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Merry Christmas, almost...
I dedicate this issue in memory of my dear Friend and Unsung Hero:
Pamela Jane Stead
Christmas is About Giving
We try to lay down our lives and serve others. But some are exceptional at it.
Jesus came to earth to give His life. He also showed us how to live. He was a Servant living His daily life as an example of how to live ours.
We especially rejoice at His birth. The baby Jesus grew into a man who freely gave His body as the bridge we cross over into eternal life.
Being a bridge of life by serving others is how we resemble Jesus in the truest way.
Selfless Giving
Pamela Jane Stead
Dec. 24, 1955 - Oct. 9, 2013
My friend Pamela looked a lot like Jesus. She was even born on Christmas Eve. Surely there are many selfless givers like Pam out there, but far too few.
Those believers’ names aren’t up in lights. Their hometown doesn’t proclaim their birthplace with a big sign.
Even their church may not properly acknowledge them… but Jesus does.
Pam and her husband Laurie knew I was alone and needed friendship and help. And they loved on me and opened their hearts and home to me unequivocally.
Giving Without Money
We often think of money when it comes to giving. And sometimes money is the very thing needed. However Jesus gave of Himself in time, energy, and what most of us call inconvenience.
Pam knew I kept lights on at night as part of my living-alone-security. If she noticed my lights off she called to make sure I was okay. If I was evasive, she was quickly at my house.
I ate countless meals the Stead's table. I didn’t “need the food" but I longed for the invitation to be in their home for friendship, laughter, and fellowship.
Pam organized “student servant groups” at church for those who needed help. I wasn't on the standard list of recipients, as it wasn't my church and many others there had great needs.
But if someone cancelled a team, Pam sent them to me. Usually when I was praying for help. And if I had a special need coming up, Pam tried to round up people to pitch in. She always had me on her radar!
Giving During Your Battle
During her fierce faith-filled battle with cancer and its ugly aftermath, Pam didn't forget other people.
In her sickest times I visited her at home. One late winter night I got a bit annoyed that she was constantly texting and taking calls instead of resting. So I said something.
She replied, "Well, I'm tracking down a stove for a single mom with no way to cook for her children. And I think I just found one!" That was Pam.
And Laurie, Pam's constant companion and care-giver, came over in burning sun or snow to charge my car battery, check fuse boxes, outlets, wiring, change high light bulbs, find people to gather firewood for me – lots of man stuff. He even did some special work on my guitars.
Giving Until the End
At Melody's, Fall 2008
 Pam was hospitalized too many times to count. Just as Pam finished (another) death-door month in the hospital, I was in the thick of my final packing for CA.
She knew I was busy and barely eating, so for several days before I moved she cooked extra, and sent Laurie over with a plate of hot food each night. I was so grateful but utterly humbled.
Then I moved to CA — and Pam landed back in the hospital. This time they said she would not not survive. She beat the odds many times before, but not this time.
Having just moved to Los Angeles, I wouldn’t have flown back to Kansas City so soon — except to honor Pam and her family at her funeral.
Giving Like Jesus
God might have used the timing of Pam's homegoing to save my life. I won't know for sure until I get to heaven.
But that story was partially told in the last Update and the whole story is too long to tell right now.
But as we all celebrate Christmas this year let's remember those who have blessed us. And seek to be more like Jesus to all we meet.
Pamela came and went without a lot of fanfare. But in heaven I bet they are still clapping.
I'm sure Keith and our kids have already hugged her. That is if they could get through the crowds thanking her for the generous love she gave them.
Remembering Others
Let's remember as we shop and cook this year that perhaps someone needs to be with us at our table — or needs some extra help this Christmas.
It's wonderful to enjoy our blessings, but we can add some blessings to others at the same time.
Thank you, Jesus, for coming to earth so I could be redeemed by Your great love. And thank you, Pamela, for loving and serving so well.
With Love Near Christmas,
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"...they set out and there, ahead of them, went the star that
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Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts..."
Matthew 2:9-11
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Last Days Ministries | PO Box 40 | Lindale, TX 75771
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