Ben Prescott, reporter 

Justus Edwards plans on releasing a book, titled “Tackling Trials,” that is grounded in his own faith and details his journey to recovery from a spinal injury. 

On Sept. 22, 2018, Edwards suffered a spinal cord injury in a football game against Centre College. The injury inhibited his ability to walk, something doctors said he would likely never do again. Through his own perseverance and faith, Edwards has defied the odds and made significant improvements in physical therapy. His most recent milestone came in late August of 2021, with Edwards lifting weights with his legs on a leg extension machine. 

The story of Edwards has inspired people in the Berry community. His story has even reached outside of the “Berry Bubble” through speaking events and social media. With his book, Edwards hopes to reach a larger audience with his story. The book will provide a layout of what Edwards did to work through his challenges. 

“In this, I want to give the blueprint on how to go about tackling these trials that you’re going to face,” Edwards said. “Giving a documentary of what I went through, the things that helped me get through those challenges, the mindset, the faith that I had, the support system.” 

According to Edwards, the book will focus on ways to get perspective and find motivation to face unexpected challenges that come up in life. He wants to share what kind of mindset it takes to look beyond the challenge itself and move forward one day at time, with prayer as a guide. 

To provide a clear look at the trials he has faced in his path to recovery, Edwards plans on talking about not only the highs of his recovery, but also the hardships he has endured. 

The book will also detail how he feels his purpose has changed since the injury, including his own realization that some things are “greater than football.” 

“I thought I was going into the NFL, that was my goal,” Edwards said. “Coming in [to Berry], I wanted to be a kidney surgeon, a nephrologist,” Edwards said. “After going through this and going through physical therapy, it shifted to wanted to becoming a doctor of physical therapy to help other spinal cord injury patients.” 

In addition to changing his career path, Edwards has also used his story and voice to help other people. 

“To be able to inspire people through my voice really has been surprising to me,” Edwards said. “But, I would say that’s how my purpose shifted, from my goals, to helping other people reach their goals.” 

Edwards’ mother, Johnnie Edwards, knows the significance of her son’s story. She hopes that his book will motivate its readers. 

“Undoubtedly his testimony in book form will reach the masses inspiring people and letting them know that they can overcome any of life’s hurdles and accomplish life goals no matter the challenge against them,” Johnnie said. 

According to Edwards, from the moment of his injury, he knew he would write this book. Edwards has kept detailed notes from the day of his injury on his phone, and updates it often. 

“I’ve been journaling that since the injury happened, and I’m going to be putting that into the book with proof to show where I was,” Edwards said. “What God showed me, where I envisioned myself, to actually moving myself towards those goals.” 

While Edwards hopes to reach everybody with his book, he has also placed emphasis on writing the book for people that are struggling who may feel pessimistic about the future. 

“I’m trying to reach those who are at their end, who really just want to throw in the towel, who no longer sees any hope,” Edwards said. “I want to let them know that’s where God shows His best.” 

For people who want to read the book but do not know where to start, Edward suggests just taking things one step at a time. 

“Just pick it up and read one page at a time,” Edwards said. “Keep going, one step at a time. You’ll get to your goal if you just continue to take those consistent steps, one step at a time.” 

“Tackling Trials” will be released on Sept. 22, 2022, the four-year anniversary of Edwards’ injury. The book will be sold online and physical copies will be available at any store that sells books.