How I Want to be Remembered

Yesterday a friend called me on the telephone, telling me to tune in to LARRY KING LIVE. The subject? Transsexualism. I watched about seven minutes of the episode and then hit my channel clicker and went on to something else.

In 1963 I transitioned in identity and became Paula. This has been my identity ever since. Putting it succinctly -- this is who I am.

This may surprise you -- the subject of transsexualism bores me.

For many years, I have heard, and discussed, viewpoints on the subject, both pro and con. While I am glad that programs like LARRY KING LIVE are educating people on the subject, I would rather talk about something else. I do not go on tv and radio panel and/or call-in shows to "debate" fundamentalists who disapprove of me. Nor do I defend myself. Rather, I proclaim the message that God has given me.

Let me make one thing crystal clear. The subject of the SISTER PAULA ministry is not transsexualism. While human sexuality issues are occasionally dealt with on the program, this is not my main focus.

For over 20 years, I have been on television to fulfill my call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God gave me that call when I was 12 years old.

In May, 1963, when I commenced attending Glad Tidings Assembly of God in San Francisco, the Holy Spirit confirmed to my heart that even though my outward identity had changed, my call to preach did not change. In that Sunday morning worship service, I re-dedicated my life to God -- as Paula.

The highlight of my week is an ongoing internet radio interview with Sir Darryl. (You can link on to it from my web page). On the Tuesday, 7/21 interview Darryl asked me: "Sister Paula, how do you want people to remember you, after you have passed on?"

My response was instant. I said: "I want to people to remember me as a person who gave." I want them to say: "Paula had faults and flaws like everybody else. But she was a giving person." The "Trans" part of my story is secondary.

At this writing, two major projects about my life and ministry are being produced:

First -- A documentary. Daniel, my producer, is in seclusion. He is surrounded by a stack of tapes of my programs, along with hours of location film footage. His priority is editing a "rough draft" of the film for my comment and review. (Should I "kick the bucket" before the project is finished, I totally and completely trust Daniel to present my story the way I want it told).

Second -- I am working on my autobiography. The working title is "THE TRANS EVANGELIST -- Sister Paula --My Story." My primary focus this summer is the completion of this book. Dave Kohl, award winning author and historian, is helping me with the project.

Both of these projects are herculean tasks, requiring many hours of work. Please keep Daniel and I in your prayers as we strive to avoid distractions in the completion of these important projects.

These projects are NOT educational treatises on the subject of transsexualism. They are about the life, times, and ministry of Sister Paula. The book, in particular, will "tell all" -- the bad right along with the good

My story will focus on the inclusive Gospel of Jesus Christ. In showing people that God has anointed a Trans person to preach the Gospel, this will help others who have been stigmatized to feel good about who they are.

While downtown, a street person approached me. She told me how much my programs mean to her. A friend, who was with me, said: "Paula, you showed her that she has worth."

Many atheists and agnostics, who avoid religious programming, tell me that they watch me on a regular basis.

People admire and respect honesty. They abhor hypocrisy.

And so, I don't want people to remember me as a saintly person. That I am not. My life is checkered with human shortcomings.

A eulogist at a 1976 Kathryn Kuhlman memorial service said:

"Her life can be epitomized by the fact that she gave, and she gave, and she gave."

That is how I want to be remembered.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

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