, whether it was being a mentor, starting an after-school program for middle school girls called Girl Talk, visiting group homes, or creating a talk show to share inspiring stories. Emily received her degree in family services from the University of Northern Iowa to pursue her dream of helping kids in foster care. Over the last year she and Chris have fostered 11 children with five currently in their home. Emily believes life is for helping others and making an impact.

Mark Tabb has authored or coauthored more than thirty books, including the number one New York Times bestseller, Mistaken Identity.

Table of Contents

Foreword 11

Acknowledgments 13

Prologue: First Steps into Forever 15

1 In an Instant 17

2 A Passion to Make a Difference 25

3 Three Percent Chance 33

4 "You Will Beat This!" 43

5 Not What I Expected 55

6 Finding Emily 65

7 Falling for Each Other 75

8 Up to the Challenge 85

9 Chasing Something Bigger than Ourselves 95

10 Olympic-Level Training 107

11 The Graduation Walk 119

12 Media Frenzy 129

13 A Fog Descends 139

14 Searching for Hope in a New Place 151

15 Instant Parents to a Seventeen-Year-Old 163

16 Finding Faith Again 173

17 Peace At Last 187

18 Tackling Two New Challenges 195

19 Learning to Walk by Faith 207

20 Planning a Wedding When the Wedding Is the Least Important Thing You Have to Do 219

21 The Wedding Walk 227

Epilogue: Wouldn't Change a Thing 237

Editorial Reviews

The old adage that life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we react to it has more validity than most perceive. Chris and Emily have faced some of life's most jagged twists head-on and sculpted them into opportunities. Paralysis envelops a life and those around it with pain and suffering. The ability to recultivate that life and find a positive journey is something we all can learn from.

Mike Barwis

If you are struggling in some way right now, do your best to keep in mind that although it might not seem so, better days are coming. No one knows this better than Chris and Emily Norton. Their story, told though The Seven Longest Yards, will remind you that the test always comes before the merit. The struggle always precedes the strength. You have to endure breakdowns to break through them. Take it one day at a time, and trust the journey. Just as Chris and Emily did.

New York Times bestselling authors of Getting Back Marc and Angel Chernoff

Our brains need stories of overcoming so we might know our own stories can be ones of overcoming too. Chris and Emily's book and hard-won lessons learned remind us that our most difficult challenges can also be our most powerful assignments in life.

cofounders and coauthors of Hope Heals Katherine and Jay Wolf

Sometimes life will give you challenges you can't get away from. This book will encourage you to face any and all obstacles in your path by using the inner strength you possess. Chris exemplifies how you can overcome all life's adversities. Chris is an outstanding husband, father, and friend who truly inspires everyone he crosses paths with.

Travis Mills

When I meet someone who can take steps after a serious fracture to their neck, I always say, 'You're a walking miracle!' That describes Chris Norton. This man refused to accept his doctor's prognosis and found the will to move forward despite adversity. If you like stories that inspire you to fight against the odds, The Seven Longest Yards should be your next read!

Joni and Friends International Disability Center Joni Eareckson Tada

The Seven Longest Yards will have you laughing, crying, and feeling challenged to keep moving forward in life. You'll be ready to take on those things you thought you could never accomplish. Chris and Emily have given us a gift of encouragement and practical inspiration in the pages of this book. This is a must-read.

senior pastors of Christ Fellowship Church Todd and Julie Mullins

Chris and Emily's story will inspire you and infuse your life with the courage to face the challenges of life.

founding pastor of Christ Fellowship Church Dr. Thomas Mullins

Chris and Emily Norton embody the spirit of overcoming. They are living proof that we can become better as a consequence of whatever it is that we face!

Kyle Maynard

This book takes you on a powerful, emotional journey. I simply love Chris and Emily and the way God is using their lives in incredible ways. This book will make your heart soar, your spirit rise, and your problems seem, well, momentary. Which is exactly what they are. Let Chris and Emily show you how God works hope into even the most trying of circumstances.

Carey Nieuwhof

Your greatest struggles can become your greatest strengths. This book will show you this truth and inspire you to live your best life.

bestselling author and speaker John O’Leary

Without question, The Seven Longest Yards is one of the best books I've ever read on overcoming hardship and the unexpected in life. Seriously. I laughed. I cried. I fist-pumped a lot while reading this incredible and very encouraging book by Chris and Emily Norton.

pastor and author Kurt W. Bubna

In life, everything happens for a reason, and meeting Chris reassured me of that. His positive attitude and desire to make a difference in other people's lives are infectious. This book will not only inspire you but will make you take action to bring positivity into this world.

Eric Le Grand

Chris's determination is a true testament to the warrior mentality he portrays. He is a beacon of hope. His fight and will to never give up inspire so many.

executive director of The Walking with Anthony Fou Anthony Purcell

Unashamedly honest, confident, and humble, Chris and Emily show us how to find lasting hope amid unending challenges. Their story confirms that internal fortitude is developed through dedication and determination. Their tenacity is contagious. This is a must-read for anyone seeking to live a rewarding life that leaves a legacy for others to follow.

founder and director of Reframing Ministries Colleen Swindoll-Thompson

Your greatest struggles can become your greatest strengths. This book will show you this truth and inspire you to live your best life.

bestselling author and speaker John O’Leary

In life, everything happens for a reason, and meeting Chris reassured me of that. His positive attitude and desire to make a difference in other people's lives are infectious. This book will not only inspire you but will make you take action to bring positivity into this world.

Eric LeGrand