By EMILY REED / Special to the Reporter

ALABASTER – Sanchez Tanniehill believes everyone has a story to share, and hopes to use his upcoming book, “God Did It” to encourage others.

“I want people to know that no matter what others say, go for your dreams, and try to reach your goals,” Tanniehill, 32, of Alabaster said. “People are going to talk regardless of what you decide to do, so you might as well try to aim high and go for it.”

Tanniehill is a Gospel singer and performer by trade, and spends a lot of his time traveling to various places ministering to those around him.

Several years ago, Tanniehill said he had the idea to write a book, and share the story of his life with the hope of reaching a wider audience with the message that with God, dreams are possible regardless of the obstacles they might face.

“I have overcome a lot of obstacles in my life, and I want to use my story to help others going through similar things,” Tanniehill. “The book is meant to inspire, uplift and encourage people to pursue their dreams while keeping God the center of their lives.”

When Tanniehill was six-weeks-old, he suffered a stroke, and doctors told his family he would likely never walk or talk.

“Now, I go around singing and sharing my story,” Tanniehill said.

According to Tanniehill’s gofundme page, he also developed spinal meningitis in addition to the stroke and spent three months in a hospital.

“We were told he would be wheelchair bound, he would never walk or even talk and I told the doctor he didn’t know my Jesus,” Victoria Tanniehill, Sanchez Tanniehill’s mother is quoted as saying on the gofundme page.

Tanniehill hopes to raise $2,000 to be able to publish his book, and is planning several fundraisers around Alabaster to help with that goal.

Currently, he has raised $450 of his $2,000 goal, according to his gofundme page.

On Feb. 7 from 5-9 p.m. there will be an event held at Moe’s for anyone wanting to learn more about Tanniehill’s ministry and contribute toward the publication of his book.

“It is going to be a great time of fellowship for the whole family,” Tanniehill said. “Moe’s is donating a percentage of the sales that night toward my fundraiser, and I’m really looking forward to meeting new people.”

A second fundraiser will be held Feb. 28 at Lazy Boy BBQ in Alabaster.

Tanniehill said he has enjoyed writing the book so far, but admits bringing up elements of his past has been hard.

“It is difficult to go back in your mind and relive some of the stuff, but I hope it will inspire others,” Tanniehill said.

For more information about Tanniehill’s story or ministry, visit www.sancheztanniehill.com.

To donate toward Tanniehill’s book publication visit gofundme.com/Goddidit.

Donations can also be mailed to P.O. Box 1482, Alabaster, 35007.