When I was asked to write this, I wasn't exactly sure how I wanted to go about it. From a writer's standpoint, you always try to find a certain slant to write from. The only way I felt I could adequately write this was to just write my thoughts and let you, the reader, read them and make your own decisions as to how you felt about Tammy Faye Messner. In my years of observing Tammy Faye, I've come to truly respect and admire her. Tammy Faye was a friend to all she came in contact with. Even to those who brought her strife, she was their friend. When you look beyond all the glamour and glitz of PTL (and all of its pitfalls) and you look beyond the make-up and giddiness, I think you found someone who was warm and caring. Love her or hate her, she demanded respect.and she deserved it.
I grew up in the 1980's watching PTL. I longed for the summer time, snow days and holidays so I could stay at home and watch my two favorite TV shows.The Price is Right and Jim & Tammy Faye Bakker. It was neat to see who made guest appearances to either talk or sing. I watched a ton of people come across that stage from all walks of life be it in music (Gospel or otherwise), ministry or even some TV star. Being the Goodman fan that I was, I naturally loved it when Howard and Vestal sang or hosted the program. The Bakkers were staunch supporters of Southern Gospel Music and they had many gospel groups passed through PTL's stage.Doug Oldham, Jesse Dixon, Hinsons, Rambos, Imperials, Blackwood Brothers, Happy Goodman Family and so many others. But to me, in so many ways, the star was always Tammy Faye.not because of the make-up, glitz, glamour, crying, or the singing.but because she always came across to me as genuine.
I was naturally upset when things turned sour in the mid to late 1980s for PTL and the Bakkers, as I suppose many of us were. But, through time and through a lot of prayer and soul searching, Jim and Tammy came back, though not as one. I can only imagine the insurmountable stress that time in their lives took on their marriage and I dare say not many marriages would have lasted. But over time, they both came back into ministry in some fashion. Tammy Faye came back with a stronger faith in God and vowed to be a shining light for Christ for anyone would who looked her way.
I remember watching her on the Surreal Life television show a few years ago. She stood strong for what she believed in and never wavered from her convictions. Tammy Faye was an awesome witness for Christ as she showed everyone in that house and everyone around the world what a true Christian is. She proudly wore the Name of Christ and she wasn't judgmental or condemning about it at all; but rather she just loved on people and was their friend, no matter what they had done in or with their life. Tammy Faye lived her faith.and that is a life well preached; she lived a life you believed.
Sadly though, life for Tammy Faye was cut short by cancer. But throughout the entire ordeal, she declared her undying faith in God to anyone who would lend an ear. Through her honesty and humor, we saw ourselves and we could laugh right along with her. Even when the end was near, watching her on Larry King and seeing her faith in action, she was such an awesome testament of what being a Christian and being Christ-like was all about. No, Tammy Faye wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but we all fall short, so there are no pointing fingers coming from this writer. But when we look back on the life of Tammy Faye, I believe we'll find that through it all, we've always had a friend. She'd been there, done that.and had seen all of life's biggest ups and downs and she was willing to share those experiences with the world, all the while telling us that "you can make it!" God used Tammy Faye to shine His Light to a dark world and to be a friend to all, and on July 20, 2007, the world lost that friend. But for Tammy Faye, that journey met it's end at the Throne and her faith has become sight.
Tammy Faye website: http://www.tammyfaye.com
Pictures of Tammy Faye throughout the years
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 08/15/2007
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 47
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I believe Tammy Faye had a lot more depth than most people gave her credit. To have withstood the stress that she did and still declare the glory of God took real courage. Many times when something happens, we want to villify people and denounce everything they ever did. I personally do not believe that PTL was in the shape it was projected to be, but certainly believe that Jim and Tammy did an awful lot of good that people forget.
Tammy Faye was a genuine and sweet person. If you ever met her or worked with her she changed your life. I'm so sorry to see her go. I only wish I was I could love 1/2 as much as she did.
Nice job James. I think you showed much compassion towards a remarkable woman.
In my opinion Tammy Faye, as she got older seemed to be a sincere Christian. However we must not forget that she was a co-conspirator with Jim Bakker in taking monies from people all across this country. She never served any jail time nor did she ever apologize to the body of Christ for her sin. Thousands upon thousands of christians sent her money. Jim and Tammy set the television ministry of the church back twenty years when the crime was uncovered. Yes she did a reality t.v. show which was one of the sickest shows ever to be broadcast across the air. Jim Bakker is back on television these days doing what he does best raising money. The only difference is a new wife, and the name of the facility is Morning Star not Heritage Park.
There's always one in every crowd. UGH...I figured this would come up before it was overwith.
By the way...Thank you James and SoGospelNews for remembering Tammy Faye.
John, My perspective is this, " Those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it"
Tennessean,
I thank God that when he forgave my sins that he forgot them - as far as the east is from the west. Would that we all could love and forget the way that God does. And no, I am not a personal friend of the Bakkers. I just love the Lord, and want to do his will.
John, there are many tele-evangelist on t.v. everyday some beg for money some dont. Jim Bakker just happens to one who does. My original post had nothing to do with judging anyone. It was only my opinion of Tammy Faye. This obviously angered you, it was just my perspective. When you attacked me as Ive seen you do other bloggers, I responded. Let it go brother. Are you going to respond this way to every blogger whom you disagree with?
(from Tennessean)Thousands upon thousands of christians sent her money.
(from Tennessean)Jim Bakker is back on television these days doing what he does best raising money. The only difference is a new wife, and the name of the facility is Morning Star not Heritage Park.
Guys, I have moved on... The Bakkers do not in any way deserve this much attention.
Jesus forgave the thief on the cross. Why do we as Christians feel we are qualified to categorize sin as to what is forgivable and what is not? I don't know of any distinction in the Bible over which sins are forgivable and which are not forgivable.
I would never called Tammy or Jim a conspirator. There is not a doubt in my mind that they did not set out to conspire to abuse the funds or the people who gave the funds. They are people just like all of us here who have weaknesses that if caught up in the wrong situation can cause us to fall. Thank God for His grace. I have needed it many times. We cannot sit in judgment over someone else's failings without knowing that we ourselves are capable of the same thing. The fruits of Tammy's life have shown that she did accept God's grace.
It is no wonder that we are not winning the world to Christ when we are so hard on our own Christian community. Only God can judge. How can we can we sit in judgement on our fellow man unless we are God?
The Bakkers are one of God's creations and they deserve as much attention as anyone else.
I was a personal friend of Tammy Faye's and the family...they were Godly people that got swept up in some bad decisions and mistakes...like WE ALL have done.
I wish to complement John Lanier on his posts. He was "right on". Tammy ministered to more through her cancer that many do who are in good health and only criticize.
Tennessean,
In response to Tennessean. I know that God has forgotten the sins of the past when one repents. However I also know that the only one who continues to bring up the sins of the past will spend an eternity in the lake of fire. He is the accuser of God's children. By her spirit I know that Tammy loved God and ministered to countless numbers of His love for them. She will be missed.
Ok last post for this subject(yawn). Jim Banker, oops Bakker paid himself in 1986 2.8 million dollars. At that time he and Tammy Faye owned six luxurymansions, 47 bank accounts. On the PTL program he was raising about 1 million dollars every two days. Then in 1989 he was charged and convicted on 24 counts of fraud and conspiracy for stealing 3.7 million from his flock. Jim admitted to many sexual partners in those days. He paid 265,000 dollars to buy silence of the church secretary whom I will not mention by name. Bakker was sentenced to 45 years in prison but only served five years. Shorly after his release he told an interviewer that he would never preach on television again, well guess what he was Wrong Again! He can be found in front of cameras again in at the Studio City Cafe in Branson, Missouri. Before his death, Jerry Falwell publicly declared Bakker a " sexual deviant, an embezzler and a liar". Falwell also said of the Heritage USA founder "a scab and cancer on the face of Christianity". Yes Tammy Faye got a pass for some reason, not sure why. She also found her way back to television via the Surreal Life,(enough said). She also hosted a local cable show which she talked hollywood and glamour not anything about God. If one looks closely at the set of the New Jim Bakker show, one can see the paintings that once dawned the halls of Heritage USA(tasteless). After watching his new show, I realized he is up to no good again, looking deep down the camera and saying we cant stay on the air without your money. Most disappointing of all is the B gospel singers and preachers that appear on his show.(have you no shame? Yes God has forgiven Jim and Tammy and now Lorrie, his forgiveness is really the only one that matters. But I will say shame on those who support and contribute to his program. F.Y.I. you can go to his web-site and on the homepage, you can make a donation.(arent we smarter than this?)
I don't think that anyone ever suggested that Jim and Tammy didn't fall. The point that is being missed here is that God's Grace even applies to Jim and Tammy. In reality, in God's sight, is what Jim and Tammy did any worse than than many of the sins that we all commit everyday. Maybe they are more extreme in mans eyes, but if we get real, sin is still sin and will get you to hell in a heartbeat (meaning your final heartbeat).
Tennessean,
Personal attacks to or about individual commenters will be deleted. Please refrain from those type of comments.
Hey look we agree, a big "Thank You" to SGN for allowing the debate. Next?
Thank you John for your comments. Please let us grieve for Tammy in peace. What a loving gracious woman. It appears that anyone who ever really knew her loved her. To know her was to love her.
Tennessean,
She was a Jezebel
Ok..the comment above...all I can see is buzzie bless you heart. Any more sinless folks that have some stones to cast? Ooops that's the part of the bible we forget about when we are busy worrying about who has on some makeup and who doesn't. I mean it's not we don't have important things to do in this world like lead people to christ, make up patrol always comes first!
Ok, now to pick on myself and my comment...believe it or not I did get through 1st grade. However you can't prove that by my post above. It should say:
Buzzie,
We all need to pray for Tennessean. He/she just doesn't get it
Tammy Bakker endorsed homosexuals and the homosexual lifestyle. A homosexual preached her funeral service and that was by her own request. She believed that homosexuals did not have to repent. She likewise appeared on a TV program with a porn star and rap artist's and she believed that the porn star was a good man and said so. How in the world can you people honor this woman. If you can, and the industry supports this and if the Southern Gospel music industry honors her, I will shake the dust off my feet of this manner of corruption.
Larry Petree:
Why does being on a TV show with rap artists make her a bad person?
Thank you Larry for taking time to respond to this article. I too believe there are better examples of Christianity out there that SGN could recognize. In my opinion it was poor judgement on behalf of the administration. However if their intentions were to set a record on comments, it very well may happen. Tammy Faye was nothing more than an opportunist and would compromise any values to be seen on television.
Larry Petree,the way you have distorted the facts about Tammy is indeed just as sinful as anything you have accused her of.
Tennesean,
You must be the JOY of your Pastor and church. I'm sure he must stay up nights because of the havoc you must cause in your local Body. That's the way it is with all Pharisees.
In Luke 18, Jesus said, "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself." My old boss, Dan Betzer, commented that he, of course, prayed with just himself - it was evident that God wasn't listening.
Jesus said he prayed, "God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican."
But Jesus also said, "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner."
Jesus said that that the publican's prayer was heard, even as Tammy's certainly was.
But - then again - as Betzer also pointed out - it's only Scripture....
I first met Tammy in 1971. The group that I was with sang on the 700 Club 4 times that year, and Jim and Tammy were affiliated with the CBN Network at that time. I attended some tapings of their popular kid show, and Jim was the co-host with Pat Robertson on several of the shows we sang on and were interviewed on.
Our paths crossed several times in the 80's. Tammy could be loud, boisterous, imposing and a little pushy. But, those of us that knew her also knew her to be very concerned about lost souls and needy individuals. That's one of the things that God and I loved about her so much.
Paul's very wise advice in Galatians 6 is, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
This is very relevant - for it is written and directed especially to those who consider themselves "spiritual" - so I am sure that Tennesean will recognize that this is directed to him especially - since he knows himself to fit the description "ye which are spiritual".
God's command is for those that are spiritual to restore those that have fallen in a spirit of meekness - and there will be no excuse accepted on Judgement Day for those who clearly fail to do so.
Cliff Cerce
The Cerces, PO Box 8525, Springfield, MO 65801
417-863-8440
http://www.thecerces.com
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Thank you Cliff for the personal attack, it shows that are abiding by the same rules as everyone else when an opinion is expressed. If I cant express my opinion about an article then why should I spend time here? Every comment I made about Jim and Tammmy Bakker are public record. Deon, you will always be my good friend, but it should be ok to disagree with an article I personally find objectionable. Makes for more interesting reading. This article has more comments than any other on the web-site. Why? hot topic for one, plus there are very debatable issues surrounding these people. I love you man!!
Tennesean,
I am not making a personal attack on you. On the contrary, I am simply giving a brother or sister a warning.
Jim Duggan (Rev Tabasco) and I, having both been successful pastors, have been appointed as "SGN Pastors" by the Administration of this site.
We have been asked to keep an eye on things in regard to Scriptural guidelines and to provide help in areas of our experience.
God's Word charges that we in the ministry are to warn those that are in violation of Scriptural principles and mandates. I take my calling and responsibilities very seriously.
It appears that Tammy has obeyed the Scriptures in her repentance. As such, God's Word asssures her that her sins are not to be remembered against her any longer. Certainly, any thinking person would agree that we, as mere mortals, should refuse to count one's sins against them - in the knowledge that a Holy God has promised and pledged to do the same.
However, there is a gross violation of Scriptural principle being flaunted here, as the admonition of Paul in Galations 6 (formerly referred to) has been totally set aside by you, Tennesean. The admonition carries with it a warning that one should consider himself, lest he also be tempted. I have seen quite a few unforgiving souls who refused to obey God's Word in this regard - who soon found themselves in a situation where they needed the understanding and forgiveness of others. I fear that a person's refusal to obey the commands of Galations 6 may make open them to new areas of temptation which may lead to failure.
For, those with a self-righteous spirit have been further warned when Paul said, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall," in I Corinthians 10:12.
Expressing your opinion is one thing. But, condemning one who has been forgiven by our Lord is a Scriptural violation - at least as serious as those to which Tammy has been accused of.
The God who warned us to, "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm," is not amused at those who refuse to extend forgiveness to those He has forgiven. For, He also said, "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:15)
If you were just expressing an opinion, I would not have commented. But, as a minister of the Gospel, I am required by God to warn a brother or sister if they are in clear violation of Scripture - and God says in Ezekiel 3 that He will hold me personally responsible for not warning someone who is doing wrong.
And, my brother or sister, what you are doing is wrong - on the authority of God's Word.
Period.
Cliff Cerce
The Cerces, PO Box 8525, Springfield, MO 65801
417-863-8440
http://www.thecerces.com
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm.
How thankful that I am that God will judge me and not Tennesean and Larry Petree!
Cliff, Gods forgiveness is really the only one that matters. You and I cannot know another persons heart. If we confess our sins, He is faithfull to forgive all of us. For we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.(yes even I know scripture to). Just because my views of Jim and Tammy Bakker differ from you, it has nothing to do with their forgiveness. I would ask that you not single me out anymore, please review my comments, I never once stated anything about their forgiveness.
Tennesean,
Just a few of your comments:
"Jim Banker".....
"After watching his new show, I realized he is up to no good again....",
"But I will say shame on those who support and contribute to his program...."
"Tammy Faye was nothing more than an opportunist and would compromise any values to be seen on television....."
Tennesean -
If you truly mean what you have said - that you believe that Jim and Tammy were forgiven by God - than you are in direct violation of Scripture in bringing these present-day accusations against them.
"Judge not - that ye be not judged."
Then again - it's only Scripture.
When a person will not come under the authority of Scripture, we are not able to help him. But, again, God requires that we warn such an individual of the danger he is exposing himself to, and warns us we will give account for failing to warn him of the consequences of his actions. I do not think you realize the seriousness of the words you are so carelessly tossing around.
In Matthew 12:36, Jesus said, "But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."
You have accused Tammy of wrong-doing right up to the end of her life - and are accusing Jim of the same now. If you are tellingthetruth when you say you believe God has forgiven them, you are willfully sinning - and persecuting those forgiven by God is no less serious than anything the Bakker's ever did.
Cliff Cerce
The Cerces, PO Box 8525, Springfield, MO 65801
417-863-8440
http://www.thecerces.com
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Tammy Faye was an example of what a Christian should be. Larry Petree is supposed to be a christian songwriter. From the looks of it here, he was doing nothing but downing another sister in christ. He made the comment, shake off the dust from them. Lets shake off the dust from you. People with judgemental attitudes will find themselves among the thornes one day. Tammy faye and Jim Bakker had luxury homes, air conditioned doghouses, automobiles, nice clothes, jewelry. SO WHAT? I guess all that money u sent to the ministry paid off because they sure looked good and knew how to present themselves as royalty. I LOVE THEM. ALWAYS WILL. Rest in peace baby. I'll see you in heaven at Jesus's feet.
Everytime i heard tammy faye bakker on tv, she was presenting the straight Bible message of being born again, especially towards the end. Are you aware that she even said those things on the surreal life and on larry king? Well, think of the people who might have heard that salvation message that might never have heard it otherwise. They even say Osama Bin LAden watches Larry King. Well, what if he watched when tammy faye was on and heard about salvation? Its just a thought. I also think that the homosexual thing is wrong, BUT I think that the Bakkers are trying to show acceptance to a segment of people that aren't accepted in the church BECAUSE they were rejected by the church too. And thats what i think is going on with that. I don't know, I heard her talk straight Bible the last few times i heard her talk on TV, and so maybe she WAS trying to get on TV, but maybe she had a reason for it. I hope she rests in peace.
Gabriella,
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