“Lee Stevens |  Anchored in faith : Navigating the neurological maze”

“Lee Stevens |  Anchored in faith : Navigating the neurological maze”

From the very beginning, I was a church kid, desperately seeking the Lord's presence in my life. He was proving his presence as real to me, guiding my faltering steps and giving assurance of his grace. At 15, after making a solemn commitment to Him, that connection intensified, yet my journey was riddled with turmoil. I faced monumental challenges from the start, each one threatening to overwhelm my faith and push me further from my God given purpose.

Born with a neurological condition that affected all five of my senses, I experienced the world in a uniquely challenging way. I heard sounds several decibels louder than most, struggled with coordination, and found it difficult to control my movements. Simple tasks like dancing became complicated due to my severe spatial issues, which made it hard for my brain to process my position in relation to my surroundings. This invisible disability often went unnoticed, yet it profoundly shaped my experiences, forcing me to navigate life with a sense of resilience and ultimately discover a sense of harmony in the chaos.

In addition, my balance was often precarious, and I grappled with a severe spatial awareness issue, making it challenging for my brain to decipher the intricacy of my surroundings. If you had known me while I was growing up, you might struggle to understand the vibrant individual standing before you today with the child I once was. This invisible disability—one that couldn’t be seen, smelled, or touched—shaped my experiences in profound ways, often with extreme pain and misunderstanding.

Despite the mountain of challenges I faced, a God-given passion for performing, singing, and creating music that glorified the lord burned fiercely within me. Yet, professionals, including school psychologists, casted doubt on me and naysayed my artistic aspirations. They cautioned that my spatial issues could spell disaster on stage, envisioning a tragic scenario where my dreams might lead to accidents and heartache. Their words lingered like threat on the horizon, daring to eclipse the God-given  mission I held in my heart so dearly.

Throughout grade school, I encountered teachers who were less than encouraging, casting shadows on my aspirations. One music teacher, in particular, demanded that I drop out of a piece during class, accusing me of disrupting the harmony. Yet, amidst the sting of their words, I felt the unwavering presence of Christ’s grace and mercy illuminating my path. With each challenge, I turned to Him for strength, and by the age of seven, I found the courage to sing solos in church, sharing the gift He had bestowed upon me. By 14, I became the youngest member of the adult choir, a testament to the hope and purpose God instilled in my heart, even in a world that often felt unwelcoming.

In high school, I surprised many by auditioning for the New York State School Music Association (NYSMA). One of my music teachers doubted my abilities, believing I couldn’t read music. Yet, fueled by faith, I heard God’s still small voice urging me forward: “Go ahead, walk forward; I’ve got you.” Not only did I make All-State, but I was also the only vocalist from my school district to achieve this honor.

As I prepared to apply for my first-choice college theater program, some teachers called a meeting with my mother to discourage her, convinced I wouldn’t succeed. However, my mother stood firm, declaring, “You don’t know our God.” This unwavering support became a cornerstone of my journey.

By God’s grace, I graduated in the top 25% of my class and gained acceptance into my desired theater program. Miraculously, I received a scholarship I had auditioned for, along with three others I hadn't even applied for. My parents were uncertain about how to afford my education, especially with my father retired. Yet, through each challenge, the Lord made His presence known, reminding me of His unwavering faithfulness.

Fast forward to today: God has healed many aspects of my condition. My balance and coordination have improved significantly, although I still struggle with spatial awareness, a humbling reminder as I navigate life without the ability to drive. This limitation presents its own challenges for live performances, but God continues to provide. Loyal friends have stepped in to help, and my wonderful wife, along with her talented daughter, supports me in every way, following in our artistic footsteps.

Though I have not received complete healing in certain areas, I trust there is purpose in my journey, much like Paul’s thorn. I’ve chosen to let God use my pain for His purpose, healing the scars left by discouraging words from my past. Discovering my identity in Christ has been transformative, empowering me to rise above the "you'll never" statements that once haunted me.

Reflecting on my earlier struggles, I realize I often fought against God’s direction. At that time, many Christian schools lacked theater programs that matched the richness of secular ones. I yearned for fame—a name in lights, recognition as a respected artist. However, God patiently reshaped my heart and redirected my focus, teaching me the profound value of integrity and character through the trials I faced in college.

I’ve learned that through adversity, we gain strength, and I often found myself questioning, “Why me?” Yet, I’ve come to understand that my story is not merely about overcoming a disability; it’s about authentically sharing what a relationship with the Lord looks like. The world has seen enough of the polished, picture-perfect narratives; true faith is often messy and real.