It’s not often in our lives we meet someone who makes such a difference that it changes the way we view ourselves. A little over 22 years ago, I walked into Green Valley Baptist Church a mess. I was a young, single mother, who was at the point of not really caring what others thought of me. My plan was to be a strong, independent woman, who would raise my son all on my own without any help from anyone or any God…because if what I had been told about God were really true, I wanted no part of Him.
My 15 year old neighbor girl at the time had invited me. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings or turn her down, so I went. I somehow ended up in a Bible study that morning. I remember listening and thinking…yeah right.
I couldn’t get all of the ugliness out of my head. All of the bad things that had happened and led me to that point in my life. All of the anger and hurt.
And then, I met Pam Hooper.
Pam saved my life that day. She spent hours with me, showing me scripture and explaining to me who God really was; that He wasn’t who I had been led to believe He was. That He was a God of Love and Compassion. And that He had a plan for my life.
Thru the years, Pam never forgot my birthday. She was always available for a phone call, a hug, a kind word, an ear, and an open heart. She has truly been my spiritual mom. Whenever anyone has asked, “Who has made an impact on your life?” I always answer, Pam Hooper.
Pam has shown me what it is to truly love someone. She has inspired me to be a better person; to love, to listen, to encourage, to be there for others, no matter who or what they are or have been through. She has taught me not to judge, but to understand.
She was there for me when I met my husband a few months later. She was at my wedding, rejoiced at the births of our many children and more.
My children all know who Pam Hooper is. Even the younger ones. The other day I was surprised to find out that my younger daughter remembered her since she has moved away. She replied, “Pam Hooper? Of course I know her mommy, you always talk about her.”
I know without a doubt that God sent Pam to me that day. I can only one day hope to be a smidgen of an influence to someone the way she has been to me. She is a beautiful angel from God.
Over the years, I have thought of writing about Pam. Something has always held me back. Until now. Pam is sick and my heart breaks at the thought of losing such an beautiful person; but God is calling her home. It has taken me some time to get up the courage to write about her. But I wanted her to know how much she means to me. Love like this doesn’t come all that often.
I love you so much, Pam. It has been such an honor to have you in my life. I can only pray that I can be there for someone else, the way you have been there for me. You are truly an angel sent from Heaven.
Love Always,
Hope
Thank you for this wonderful tribute to Pam — one look at her face and you see God shining from her smile — full of joy, peace, love and grace! Your words about Pam have touched my heart and soul! I am the sister-in-law to Pam’s sister Pat and have been a friend to Pam and the McDaniels since I was 18. They were and are a gracious family. Pat and 2 of her daughters have traveled to California to see Pam this weekend. I know they will so appreciate reading your testimony of “An Angel from Heaven.”