Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Between February 2018 and March 2019, I lost a foster sister, my mother, and my best friend of over 40 years and two of my children lost their Father.
Those 13 months were filled with highs and lows, shock, utter despair, and a sense of not knowing what would happen next.
I have always been the glass-half-empty kind of girl who spent her time watching and waiting for the other shoe to drop.
For me, anxiety has ruled my life; at least, that was how it had been until I met Jesus.
I used to believe I was the one who found Him, but the truth is, He was the One who came looking for me.
I stood firm by my children when they had to say goodbye to their dad, and I even was able to block out the pain of seeing my foster sister, who was my hero as a young teenager, being eaten away by cancer. I still marvel at how I could stand beside my mother singing Amazing Grace and whispering words of assurance in her ear as she slowly left this world. But, when my best friend left me, I hit the floor on my knees.
I looked around me, and it seemed all the ones who knew me best and had loved me best were suddenly gone.
I realized, rather quickly, that I would not have them to run to anymore when life got hard. I would not be able to pick up the phone and share my day with them any longer.
The presence of God was strong during this time in my life.
I had not invited Him to be there; after all, I was hurting, and I wanted to be in my pain.
Once I came to my senses, I realized His presence still had not left me, not even for a moment.
I recall asking Him whom I would go to now for comfort—what a dumb question.
Aren’t you glad God has patience with us?
I can imagine Him looking at me and saying, “Hey, what am I, chopped liver?”
He made me before the world was formed by His Word (Ephesians 1:4).
He knitted me in my mother’s womb. The mother I had just said goodbye to (Psalm 139:13).
He is my best friend who sticks closer to me than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).
And, He even has my kid’s best interest at heart since He is the Father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5).
Looking back on those terrible 13 months of my life, I learned more about Who God is than I had probably ever learned before. In hindsight, it was like taking an accelerated class in college. It was a painful time, but it was also a sweet time.
Knowing that I did not have to hunt Him down because He was right there the whole time taught me that He is my comforter, just like His Word says (2 Corinthians 1:3).
I lost a lot that year, but I gained even more through the closeness of Him.
I do not ever want to experience such tremendous loss in such a short amount of time again, but if I do, I will know where to draw my strength, hope, joy, peace, and comfort.
And now, hopefully, so will you.
Pamela Fair
Maya Angelou once said, "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." This statement resonates with me. My past experiences have made me a stronger person eager to use my story to inspire and help others see that regardless of who they are or where they have been, there is always hope and to know the ability to rise above circumstances lies within.
Each day, I strive to walk in faith and hope surrounded by my family and friends' love and encouragement. I am blessed to have a life full of experiences, some good, some bad, and my ambition is to use those experiences to enrich those around me. I am a local business owner and church Executive Assistant in Highland, Arkansas. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and student.
My passion is to help those in need who are ready and willing to do the necessary work it takes to help themselves. Assisting individuals who have experienced trauma, loss, stress, grief, and various life changes are the drive behind attending Southwestern Assemblies of God University to obtain my associate degree in Human Services. I plan to further my education in this field by getting my bachelor's degree in behavioral health. I hope to use my experiences and knowledge to encourage, strengthen, and facilitate assistance to those who are in need.
I am also working alongside my husband in the community as an Automotive Collision Repair Facility owner. It has been a great privilege to assist my husband in pursuing his lifelong dream. We enjoy our work together, and it is an exciting experience for me to learn his field of expertise and engage with so many phenomenal people in our area.
I am a fun-loving individual who thrives on living life and pursuing dreams! I am an avid chess player, a lover of all things feline, and a big fan of essential oils! At the age of 50, I decided to return to school to earn my GED. Since then, I have become a member of Phi Theta Kappa and a Notary Public. I have completed credentials for ministry, became a certified grant writer, trained in hospital chaplaincy, and certified in Christ-Centered leadership. Additionally, I am a member of the North American Christian Social Workers Association (NACSW), where I have been trained in "The Role of Christian Faith and Spirituality in the Grieving Process" and "Suicide Prevention for Christians in Social Work." I am an active member of the Spring River Chamber of Commerce and the Spring River Car Club.
My faith is a huge part of my desire and passion for helping others. I strive to always be, as Christ, a light in this world and in the lives of others. In John 8:12, Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." I endeavor to help others see the light in the darkness.
About Beautiful Feet:
Romans 10:15 (NIV)
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
"For every circumstance and season of life, God has promises that offer direction, peace, perspective and wisdom. "Bible Promises for You" is a collection of promises taken from the New International Version of the Bible and is categorized by topic for easy reference."
God led Jimmy and Pam Fair, in 2015, to partner with Highland Assembly of God, to GIVE Bible Promise Books, Devotionals, and Bibles to anyone who needs direction, peace, perspective, and wisdom.
Contact Highland Assembly or Pam Fair for more information.
870-856-3886
