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If You Feel Like an Outsider

Posted on September 27, 2023September 27, 2023 by Pam

It depends on you but can be a good thing. I have made a habit of this under certain circumstances but my model is Jesus. Jesus took it to the level of calling people out of places to better places. I do not have that skill but I do have good sense. I had joined a new church and two odd things happened. My son encouraged me, “If there is a third event that does not conform to scripture then run to the nearest exit”. Notice that good advice does not reference how I feel about anything. There are a million stories of people who have been “offended” in some small or great way. People come and go and the complainers go the most often. I believe that when God was knitting us in our mother’s womb, he gave us the right personality for the good works He already had planned for us. All people have strengths and weaknesses. As we live in our strengths we bless the world and the church. Let me list some of the opposite traits that are weaknesses so we can try harder to live in our strengths for the Socializer, Director, Thinker, and Relater (according to Alessandra & Cathcart). Avoid whenever possible: charm, anger, procrastination, and moods. That is the start list. Charm can lead to; being shallow, monopolizing, undependable, dramatic, self-centered, superficial, irresponsible, and making most things about you. Anger can lead to; knowing it all, being bossy, belligerent, argumentative, offensive, controlling, and manipulative. Procrastination can lead to; no initiative, passive-aggressive, obstinate, sarcastic, wishy-washy, lazy, indecisive, and boring. Moods can lead to; being hesitant, fearful, uptight, fragile, hypochondriac, vulnerable, self-righteous, critical, and obsessive. I remind myself that if this church was perfect before I arrived it is no longer so! Unoffendable is a new word for me but a worthy goal. Looking to Jesus we see that he visited the synagogue often. Those were the people who were close to the truth and not seeing it. Sound familiar? The last observation about remaining an outsider is that you do not want to be seen so you may remain private? That can be a lack of confidence that if they really see me they might not like me. I did remain in that church and the third shoe never dropped and I am so happy to be in this fellowship. I think it was an initiation to a collection of people imperfectly following our perfect Lord.

"Thoughts from a genuinely evaluative mind."

Pam writes so that must make her a writer. Recently retired, she can now fill days with family, friends, missions, writing, creating, and showing up for whomever needs her. Pam loves the Lord and people. The Bible is God’s love letter to us (and who does not need more love) so she studies and writes some more.

Pam lives in the Pacific Northwest but was home-grown in Southern California. She attended San Jose Bible College and finished a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry at UCLA. She became a teacher, then a Research and Development Chemist, then she built two successful real estate businesses in two states. Pam also pursued study at Fuller Theological Seminary and just completed six months serving in missions abroad.

Pam has two amazing children, married to two precious in-laws, and five sweet grandchildren. Pam is a gifted connector and communicator and the Northwest has the perfect climate for staying inside and writing – or baking! She has been writing since a wee one and is currently converting many years of blogging, by topic, into ten books. The first is a collection from 2011 titled, Beautiful Enough. The second is a yearly day-timer titled, Weekly Planner - Lessons in Life, Glory, and Grace. Number three is in progress with the working title, Christmas Today.

Ten facts about Pam in no particular order:

  1. On the team that developed an insulation for the Alaskan oil pipeline.
  2. Loves looking at homes, decorating, and has flipped five homes.
  3. Likes being tall.
  4. Films have helped define her vocabulary.
  5. Comes from Colorado tenement farmers with history traced to Wales.
  6. Was lost but now is found.
  7. Baking makes her happy – as does eating sweets with coffee, of course.
  8. She thinks mission work is the most important work in the world.
  9. The church started in Rome so she is learning Italian.
  10. Pam is a work in progress!

“I will be your God throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” Isaiah 46:4

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