Norris concluded his speech with this verse from Proverbs 19:21, which crystallized the entire arc of his remarkable journey. From a shy, non-athletic boy growing up in poverty in Oklahoma, to a martial arts world champion, to an unlikely Hollywood action star, to a man who found his true calling through the Kickstart foundation teaching martial arts to underprivileged kids. His mother had always told him that God had plans for him, and he spent much of his life wondering what those plans were. Looking back, he could see how each unexpected turn, from losing his martial arts schools to being encouraged by Steve McQueen to try acting, was the Lord directing his steps toward a purpose he couldn't have imagined on his own.