Reverend Steve Pieters, one of the most charming and influential religious leaders of today, has many distinctive achievements to his credit. Understatement. He has been living with AIDS for 40 years, which by itself puts him in a unique category. This miracle caught the eye of Tammy Faye Baker who reached out to him years ago to ask him to be a guest on her talkshow. She was looking to interview someone with AIDS; she wanted to be the first.
He agreed, and what followed is a lesson in being not only careful about what you assume but also about the importance of being open-hearted and open-minded. Reverend Pieters is a particularly open-hearted and open-minded; an easily accessible man with a ready smile and laugh. How did he feel about this interview? Was he nervous about the route she would take to get into the particulars of his life? Did this interview change Tammy Faye? How? What about her children? Are they anything like their father Jim Bakker in their attitudes? What about the relationship between Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker’s son Jay who is also a significant religious leader.
What Reverend Steve Pieters reveals about Tammy Faye and her children may be surprising to many of us. What Reverend Steve Pieters reveals about himself is the power to allow the best in people to bubble forth for the good of humankind simply by being open to what others think and giving yourself over to keeping an open mind. Remember, assume nothing. Just put yourself in the hands of Reverend Pieters for some very uplifting truths. And take a look at his Love Letters Live Youtube episode for the joy of what is reflected in his eyes and voice.
Love Letters? Absolutely. And, no surprises here, really. Take a look at all of it and see to whom Reverend Pieters will be writing.
This groundbreaking interview is now part of the upcoming movie The Eyes of Tammy Faye. How does Reverend Pieters feel about this production? And, the actors portrayal of him? What power will this movie have to change attitudes? I, for one, will be first in line at the ticket office.