But we must not be defeated.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou

Tammy Faye Messner passed away yesterday. She was 65.

Growing up in southern West Virginia, I can’t remember not knowing Tammy Faye Bakker. I remember when everyone learned of the terrible truth about her husband. Despite all of that, or perhaps because of the dignity with which she tried to live the rest of her life, more people began to know her, and love her.

She was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 1996, which, through treatment, was in remission by the end of that year. In 2004, she shared the news that she had been diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. She discontinued treatment earlier this spring.

Tammy Faye continued to share inspiration with others, no matter the pain she must have suffered in her last months. She said, “Don’t let fear rule your life. Live one day at a time, and never be afraid.”

Never be afraid.