Ode to Tammye Faye

Ode to Tammye Faye

As I was getting ready for work today, Tammy Faye crossed my mind. You see, I just started a new job and wanted a “new look”. I considered the many choices a girl has: Suits? Too stuffy. Pants? Not with these thighs! Dresses? Maybe. AH! Long skirts with fashionable, feminine tops and a blazer when necessary. YES! For instance, in my shopping, I scored a nice, straight, “ethnic” print skirt from Coldwater Creek. Oh how cute with a white tank and black vest or denim jacket! Shoes? Depends on the weather. Could be black strappy medium heal sandals (I’m on my feet a lot). Or, black boots. (It rains a lot here, snows too!) What does this have to do with Tammy Faye?

Well, Romans 1:16 says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first and also the Greek.” Likewise, I am not ashamed to say that I came to the Lord through Tammy Faye’s ministry with PTL. Unlikely I know. But it is true. I was in my early 20’s at the time. PTL had great programming geared towards young adults. Tammy’s children would frequent the show as would young celebrities. The show’s dialogue always focused on the struggles that God saw them through, how they remained strong in their faith and the scoffing they endured from others for the cause of Christ. As a young woman, this was revolutionary for me. I loved the halfway point when it was time for a musical selection. I especially enjoyed the days when Tammy herself would sing. (I actually own her Enough is Enough album to this day!) “Well your midnight’s almost over and the sun is gonna shine again. Oh the sun is gonna shine again!” LOVE IT! Inspired and comforted by it! Tammy Faye would end each broadcast or song with, “Remember God loves you and so do I!” There, in my tiny room, through the waves of the 13 inch t.v. screen her words reached me. I prayed the sinner’s prayer, asking Jesus to come into my heart to be the Lord and Savior of my life. I phoned the prayer line from time to time -- mostly for intercessory prayer for my mother who was battling cancer and for others who were suffering. It would be about a year before I found a church home in my local city. Even then, I would still tune in for the programming as often as I could find it!

So that’s the context, what’s the text? Tammy Faye also provided a role model of what a Christian woman could be: fashionable, loving and kind. Again, as a young woman in her 20’s, the fashionable part was important. Tammy was ALWAYS fashionable in her dress and accessories. And, contrary to popular belief she was a bargain shopper for most of her things. As for her hair and make-up, I remind you that this was the 80’s! In context of the times, she was hardly out of place. These were the days of Dynasty, Knott’s Landing and –lest we forget—Dallas! Naturally, many felt that Tammy was over the top—especially for Christian lady. Detractors said that she was mirroring the world with her taste in fashion. I wholeheartedly disagree! Go back and look at the vintage photos and footage, Tammy was always tastefully covered. Her flair for long skirt sets is what led me to them. Being, a former elementary school teacher, I must clarify her that Tammy’s take on long skirt sets were far from what we in the public schools refer to as, “teacher clothes” – you know the ballooning broom skirts, generally patterned after the holiday of the season. No, Tammy’s set had flair and fashion. And were always offset by a nice pair of heels! No old maid trotters for her! Therefore, I have thrown mine out as well!

Yes, as this new school year opens for me, I recommit not only to the fashion sense that Tammy Faye Bakker instilled in me some 20 years ago, but more importantly to the lesson we all can learn from her life and her ministry: never judge a book by its cover. I am not ashamed of her nor the God she led me know and serve. Remember, God loves you and so do I!


Peace and Blessings,

Shawn