His book is lovingly dedicated to anyone who is losing hope in God's ability to do something in their life.
Published: August 29, 2024
By: Stephanie Rodda
Sanchez Tanniehill, gospel recording artist, speaker and author, is determined to make a difference in his community and in the lives of others who are facing life with exceptional needs.
One way he accomplishes this is through GOD DID IT MINISTRIES, an organization the Alabaster native founded. The mission of GOD DID IT MINISTRIES (GDI) is to provide compassion, understanding and love to our community/world the way Jesus loved us, according to Tanniehill. They collaborate with other nonprofit organizations to reach goals most people think are unattainable.
“By giving back to the local community and other countries across the world, GOD DID IT MINISTRIES, with the help of sponsors, charitable donations, and fundraising, graciously celebrates life changing stories,” Tanniehill says.
The children’s book version of God Did It by Sanchez Tanniehill tells his life story and how God helped him through his struggles growing up. He firmly believes God can help others too, no matter what difficulties they face!
His book is lovingly dedicated to anyone who is losing hope in the idea that God can do something in their impossible situation. Tanniehill says, “I pray my story of overcoming a stroke at six weeks old will inspire you to hold on to faith that – one day – you’ll be able to look back on your life and say, ‘God Did It.’”
Q. What led you to write a children’s book in addition to your many other endeavors?
A. I released the adult version of God Did It in 2018 based on my hit single by the same name. It is my life story. Later, I decided to write a children’s version because my childhood was particularly a challenge for me because other kids would laugh and make fun of me. I really wanted to get my story into the hands and hearts of kids who really needed to experience the pain of bullying from BOTH sides. What I mean by that is that kids who have been bullied need to know that they can rise above the hurtful words and the kids that bully others need to see just how damaging their hurtful words can be.
Q. When you think of children reading your story, what message do you hope to touch their lives with?
A. It may not feel like it right now but the pain of your childhood can become the strength of your adulthood. Never ever quit. Never ever give up. Never ever let someone steal your dreams. I want to tell kids that you can overcome any obstacle that stands in the way to the goals you have set. You only live one life and one life only, so reach for the stars because people are going to talk regardless. So ignore them, set your goals and go for it.
Q. Do you have plans to release another children’s book?
A. I definitely have plans to release another children’s book that will include stories of other children that, despite what the world sees as limitations, they have learned to adapt and overcome.
Q. Who impacted you as a child and influenced your outlook on life and made a difference in who you are today?
A. Without a doubt. Hands down. The person who impacted my life the most was my mother. Without her faith in God, I would not be here today. My mother was always my greatest inspiration. She never let me take any short-cuts and never let me give up. In addition, she never let anyone stand in my way!
Q. What words of encouragement would you give to the parents of children with exceptional needs and abilities?
A. I would tell them that they should never limit their children and to always encourage them to set goals and go for it. Also, do whatever it takes for your child to be surrounded by a tremendous support team among their family, friends, school, church and community. Seek out others that will also believe in the things that your child is trying to accomplish. Don’t have a support system? Join the God Did It Movement and you will never lack for community, support and encouragement from our team of dedicated volunteers.
For more information, visit sancheztanniehill.com.