That’s Why I Sing
It’s a rare and beautiful thing when a young person finds their purpose in life and begins pursuing it with zeal. Such is the case with Chloe*. “I wrote ‘That’s Why I Sing’ in honor of my Poppie,” Chloe shared. “I learned how short life is when he was fighting cancer. I sang it to him several times before he passed away.”
* Her real name is used with permission.
That’s Why I Sing
“‘That’s Why I Sing’ is about how God is always with you, especially during the hard times. When life is overwhelming, we need to give our worries to Him. When we do, we are telling God we know we can’t fix it on our own. And we need Him.” Please check out Chloe’s video for ‘That’s Why I Sing.’ Take the time to listen as Chloe won FIRST PLACE in a local artist contest with her song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLE1pzQwaoY She may be young, but her passion for music comes through in her song. With that much wisdom now, just imagine her level of wisdom when she reaches her 40’s!
Fought to Overcome
Chloe definitely learned about fighting to overcome from her Poppie, but she knows about it firsthand as she has fought to overcome chronic health struggles herself. It all started when she was in first grade. She experienced fevers, severe stomach aches, and felt fatigued several times a week. “I was a perfectionist with my schoolwork. When I was worried about my performance, it made my symptoms worse.” The doctors did blood work many times over the course of four months. Finally, Chloe was sent to an infectious disease doctor. He did a colonoscopy and discovered Chloe had Crohn’s disease all the way from her mouth to her rectum. Her first treatment consisted of steroids that did reduce the pain but masked the symptoms. Several other treatments were tried before landing on an immunosuppressive IV treatment every seven weeks, which helped reduce the inflammation.
Rejecting the Medication
Because she spent so much time during the school day in the restroom dealing with bowel movements and pain, Chloe started homeschooling at the beginning of 5th grade. Nearing the end of the fourth year of IV treatments, Chloe’s hair began falling out and she couldn’t keep any food down. She lost so much weight that she only weighed 62 pounds. Her body was rejecting the medication. Her symptoms were severe enough to land her in the hospital off and on for two weeks as the doctors tried to stabilize her. A CT scan and colonoscopy showed her small intestines were so swollen that nothing could go through. Much to her frustration, the doctors insisted Chloe have a feeding tube. During this time, Chloe remembers feeling lifeless. “It was scary, but I learned to trust God. I knew in the blink of an eye things could be different.”
Singing Was Her Purpose
It took six months to get her body back to an acceptable level of health. The feeding tube was removed, and a new treatment plan was created. Humira, another immunosuppresive drug, would be injected every two weeks. Chloe learned how to administer the injection herself. The Humira does so well at reducing her inflammation, Chloe has not had to restrict her diet. What a blessing that has been! That summer at church camp, Chloe sat alone at the beach, watching the waves and praying. She made a decision to accept salvation at age six, but at age fourteen, Chloe wanted to know her purpose. She prayed, “God, whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it.” By the time she left camp, she felt sharing her love for God through singing was her purpose. Pushing past her fears, Chloe sang at a Valentine’s Day banquet at church. The music minister was so moved he invited Chloe to join the praise band. She has enjoyed participating in the praise band since then.
Writing and singing songs ties in to this Anne Frank quote that impacted Chloe many years ago. “I know songs last longer than a person does. Even years beyond their death. I want to leave a legacy like Anne Frank did.” Even with a few years of high school to finish, Chloe is already planning for college. “My prayer is to write songs and lead others in worship. I plan to study music in college.”
Find the Sparkle Everyday
Chloe has lived with a chronic illness most of her life. How does a young person keep such a positive attitude despite the sometimes daily struggle? She declares, “I don’t agree with the saying that God won’t give you more than you can handle. I think He does allow more than we can handle because it gives us the opportunity to trust Him. I wouldn’t be as close to God if it weren’t for my struggles. I believe overcoming is looking at the past hardships in your life and knowing you learned so much during that time. It gives you a different outlook. You become stronger and wiser.”
Hidden in all that wisdom is still a young person who is full of life.
She said, “And I try to find the sparkle everyday!”
Leave a reply (below): You know when you just know someone has something big in them and will influence the world in a BIG way? I just know this about Chloe.
What a WARRIOR!!! Way to go, Chloe!!! You understand so much at such a young age!! God has gifted you immeasurably! I love your music!!! Sparkle on!!
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement Lee!
Your story is inspiring, and I can’t wait to see where your music takes you. Good luck!
Thank you so much Brooke!
Such a beautiful and sweet young lady.
Thank you so much!
I’m so proud of you Chloe! I cannot wait to see how the Lord uses you and the talents he has given you! You are such a blessing and I’m honored to be your aunt!
you have walked with me through my journey and I’m not sure if I could have done it without you!
You make me so proud Chloe ❤️ I learn so much from you each day?? So thankful Jesus picked me to be your mom!!
Thank you for all you do! Love you so much!
Chloe
Your words and your story clearly define that you understand our God will provide. And yes you are young and small but. So is the faith of a mustard seed. Thank you so much for sharing your story with women of all ages. You will inspire many as you continue to live out his word in your daily walk with Christ. It seems you are surrounded by love, lean on those people as they guide you as you grow and mature. May your faith be even stronger than it is now as you continue this journey called life. Many blessings and hugs to you my sweet girl. Thank you for sharing your story.?❤
Jessica Thank you so much much for supporting me. It means so much to me! This is so awesome to be able to be a part of others peoples lives and see how they overcome trials in their life.
I’m so proud of you Chloe for sharing your story? it’s so amazing to watch The Lord work in your life. I’m a very proud Nana❤️
Love you so much!
What an amazing voice!!! Thank you for sharing your talent with the world!
Thank you so much! <3
Beautifully written story about your life struggles and how you overcame them by putting your trust in God. Your songs and your testimony are going to make a difference in the lives of many people. I’m so proud of you. Grandma.
Thank you! Love you
So proud of you Chloe!!!
I am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished and how you show the love of the Lord in your life. I’m glad God allowed our families to meet and become friends.
Aww, That is so sweet! Thank you so much!
So proud of you sweet girl!! ❤️
LOve you Tab!
Chloe you are one of the strongest individuals I have ever met! There is no doubt that your story will inspire and touch the lives of many people as it has touched mine! I’m so proud of you! Love you!
Love you too! so thankful to have you as my uncle!
Chloe, you are such an inspiring young woman. As the aunt to a teenage boy who struggles with a severe case of ulcerative colitis, you exude so much hope. Your voice is such a blessing and I love how you are allowing God to use you. You will never know the number of people you will help by sharing your story. Many blessings to you!
This means so much to me! Thank you so much! I’m so sorry about your nephew!
Such an inspiring story. May God continue to give you good health and a beautiful serving voice.
Thank you so much!
Beautiful story and such a brave young girl! You will bless many people Chloe!
Thank you so much!
I am so proud of you sis your voice touches so many peoples hearts including mine. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for you just keep on putting him first in everything I am so proud of you Chloe and love you more than you will ever know.
Love you so much, bro! I’m so thankful God picked you to be my brother! You inspire me every day!
Chloe,
Your inspiring music and servant attitude is a great legacy to leave. I hope to see where this takes you.
Chloe, thank you for sharing your gift with the world! I’m sure your Poppie loves watching you from above and is thrilled and proud to see you overcoming in such a beautiful way?
Wow! What a beautiful, talented, inspiring young lady. Your future is bright.
Aww, Chloe! This brought tears of joy to my eyes. I’m so thankful you are following your Jesus and He will definitely use you to reach all ages in your walk with Him. Amazing story of an amazing young lady. Love you and your precious family. Aunt Patricia