The couple whose story inspired the Oscar-winning movie, The Blind Side--now a best-selling DVD at Christian retail--share the faith-based principles that have guided their lives in a new book releasing from Henry Holt and Co., next month.

Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy's In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Joyful Giving explains how their belief in generosity led them--a white couple--to adopt black teenager Michael Oher, who went on to become a successful NFL player.

"When you give because you want to see the results or you give because of the results or you give hoping for a result, that means you're giving with some sort of an agenda," Sean Tuohy said. "And I don't think that's what (the Bible) means by ‘cheerful giver.' "

Along with the cheerful giving principle from Scripture, the couple lives by what they term the Popcorn Theory. "If you throw all the kernels to the bottom of the pan and it starts heating up, well, all those kernels look alike, but those kernels have needs and wants you don't really know," Sean said. "The one that really needs it the worst will pop up and hit you right in the face."

All three Tuohy children--Collins, Sean Jr. and Michael--contribute to the book, as do actors from The Blind Side, Tim McGraw and Sandra Bullock, who won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the film.

Read more in the July issue of Christian Retailing.

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