We met Tammy Faye Messner (formerly Bakker) in 2003 at a drag-queen-hosted book party for her self-help book, I Will Survive and You Will, Too!, in which she offers thoughts like, "I think almost every woman should own a wig." She was all smiles and mascara and graciousness and yes, she got a little weepy talking about how grateful she was for her life post PTL.The book was aptly named. Almost everyone in her life did her wrong (see: the enjoyable documentary The Eyes of Tammy Faye) and yet, there she was at that party, sipping tea, offering beauty tips, scary-chipper. Unlike her televangical colleagues, she seemed to have grown more compassionate the more knocked around she got. She wasn't the deepest thinker in the world, but she did seem to get the concept of Christian love.
She died at 65.
Reader Comments ( Page 2 of 3)
16. I, as many watch PTL and laughed at Tammy Faye and was one of the millions that thought she got what she deserved when her and Jim were taken off the air. Over time, I realize how wrong I was to judge her so soon without really knowing the whole truth. She did not know what her husband Jim was up too and she even after the world turned against her, she stayed true to who she was. Tammy didn't change and became even more of a true human! I felt for her so much when I watched that last interview with Larry King. She will be missed!!! truly missed by many...
Steven at 12:45AM on Jul 24th 2007
17. Ducky and all of you that made ugly comments.
1. "Judge not lest ye be judged"
2. There is only one unforgiveable sin and thatis not believeing in Jesus Christ our Saviour. Tammy is not in hell.
Bev at 6:26PM on Jul 23rd 2007
18. FYI people St Peter only exists for Catholics.
Tammy Faye Messner was one of the sweetest, forgiving people I had ever met. While married to Jim Bakker he bilked oodles of money from the church members, she did not, as a matter of record Tammy Faye never had access to financial records ... that is why she started to tell women they need to know ALL of the financial information if married. She was abused in life and it appears there are a lot of bitter, mean spirted people even after her death.
Tammy Faye is dancing in heaven and no longer praying for us, the good, the bad and the evil!
NetterButt at 6:19PM on Jul 23rd 2007
19. {{9. Weird how even when someone dies people cannot help being rude and hateful.
Jon at 2:33PM on Jul 23rd 2007}}
I was thinking the same thing.
Jon, they are hate filled and I can't imagine how sad their lives must be. If we ask Tammy Faye how to deal with them I am sure she would say to forgive them, and she would most likely pray for them.
Another poster said she never faltered in her love for Jesus, that is true. Maybe we could all learn a little from her.
I am not a "Christian" I am Native American and I follow the old ways, I accept honest faithful Christianity, and she was a bright spot among the fakes and half steppin "Christians." Those in the PTL that shunned her could learn a lot from her brand of faith.
Mackie at 6:32PM on Jul 23rd 2007
20. FOR SEVERAL YEARS WE ATTENDED THE PTL CLUB AND THERE WAS SUCH LOVE AND COMPASSION THAT WAS THERE ALL THE TIME. SHE COULD SING LIKE AND ANGEL. HER BEAUTY WAS FROM WITHIN AND NOT TO BE JUDGED INSIDE OR OUT.SHE HAD MORE BEAUTY INSIDE OF HER THAN MOST PEOPLE WILL EVER HAVE. SHE HAS MINISTERED TO MILLIONS OF PEOPLE. WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE HER.OUR LOSS BUT HEAVENS GAIN.
NORMA at 6:49PM on Jul 23rd 2007
21. I am amazed how stupid many in this country are, Tammy was a whore, who stole from all you lemmings who woudl send her cash, along with that pimp she ran her crime empire with, we are better off with them both dead. Any of you who miss her need to seek a life, your too stupid to be allowed to breed.
jim at 9:31PM on Jul 23rd 2007
22. At first Tammy Faye pretended to be a Christian. Then she became a real Christian and gave her time to those with HIV/AIDS. That's a successful life. Rest in peace Tammy.
linus
E raymond at 7:41PM on Jul 23rd 2007
23. HOW MANY POOR SLOBS DID SHE RIP OFF TO PAY FOR HER MAKE-UP?
MIKE MORROW at 8:14PM on Jul 23rd 2007
24. She may have stole Millions, but IF she really asked God for forgiveness, and took Jesus as her Lord and Savior then she is in Heaven. The thief on the cross asked for forgiveness before he died, and Jesus said " Today you will be with me in Paradise." That promise is offered to all, for we are all sinners.
Tim mathis at 8:26PM on Jul 23rd 2007
25. Mark, Jesus didnt ever commit a sin. He is the only perfect man that has ever walked this earth.
Tim mathis at 8:30PM on Jul 23rd 2007
26. tammy faye was her own person and she was a woman who did what she believed in.and she did it in front of God and the whole world to see and was not ashamed of what she did or how she lived God is her judge and no matter what we think only he can say if she will be there in heaven with him.;GOD BLESS HER CHILDREN. BRENDA
brenda at 8:42PM on Jul 23rd 2007
27. Before I was a Christian, she gagged me.
After I became a Christian, I learned that Jesus wants us to love one another.
Interesting how I learned to see her with 'different eyes'. Certainly not perfect, but flamboyant she was! Shouldn't that be ok with everyone? To choose our own style?
Don't worry Revlon. I'll make up for the loss in sales. God Bless you.
Debe Pevnev at 9:37PM on Jul 23rd 2007
28. Jim, you should check 'your' spelling when you call others stupid.
Kind of loses the punch!
Debe Pevnev at 9:39PM on Jul 23rd 2007
29. Dear Ducky, You may want to know that God forgave Tammy Faye for all her wrong doing. Just as he can forgive you. That's the whole point for God's GRACE. Love and forgiveness, which you can get through Jesus Christ. John 14. Tammy Faye was a wonderful example for us all.
Sandy at 9:41PM on Jul 23rd 2007
30. Recently Jerry Falwell passed away, now Tammy Faye.
Like all humans they made mistakes, but God looks at everything they did. Thank You.
R e v v at 9:53PM on Jul 23rd 2007