Aliyah: My name is Aliyah and I am 19 years old. It’s been a rollercoaster of ups and downs through the past 19 years, but God has been with me the whole time. He is greater than the highs and lows. It started when I was born two months early with a number of health problems. The doctors performed open heart surgery and two other surgeries and saved my life. I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and then later autism. The doctors told my parents that I would never be able to walk, but they never believed it. They pushed me and set up therapies and a whole team of doctors. I started walking by the time I was 3! To maintain my mobility I’ve had to endure a couple serious surgeries on my legs. The first surgery was in third grade and along with a tough physical recovery, I developed horrible anxiety, which continues to be an issue for me today.
When I was twelve, I had to have hamstring lengthening surgery. It was only a 50% success rate. There was so much fear but if I didn’t try the surgery I would spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. We prayed and prayed. We listened to Christian music about trust. We gave it to God and He blessed us with the best possible result. Now I am 19 and I walk about 7,000 steps a day and work out 5 days a week to keep my mobility. Unfortunately, the past three years have been filled with anxiety and fear. My autism makes it hard for me to let go of anxious thoughts. I dwell on them night and day. I’ve always listened to Matthew West and have seen him at Lifest a few times. I love his music and his caring stories of compassion. During the summer of 2022 my mother gave me his book, “Hello My Name Is” and it helped me to discover my identity in Christ. Then I read “The God Who Stays” and it opened doors for my anxiety to walk through. It helped me to remember that God always stays with me, even in the stress of college. Now I am addicted to all things Matthew West. I listen to all the podcasts, watch the YouTube videos, reread the books and worship with his songs. My anxiety showed some improvement until January 2023 when my Grandpa passed away. I’m still struggling with the grief, but songs like “Take Heart” help me every day. I will get to meet Matthew West when he comes to Green Bay, WI, and I can’t even tell you how excited I am for that day. Thank you for reminding me who I am through your music.
To anyone going through a difficult mountain in life, I want you to know that God is in control. He can bring you through the most difficult times if you just turn to Him. My prayer is that when people meet me and hear my story, that they will see God’s hand at work.
It’s Your Story for HIS Glory!!
