HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Hanceville’s Callie Aker will be a junior this upcoming school year and is part of the majorette line in the band Hanceville High School marching band. In this interview, she talked about the ways that God has changed her life. She was diagnosed with vitiligo at the age of 10, but that hasn’t slowed her down one bit. Everyone in the band, along with the whole school, and her mom have been there for her every step of the way.
“My faith in God means everything. Living with vitiligo has brought many challenges, but I see my unique skin as a reflection of God’s beautiful design. Through long practices, Friday night lights, along with the other ups and downs of high school life, I have learned to lean on God for confidence, strength, and purpose. My journey has deepened my relationship with God, reminding me that my worth isn’t defined by appearance, but by the love and identity I have in Christ. As I enter this new chapter, I will be walking forward with boldness, grace, and a heart full of gratitude, knowing God is guiding my every step,” Callie said. “Living with vitiligo has been a journey of strength, faith, and incredible support. As I head into my junior year at Hanceville, I have been more confident than ever, but that confidence didn’t grow overnight. My faith has been the foundation of my courage, but I’ve also had help along the way. My mom has been my biggest cheerleader, constantly lifting me up with reassurance, love, and prayers that remind me I’m never alone. My friends have been like sisters to me, always there to encourage me, stand beside me, and make me laugh when I needed it most. They have showed me what true friendship looks like: celebrating my uniqueness and always having my back. The band and majorette line has been more than just a team; it’s been a family. At school, faculty members have shown kindness and encouragement. With such a strong foundation of faith, friends, and a supportive environment, I have been able to embrace my journey with grace and determination, knowing I am never alone.”
Callie shared a trio of Bible verses that mean the world to her, and she wants to play a part in helping people of all ages find God.
“One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 139:14: ‘I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well’. That verse speaks directly to my heart, especially as someone living with vitiligo. It reminds me that God created me with intention and beauty, and that my uniqueness is all a part of his perfect design. Another verse that holds deep meaning for me is Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’. Whether I’m performing under the stadium lights as a majorette or just facing challenges in everyday life, this verse reminds me that my strength doesn’t have to come from myself alone; it comes from God. My final verse that I enjoy reading is Jeremiah 29:11: ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’. This verse gives me peace about my future. It assures me that God has a purpose for my life that goes beyond what I can see now, and I trust Him with every step of my journey. These verses have become my anchor, reminding me of my growth, giving me courage, and guiding me with hope,” Aker said. “Helping people of all ages find God is one of my most important callings on my heart. My own journey of faith, which has been shaped by personal challenges, deep friendships and encouragement, have shown me just how life-changing God’s love can be. That’s why I am passionate about sharing it with others, especially the next generation. I would like to pursue a career in education, not just to educate, but to inspire. I would like my future classroom to be a place where students feel seen, valued, and reminded by God. Whether it’s through my future career, my role as a student, or my daily interactions, I hope to be a light for others, a reminder that God’s grace is for everyone, no matter their age or story.”
When it comes to being a role model for younger kids, Callie takes that role very seriously and she has several Godly role models in her life that she looks up to as well.
“I take being a role model to children very serious. I understand that children are always watching, especially when I am out on the field performing or walking around the school campus. Because of my experiences of living with vitiligo, leaning on my faith, and growing into my confidence, I want to show kids that it is okay to be different, and that true beauty comes from having faith in God. I love setting an example of kindness, faith, and strength, knowing that my actions could inspire someone else to trust God. Whether it’s through encouraging a young majorette, helping a student in need, or simply just being a positive presence, I want to be the kind of person I wished I was when I was younger. For me, being a role model isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being full of love, being faithful, and trusting in God’s plan,” Callie said. “At Hanceville First Baptist Church, I look up to several people who have guided me in the Lord’s love, wisdom, and power. My mom is one of my biggest spiritual influences. She’s always pointing me to God through both words and actions. At church, my preacher and Sunday School teachers have played a huge role, consistently showing me what it means to walk with Christ in everyday life. I especially admire the women in my church community who live out their faith with grace and boldness, setting examples of what it means to follow Jesus in both the hard and joyful moments. Their encouragement, prayers, and consistent presence have helped me grow in my relationship with God. Through them sharing a powerful testimony or just being there with a listening ear, these Godly role models have helped me realize the kind of impact I hope to have on others one day.”
Callie volunteers at Vacation Bible School and has also participated in a few community outreach events that have changed many lives in the process.
“At Hanceville First Baptist, I have taken part in local missions, like volunteering at Vacation Bible School, where I love working with the younger kids. I teach them about Jesus through songs, crafts, and Bible stories. These moments fill my heart with joy, especially when I see a child’s face light up with understanding or excitement about God. I have also enjoyed community outreach events, like food drives and clothing donations, where I have been able to serve families in need. Each mission, big or small, reminds me why I feel called by God to teach a minister other things. Through these missions, I have learned that being the hands and feet of Jesus isn’t always about going far. It’s about being faithful where God has placed me, which is right here in Cullman County.”
Callie talked about the adversity she faced when she was first diagnosed with vitiligo, and it was a turning point in her life.
“Getting diagnosed with vitiligo at a young age, it was hard for me to understand why my skin was changing and why I looked different from my peers. It brought moments of insecurity, confusion, and frustration, but it also became a turning point in my faith. Instead of pulling away, I leaned into God more deeply than ever before. Through prayer, scripture, and the encouragement from my loved ones, I began to see that my identity wasn’t in how I looked, but in who God says I am. This time in my life taught me to trust God’s purpose, even when things don’t make sense. Over time, what once felt like a struggle became a source of strength. It helped me embrace my uniqueness and become a voice of encouragement for others. It was through this experience that my faith became more personal, more real, and more rooted than ever before.”
Callie shared some advice with anyone who might be struggling or new when it comes to having a relationship with God.
“I would remind them that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. God doesn’t ask for perfection. He asks for a willing heart. I would tell them to start small. Have a conversation with God like you would a friend. You don’t have to use big or fancy words. He just wants your honesty. I would also encourage them to begin reading their Bible, even if it’s just one verse a day, and let God speak through it. I would also encourage them to join a church family or a group of believers, like my church community. It can make all the difference in the world. There will be people who will walk with you, pray for you, and remind you of God’s love when you forget. Most of all, I would tell them to never give up. God sees you, loves you right where you are, and He’s not going anywhere. Even when you feel far away from Him, He’s still holding you close.”
Callie also gave some advice to those people who might be struggling with a disease of their own and shared what she has learned during her own journey so far.
“I would tell them that I know what it feels like to wonder why this had to happen to you, to feel different, and to battle thoughts that try to steal your confidence away from you. I also know this, though: your diagnosis doesn’t define you. God does. I would let them know that it’s okay to have hard days. I would remind them that they are still beautifully and wonderfully made, just like what Psalm 139:14 says, and that their story can be used to inspire others. You’re not alone. Lean on your faith, call to God, even when it’s hard, and surround yourself with people who remind you of your worth. Your strength isn’t in your appearance or condition. It’s in the light that you carry, and in the way you keep going for God,” Callie said. “I have learned that God truly uses every part of our story, both the highs and the lows, for a greater purpose. Living with vitiligo, balancing school, being a majorette, and growing in my faith have all taught me that real beauty comes from within, and true strength comes from God. I have learned that it’s okay to be different, because God doesn’t make mistakes, and what the world sees as flaws, He sees as unique marks of His craftsmanship.”
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