By Paige K Slighter
Pam wouldn’t necessarily describe herself as a risk-taker. She says, “It’s actually extremely difficult for me to make the effort to do things that are out of my comfort zone.” But this Fall, she threw caution to the wind and checked off something very daring from her Bucket List: skydiving.
Pam chose to skydive because she’s always wanted to “know what it’s like to fly like a bird.” After leaping from the airplane, she realized that her time in the sky was less like soaring and more like freefalling, but she doesn’t regret a thing!
(Don’t worry, the skydiving company she signed up with had COVID precautions in place!)
Pam started her Bucket List in high school and has added to it since. She says, “I gotta get crackin’ on the rest of the items!” Last September, she went on a hot air balloon ride. She’s not sure what she’ll do next, but a few potential adventures include parasailing, rock climbing and snorkeling. We’re all waiting with bated breath.
Pam’s adventures have helped her realize that stepping out of her comfort zone can be empowering, though it’s scary at first. She said, “I’m mostly pretty timid and fearful by nature, but I think the Lord is always encouraging and strengthening me to step out. He will help me grow and be the person he created me to be.”
Pam has attended Woodland Hills for 23 years now. She started coming when she was in college at Bethel University. Instead of moving back home to the Chicago area after graduation, she decided to stay—mainly because of Woodland. She’s cultivated amazing connections along the way. Over the years, she’s participated in a lot of unique ministries and volunteer opportunities: Gathering Groups, the Plaza Theater, and the Arts Group to name a few. She says, “I have made some lifelong friends that I’ve been with for 15 years now. They’ve always been there for me! Some of them were there to cheer me on when I did my skydive.”
We love having Pam as part of our WH community and we can’t wait to see what she does next! We hope her story encourages others to step out in faith knowing God is always present, gently coaxing us to grow into our potential, and into his vision for who we can be.
Are you a local listener with a story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Just shoot us an email at info@whchurch.org.
Pam scared her father and me when she told us the day after she actually did the skydiving. We had no idea. We’re glad we didn’t know. We’re both proud of her bravery in doing such a stunt trusting always that the Lord would protect her. We thank God also for giving her “wings”.