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

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

DR. THOMAS MULLINS, FOUNDING PASTOR OF CHRIST FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

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 peoples lives are infectious. This book will not only inspire you but will make you take action to bring positivity into this world.

ERIC LEGRAND, FORMER RUTGERS FOOTBALL PLAYER, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

The Seven Longest Yards will have you laughing, crying, and feeling challenged to keep moving forward in life. Youll 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.

TODD AND JULIE MULLINS, SENIOR PASTORS OF CHRIST FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

When I meet someone who can take steps after a serious fracture to their neck, I always say, Youre a walking miracle! That describes Chris Norton. This man refused to accept his doctors 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 EARECKSON TADA, JONI AND FRIENDS INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY CENTER

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

KATHERINE AND JAY WOLF, COFOUNDERS AND COAUTHORS OF HOPE HEALS

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, FOUNDING PASTOR OF CONNEXUS CHURCH, AUTHOR OF DIDNT SEE IT COMING

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 lifes 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, MS, CSCS, RSCC*E, NASE, BMI, CEO OF BARWISMETHODS CORPORATIONS

Without question, The Seven Longest Yards is one of the best books Ive 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.

KURT W. BUBNA, PASTOR AND AUTHOR

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.

MARC AND ANGEL CHERNOFF, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHORS OF GETTING BACK TO HAPPY

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, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF NO EXCUSES, TWO-TIME ESPY AWARD WINNER

Chriss 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.

ANTHONY PURCELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE WALKING WITH ANTHONY FOUNDATION

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

JOHN OLEARY, BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND SPEAKER

Sometimes life will give you challenges you cant 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 lifes adversities. Chris is an outstanding husband, father, and friend who truly inspires everyone he crosses paths with.

TRAVIS MILLS, RETIRED UNITED STATES ARMY STAFF SERGEANT, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

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.

COLLEEN SWINDOLL-THOMPSON, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF REFRAMING MINISTRIES

ZONDERVAN

The Seven Longest Yards

Copyright 2019 by Chris and Emily Norton

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

ISBN 978-0-310-35692-9 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-0-310-35694-3 (audio)

ISBN 978-0-310-35693-6 (ebook)

Epub Edition May 2019 9780310356936

Scripture quotations marked NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.Zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are from the New King James Version. 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Any internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book.

Some names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals mentioned in this work.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any otherexcept for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

The authors are represented by Rick Richter, Aevitas Creative Management.

Art direction: Curt Diepenhorst

Cover photo: Sarah Kate

Interior design: Denise Froehlich

Printed in the United States of America

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Please note that footnotes in this ebook may contain hyperlinks to external websites as part of bibliographic citations. These hyperlinks have not been activated by the publisher, who cannot verify the accuracy of these links beyond the date of publication.

To all the people who have loved us and

helped us throughout our journey

To our five beautiful daughters, Whittley,

Ava, Liliana, Isabella, and Ariana, who

inspire us and make us so proud

Contents

Y ears ago, after football practice with the Denver Broncos, I got a call from my former college coach, Urban Meyer. He told me about a college football player who had been dramatically injured on the field, who was given a slim 3 percent chance of ever regaining movement below his neck. But Coach Meyer also told me this guy wasnt going to let this prognosis stop him. And thats how I met one of the most inspiring guys I knowChris Norton.