Home | Chris Smith Motivates You

Welcome

After surviving a gunshot wound to the head and a traumatic brain injury, I use speaking, writing, and music to testify to God’s power to restore. I help people who are walking through trauma, loss, or unexpected detours find hope and purpose again. My story shows that what was broken is not beyond God’s redemption.

Placeholder note: hide this later with d-none.

Quick Highlights

Motivational Speaker
Best Selling International Author
Musician - Singer/Songwriter

Chris's Story

Meet Chris Smith.

On November 24, 2021, Chris’s life was forever changed when he was shot in the head and left for dead after going on a first date with a woman whose ex-boyfriend carried out the attack.

Against overwhelming odds, Chris survived. A 9mm hollow-point bullet remains lodged in Chris’s frontal lobe.

This horrific act became the catalyst for an extraordinary journey of resilience, determination, and recovery. Through immense physical, emotional, and mental challenges, Chris rebuilt his life and discovered a powerful purpose: to help others find strength, hope, and perspective through adversity.

Today, Christopher J. Smith is a motivational and inspirational speaker who shares his story to remind audiences that even in the darkest moments, the human spirit can rise, heal, and thrive.

Christopher J. Smith Motivational & Inspirational speaking.

In Their Words

A Life Defined by Courage

“In a world that too often plays small or focuses on what’s wrong, Chris Smith embodies all that is right and how miracles still happen. He is a walking miracle and will remind you to dream bigger, fight harder and tap into the limitless power within your life, too."

John O’Leary, Inspiration of the film Soul On Fire

— John O’Leary, Inspiration of the film Soul On Fire

“I taught and coached Chris from 8th grade through high school. His determination and stubborn-like inner drive to never quit kept him alive through his horrific tragedy. Now, Chris inspires me and many others to never give up on anything you want to achieve in life. He is living proof of never, ever giving up.”

Bob Bunton - Legendary former head football coach at Parkway North High School in St. Louis, Missouri

— Bob Bunton

“When it comes to overcoming impossible odds, Chris Smith is a beast. One fateful evening, evil tried to steal his life—a life rich with talent and opportunity. But God didn’t throw in the towel, and neither did Chris. As Chris’ pastor, I’ve had the blessing of watching a new life rise from the ashes—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Chris works hard every day to maximize the life God has given him. He has discovered his purpose: to inspire people to overcome the seemingly impossible odds in their lives. Chris’ story is a powerful reminder to never throw in the towel and to hold onto hope that the best is still to come.”

Mike Schreiner | C.O.G.P.O.W | Lead Pastor | Morning Star Church

— Mike Schreiner | C.O.G.P.O.W | Lead Pastor | Morning Star Church

“Chris Smith is the most determined man I know. He survived being shot in the head point blank. But he did way more than "survive." Chris began intense therapy and reformed his band as its lead singer. He works out constantly and has regained a tremendous amount of function to his formerly paralyzed left side. A doctor told him he'd never walk again so every time I see him singing in his rock 'n roll band, I have to smile. Chris thrives and tells his story well. He's one of a kind.”

Paul LaRosa - CBS News | 48Hrs

— Paul LaRosa - CBS News | 48Hrs

“Chris Smith is one of a kind. Left for dead for many hours having been shot in the head by a stranger, Chris' life is a demonstration of God's power. Doctors aren’t sure why someone with a gunshot wound to the head would be able to sit up, let alone walk around, or sing in a band! To know Chris helps us to better understand the human spirit; resilient, tough and a lot of fun to hang out with. Chris is now living every day knowing that life is precious. He is a great example of a never quit attitude, and I am proud to call him friend.”

Pastor Keith Scarborough | Morning Star Church

— Pastor Keith Scarborough | Morning Star Church

Featured Gallery

Click an image to open the lightbox modal.

See all

Book Reviews - My Fatal First Date

“THIS BOOK WAS DEFINITELY AN EYE OPENER! SUCH A TEAR JERKER. BOTH HAPPY AND SAD. I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!”

— Alli

“A great story of the will to live, faith in the lord, and perseverance. I have been friends with Chris’ mother for over 50 years, since high school, and this story shocked me. Chris is a miracle. An easy to read book, very well written. A must read!!”

— Kenneth Meyers

“I watched this story on 48 hours after listening to it on their podcast. Chris definitely was lucky to pull through and recover how he has, pure determination. The book repeats parts some sentence after sentence, some is from one part of the book to the next. Point being, if you only enjoy reading smoother writings then this might not be for you. However I recommend it just for his miraculous story. Very inspiring on many levels”

— Auralia Whiting

Chris Smith - Originals

Purchase and download 2 singles released by Chris Smith while with his band, Driver - from the album, "Unsigned"

Highway 61

Get Highway 61 from my Bandcamp site. This song is about the tragic accident that took my Fathers life.

Purchase on Bandcamp

She Loves Me

A Rock song about lost love. - From the LP, "Unsigned"

Purchase on Bandcamp

Contact

Contact Chris for Speaking Engagements, Book Signings or Band Bookings.