Ottawa-native Christa Mayaliwa has written a powerful memoir about her battle with systemic arthritis as a young child, the disease’s relapse during her teenage years, and how her father abandoned their family while they were experiencing emotional and financial hardships.
A Christian-themed book, He Never Left Me: My Testimony chronicles Mayaliwa’s efforts to overcome her disease and heartbreak, while reconciling her faith in God as she lived through her painful set of circumstances. Apartment613 caught up with the local writer via email to discuss her book and future projects.
Apartment613: Your memoir recounts some very personal details about you and your family. How did your family react to this?
Christa Mayaliwa: For the most part my family was supportive as to why I shared the personal recollections from my perspective. He Never Left Me will pull on your heart strings. Two-sixths of my family members are still finding it hard to complete. One time, my sister phoned and said, “I’m on chapter 13, and I remember that moment”! Then we would cry about it, this book is therapeutic. My mom was surprised that I remember the details of each flashback that I share. No one really knew or understood the degree of difficulty/pain that comes along living with a chronic illness. I was able to document that. Doing so, my family admired my ambition, courage and perseverance.
Apt613: Your book describes how your father abandoned your family. Looking back with perspective what do you think of him?
CM: When I look back, the way my father handled the situation was very disheartening. If anything, I thought I knew the man who raised me for 16 years. To me, he was strong, purpose driven, and a fixer. We had a good relationship and I expected him to handle the situation with charge, authority, and obligation as a father should. Regrettably he didn’t. He took the easy way out. As a family we suffered and from then on my thought of him changed.
Apt613: What message would you convey to other people of faith who are undergoing a difficult situation and as a result questioning their religious beliefs?
CM: God is faithful. He loves us and will never give us more than we can bear. As a child of God we are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Be encouraged, for many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord promises to deliver us from them all.
Apt613: Your book is a Christian-themed work. That being said, do you have any messages for non-religious readers who do not believe in God but who may be inspired by the secular aspects of your story?
CM: Always have a positive outlook. Surround yourself with people (family, friends) who uplift your inner being. No matter what your going through it could be worse. We all have a story. Whatever your individual situation may be, somebody has gone through it. That’s why I chose to share my story, because it’s in you to give. Take life one day at a time. Don’t give up, ever-fight. Circumstances happen in life and its inevitable. We have to use the cards that we have to play with and that growth aspect of our individual journey is optional. If it doesn’t kill you it’s supposed to make you stronger. Your stronger than you think.
Apt613: Are you currently working on any other writing projects?
CM: Absolutely. Right now I’m in the process of completing my trilogy of He Never Left Me by 2017. I have two more books that I want to finish in order to complete the series.
Apt613: What other future plans do you have?
My future plans include empowering and inspiring those with my story. My story offers a message of hope and I want to share that with the world. I would like to travel and eventually have my manuscript turn into a movie someday.
