Hal Elrod on the TODAY Show

About to meet two people whose lives were drastically changed after near death experiences.

When John Smith was 14, he and a couple of his friends fell through an icy lake. And John was underwater for 15 minutes and didn't have a pulse for over an hour and suddenly came back breathing again. So his story is the inspiration behind the movie that I got to be in. Breakthrough.

And how Elrod was in a car when he was hit head on by a drunk driver. He was told his heart stopped for six minutes and would have permanent brain damage, would never walk again. Now Hal is sharing his remarkable story in the new book the Miracle Equation. Good morning, guys.

Hi.

So you all know each other?

Yes, we do.

John, when you saw that your story was going to be made into this film, what did you think?

I was scared because, you know, it's your personal story being brought to a big stage. But I couldn't be more proud with how it came out and especially having Chrissy playing my loving, daring mother. She just did amazing.

So talk about 14 minutes. You were pronounced dead at the hospital. Do you remember anything from that time?

No. Because we really believe that this is a family thing. You know, from Chrissy, from the cast, from the producers, from the actual real life. People all coming together to bring God's story to life. And that's what we really believe. If I would have seen it would have just been about me.

How interesting. It's about bigger than just you.

Yes, ma'. Am.

And it's changed your life.

Oh, of course. I mean, Devon Franklin, our dear friend, he really gave me some humble words to stay humble and stay hungry. Staying humble and remembering who I always am, and that's just a kid. And staying hungry and chasting after what God has for me.

Awesome. Chrissy told me that you're wanting to become a pastor.

Yes. I cannot wait. I'm getting ready to go to North Central University up in Minneapolis and congratulations.

Oh my gosh, that's exciting.

Are you excited?

I can't wait.

Yeah.

So it's going to be fun.

Now how you also have had three major things in your life that have gone wrong. But tell me about how you've changed your life around.

I think that for me, I learned that the lesson for all of us is that no matter what happens to us, it really is how we respond that makes the difference. And for me, I made the decision when I was told I would never walk again. And then when I was diagnosed with cancer. And I'll be the happiest, most grateful I've ever been in my Life while I go through the most difficult time in my life. And I think for all of us, they don't have to be mutually exclusive. Right. We can choose to be happy and grateful while we go through our struggles, and it makes it that much easier to endure the struggle and come out better on the other side.

How did it change your faith? These three. This series of three things?

You know, I grew up with a religious background and a spiritual faith. For me, though, it really strengthened my faith in myself, realizing that we all have within us what we need to overcome any challenge to create anything we want in our lives. And so, for me, I think that I was able to harness faith and a higher power in God, but also really look within myself and really bring out what, for me, was always there and is there for all of us.

So, Chrissy, you got to be in this film about their life. And I was asking you earlier was maybe a lot of pressure? Sure.

I mean, I'm an actress, but this is John and Joyce's story, and it's incredible. And I think it touches so many people's lives, and it's continuing to do that. So it's.

Yeah.

I mean, I still can't wrap my head around it, you know, but it's exactly what was supposed to happen, and I think that you're a testament to that.

And, Joyce, by the way, your mom is here. Yes. Who Chrissy played in the film. There's Joyce. Hi, Joyce.

How are you?

Good. So how has the dynamic with your family changed, too?

You know, our family's expanded, you know, from Chrissy and Donnie. You know, we're just super blessed to have them a part of this amazing story. But our family is just so much stronger. We love each other and we love the Lord.

Are you still sassy with your mom?

Always.

That's an important question to ask.

That hasn't changed.

And she's sassy right back.

Always perfect. Always. You got to play this sassy, strong woman. Yeah.

I'm very grateful for that. Yeah. It wasn't easy. It wasn't easy. It was a challenge, and I wanted to do it right. So I hope. I think, that you guys are happy, Right?

You did amazing.

Okay, great.

Yeah. Joyce, you're happy, right?

Yes. Yes.

Okay, Joyce. Okay, great. So, Hal, you have a new morning routine, which I think is really interesting. I think anybody could do this. Tell us quickly what that is.

I wasn't a morning person, but in 2008, when the US economy crashed, I tried to figure out what could I do to change my life. And it was to change myself. And I started waking up an hour earlier. And I created this thing called the Miracle Morning because it changed my life in such a way. It felt like a miracle. And now it's practiced by about 2 million people in 100 countries around the world. Wow. Never imagined, when I shared my little morning ritual in a book that.

Well, tell us what it is quickly.

So it's meditation, affirmations, visualization, exercise, reading and journaling, and any one of those practices will change your life. But when you do all six of these timeless practices, it creates miraculousness.

And you can do that in an.

Hour, as short as six minutes. So. Yeah, but most people do it in an hour.

How do you exercise 60 seconds of.

Jumping jacks in the morning? Perfect.

We can do that.

I can do.

You can do that, but you're awake, the blood's going, the oxygen's going.

Right.

It's your miracle morning.

John and Hal, we're so happy you're here to share your stories with us and inspire others. Good luck at school.

Yes.

You can check out Hal's book, the miracle equation, @today.com shop. And we'll be back right after this.