Aly's Fight

by Aly Taylor

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  There are so many people who contributed to the writing of this book. We realize that telling what all the amazing people in our lives mean to us and what they have done for us would be an entire other book in itself. We are continually blown away by God’s goodness to us, and one of the main ways we see His goodness is through people who have been placed in our lives for such a time as this. They are His hands and feet on earth glorifying His kingdom.

  We want to thank our parents (Cyd, Joey, Renea, and Terry) most of all, as they have held our hands and hearts through our cancer, infertility, adoption, and pregnancy journeys. If not for their prayers, support, and sacrifices, I guarantee you this book would not have been a reality. To our parents: We could never say thank you enough for all you do for us daily. We love you. And we are so thankful to have parents who we love and like. We are so blessed to do life with you.

  A tremendous thank you to our precious family and friends who have walked through our trials right alongside of us. Jessica, Jeremy J., Lee, Rachel, Ainsley, Margot, Kelly, Kase, Katie, Kyle, Ashley, Richard R., Jr., Angie, Jonathan, Tara, Tammy, Mel, Marty, Lance, Jenny, Jason H., Alicia, Erin, Case, Jeff, Brenda, Ron S., Ryan, Kimmie, Lindsay, Jeremy S., Lindsey, Andrea, Jason I., Matt, Kristen, Kitty, Casey, Ann S., James, Larry, Julie C., Bebee, Ann G., Doug, Jake, Sherry, Cathy, Rhonda, Hank, Darren, Candace, Brandon B., Julie B., Tara, Drew, Ron H., Amy, Lauren, Jana F., Chris, Georgiana, Brandon T., Sonja, John, Megan, Jayson, Christi, Michael, Beck, Jodi, Richard R. Sr., Sherie, Arvil, Cheryl, Michelle, Eddie, Jana C., Brooke, Micah, Alison, Randy, Julie V., Andy, Vasoula, Beth, Patti, Lonnie, Roseann, and Clint: You held our arms up when we had no strength. We love you with all our hearts.

  A special thanks goes to the publishing team at Worthy, who have been amazing to work with. Thank you Leeanna, Allen, and Julie for helping us structure this book to be what we envisioned it to be. Thank you for putting our tangled thoughts into beautiful words that conveyed our hearts perfectly. And to our “unofficial” editor: Mom, thank you for all your hard work and for reading every draft, even when I couldn’t begin to read your hand writing.

  Another special thank you goes to TLC and Magilla productions for believing in our story and recognizing that it was one the world needed to hear and see. Thank you for showing us as we are, warts and all. Thank you for giving us the freedom to share our faith and capturing some of the most incredible moments of our lives.

  To John and Chrys Howard: Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for your prayers, words of wisdom, and help in making this book a reality. We are forever indebted for your time, love, and advice to us. We love you.

  To all of the hotel lobbies this book was written in, thank you. A bonus piece of advice: if you are ever needing a quiet space to write, think, or just be, go to your local hotel lobby. You won’t run into anyone you know, and you have all the amenities. Best. Idea. Ever.

  It goes without saying, but our adoration and thankfulness to God has never been greater. Jesus: Thank You for allowing this book to happen. Thank You for turning our mourning into dancing, and giving us this platform to share Your glory more and more with the world. This book is called Aly’s Fight, but as You know, the fight was all Yours. And it’s been won. We are living in victory, Jesus. Glory and honor to You, forever and ever.

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  ABOUT THE AUTHORS

  ALY TAYLOR is a grateful wife of one amazing man and a mom of three toddlers. She can be found most days still in her robe and slippers by lunch time. Aly is a full-time homemaker and it is the greatest joy in her life to be able to stay home with her children.

  During naptime, Aly is an adjunct professor for Liberty University, adoption consultant and homestudy provider, speaker, and family therapist. Aly received her PhD during her breast cancer battle, and loves that she can help others from the comfort of her own home.

  Aly enjoys writing, reading, doing anything adventurous or outside, snow skiing, exercising, laughing uncontrollably with her husband and friends, taking naps (though rare and far between), traveling, and having dance parties with her little family. Aly finds joy in each day and realizes what a gift it is to wake up and be able to breathe. She always says that “a bad day is still a good day.” Through her cancer journey, she learned that any day alive is a good day, and she strives to live by that each day.

  JOSH TAYLOR is a man who is still in awe that he gets to spend time with his four miracle girls every day. Waking up with Aly and going to get their three little girls out of their beds each morning is the joy of his life. Josh is a serial entrepreneur who loves real estate and tackling new ideas and projects; however, he strives to not be known by what he does, but who he is.

  Josh works as a contractor for his business, J. TaylorMade Construction. For him, building homes, renovating, and watching something transform is an incredibly rewarding thing to be a part of. Josh also does real estate, including buying, selling, and renting properties.

  He also loves speaking with Aly all over the country, and continues to mentor men—his greatest passion outside of his family.

  Josh enjoys spending time outdoors, bow hunting, fishing, snow skiing, and laughing with Aly and friends. He thrives off of friendships that aren’t the typical “man” friendships, but the ones that are raw and real. After a long day of managing projects, his favorite part of the day is coming home to his little girls running to see him and embracing Aly.

  JOSH AND ALY have been married for almost 13 years and live in West Monroe, Louisiana raising their three girls, Genevieve, Vera, and Lydia. They live in a neighborhood with some of their best friends and parents right down the road. They firmly believe in the phrase, “it takes a village!” They have a 12-year-old chocolate lab, their first baby, Bella. They travel the country sharing their story of healing, hope, and miracles. They strive to live each day abundantly and center their marriage and home around the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

  You can find us sharing stories of great people or companies helping those facing numerous types of battles, inspirational content, as well as stories of our lives daily.

  • Alysfight.com

  • Instagram: @alysfight

  • Facebook: facebook.com/alysfight

  • Twitter: @alyptaylor and @JoshTaylorLa

  Praise for Aly’s Fight

  “In Aly’s Fight, Josh and Aly reveal how life can be full of interruptions and pain, yet with trust and insistent faith, God crafts the miraculous. Aly’s Fight is a must-read to the very end. We believe their story will change hearts and stir up faith for those walking through a difficult season.”

  —Marcus and Joni Lamb, Founders of Daystar Television network

  “Such a great read! I couldn’t put it down. Aly’s Fight is incredibly encouraging and inspiring!”

  —Margot Ardoin, Christian, wife, co-owner of Purposed Communications

  “Hope is rare in today’s dark world. But Josh and Aly Taylor inspire all of us to hold onto hope and fight with all we have to get to the light without fear.”

  —Sadie Robertson, New York Times best-selling author of Live Original and Live Fearless, Founder of LiveOriginal.com

  “Josh and Aly tell their story filled with disappointments, highs and lows, and amazing miracles. Their story will give you courage to press on, to never let go of hope, and to stay anchored to the one who will not disappoint you—Jesus Christ.”

  —Mac and Mary Owen, Celebrate Recovery National Directors

  “Aly and Josh’s joy is palpable in the midst of the hardships they detail as they share the goodness of the Father. Their story is a true testament to the Lord working all things together for good as we are called according to His purposes.”

  —Kelly Gonzales, believer, wife, mother, Head of School of Agape School of Baton Rouge

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��I’ve had the great privilege of watching Josh and Aly’s story unfold before my very eyes. What amazes me the most is even though I have walked alongside them through this journey, every single time I hear their story, it stirs something deep inside of me and it is as if I am hearing it for the very first time.”

  —Julie Brown, believer, wife, and mom

  “Aly’s Fight will keep you at the edge of your seat as you sit on the front row watching Aly and Josh’s story unfold. This amazing couple gives all the glory to God and has found hope and restoration that can only come through Jesus Christ.”

  —Joe White, President of Kanakuk Kamps

  “Wow! Talk about a roller-coaster ride through life! Aly and Josh Taylor have been through it all—the good, the bad, the wonderful, and the devastating. This book is filled with encouragement, gut-wrenching honesty, humor, and unshakable hope. It is in no way a downer! No matter what you’re facing Aly’s Fight will help keep you in the fight. One of the most uplifting books I’ve read.”

  —Martha Bolton, Emmy-nominated former staff writer for Bob Hope, and author of 89 books, including Josiah for President and Forgettable Jokes for Older Folks

  “Josh and Aly share real-life faith in the midst of life-changing circumstances. Their story offers hope, real help, and healing to those facing cancer, infertility, or any other unexpected enemy. Their story is a testimony that Jesus is alive and is still working wonders in and among His people. I was greatly encouraged to hear how their faith community came together to help meet every physical, emotional, and spiritual need that arose. What a glorious picture of the body of Christ!”

  —Katy Bolls, Bible teacher, speaker, joyful mother of children

  “This is a life changing book. Josh and Aly share their highest highs and lowest lows, but never once are they without hope. You will be inspired by this uplifting and important book.”

  —Korie Robertson, Star of A&E’s, Duck Dynasty and New York Times best-selling author

  “Authentic—that is what I have always known Josh and Aly Taylor to be. Having known both of them most of my life, I can attest that Aly’s Fight is such an accurate glimpse into this admirable quality they both possess. You are sure to be encouraged as Aly and Josh walk you through the highlights and darkest valleys of their life—a journey marked with love, humor, heartache, miracles and God given joy. Sharing God’s story never gets old, this is a MUST READ!”

  —C. Ainsley Beeman, Christ-follower, co-owner of Purposed Communications

  “Reading Josh and Aly’s book inspires us and fills our hearts with faith and love for our Father in heaven. After all the struggles and trials, you see that God truly is with us, and has something so beautiful in store for each and every one of us. Our trials prepare us for our greatest successes. Josh and Aly’s story is proof of that!”

  —Ashley and Tyson Gardner, YouTube Family Vloggers @gardnerquadsquad, and Reality Stars of TLC’s Rattled

  “You will be filled with hope and a deeper faith as you read about a God who weaved together Aly and Josh’s incredible story and know the same God is weaving your story too.”

  —Valerie Woerner, author of Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday and Owner of Val Marie Paper

  “This book is an amazing testament to our amazing God!”

  —Amy Harris, Worship leader, boy mom

  “What an amazing life story, and it’s still in its beginning stages! Josh and Aly have fought their many battles with more faith than most can muster. While reading the book I continually heard Exodus 14:14 ringing in my ears, ‘The LORD will fight for you, you need only to be still.’ Josh and Aly exemplified this verse so well throughout their many, many challenges.”

  —Lori Phelps, Owner of David Phelps Concerts, The Barn @ The Phelps Farm, Barn and Bale

  “We love this beautiful family! With six miracle babies of our own, we are truly inspired by Aly and Josh’s story of hope and trusting God through the hardest of times.”

  —Danielle and Adam Busby, Reality Stars from TLC’s Outdaughtered, Founder of ItsABuzzWorld.com

  “Great spiritual encouragement to anyone who has a family member dealing with cancer! It is an encouragement to anyone.”

  —Jill May, wife, mom, and counselor

  “When we think of curse words, the first word that comes to mind is not usually the “C” word. But for those who have been cursed by cancer, it is much worse than those offensive names and “curses” used to hurt people. Aly and Josh met this hated and dreadful word with the full armor of Christ. Were they afraid? Yes. Were their lives altered? Yes. Did God restore to them a different dream, journey and life? Absolutely yes! God is faithful through every hardship, challenge, loss, death, and life! Read Aly’s Fight and let them show you through their “c” walk what our amazing God does when we trust in Him.”

  —Al and Lisa Robertson, Authors and Speakers