April 21. Chuck Norris. That Chuck is competitive might be the understatement of a couple of centuries. From powerboat competitions to famous fights on television, Chuck and his martial arts expertise are legendary.
But Chuck has a contemplative side, too. He writes screenplays and books, and he supports charities such as Make-A-Wish Foundation and the United Way.
Norris describes himself as a shy kid in school who never excelled at anything. Just goes to show what God can do with a man who trusts Him. On this date in 1993, the first episode of Walker, Texas Ranger aired on CBS. The show followed a number of Chuck’s box-office movie hits and lasted for 8 years.
When we put our faith on the line, God shows up.
It’s been said, “Before the boogie man goes to sleep, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris,” and “the only time Chuck Norris uses a stunt double is in crying scenes.”
The real Norris is strong and powerful—because he believes God.
Norris served in the Air Force, was a World Champion in Karate, and has starred in several films and TV. And of course, he and Bruce Lee have a legendary fight in The Way of the Dragon. Throughout all his success, he has consistently stuck to his faith—even when it could cost him a lot.
Chuck Norris is best known for the TV show, Walker, Texas Ranger which ran from 1993 to 2001. It was a highly-rated and much-loved show. Chuck played a Texas Ranger, who used his martial arts skills and peaceful demeanor on the screen to fight for justice.
“When I started the show,” Chuck said, “the producers wanted the plot to be a bit more risqué. I told them I didn’t do that in the movies, and I don’t want to do it now. Let’s keep the show family friendly.” Chuck took a risk, and it paid off. Walker, Texas Ranger became a show that families could watch together, and it had a long run.
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe,” (Proverbs 29: 25, NIV).
In the fifth season, when Chuck’s wife Gena asked him, “Why don’t you do a faith-based episode?” he called the CBS higher-ups and asked.
The answer was a resounding NO. “We have Touched by an Angel and Highway to Heaven. We don’t need to have that kind of stuff on an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger.”
Norris challenged them. “Guys, let me do one faith-based episode, and if it’s not the highest rated show of the year, I will never ask again.”
The executive producers allowed Chuck to make an episode in which faith was emphasized. It was called The Neighborhood—the 100th episode of the show. And it was about forgiveness and redemption. The Texas Ranger helped a little girl bring peace to her neighborhood.
As Chuck predicted, it turned out to be the highest rated show of their year.
They say, “Chuck Norris uses pepper spray to spice up his steaks,” and throughout his career, Norris has never taken offense at the jokes. But someone once said, “Chuck Norris’s tears can cure cancer. Too bad he never cries. Ever.”
And Chuck did respond. He said, “There was a man whose tears could cure cancer or any other disease, including the real cause of all diseases—sin. His blood did. His name was Jesus, not Chuck Norris. If your soul needs healing, the prescription you need is not Chuck Norris’s tears; it’s Jesus’ blood.”
What kind of risks do you take to help people get to know Jesus? When we put our faith on the line, God shows up.
Biography.com Editors. “Chuck Norris Biography.” The Biography.com website. A&E Television Networks. Updated August 7, 2019. https://www.biography.com/actor/chuck-norris
https://chuck-norris-jokes.com/
Norris, Chuck, and Abraham, Ken, Against All Odds (Nashville, TN, B and H Books, 2006)
Video interview at Comicpalooza, Houston, TX, May 13, 2017,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhNCLNc0IDg
Norris, Chuck, and Abraham, Ken, Against All Odds (Nashville, TN, B and H Books, 2006)
Story read by Nathan Walker