The Gate Beautiful was revealed through Pamela's experience with a life-threatening medical diagnosis. Her journey, expressed in the transparent lens as a patient, shows where her physical pain, emotional havoc, and challenged faith cried out for comfort, mercy, and hope-yet she received so much more. "I wanted this behind me, but didn't want to go through it." This all-encumbering state is represented by the gate in all its frailty-only through the trial could a more profound gleaning of God's beautiful love be discovered. Pamela's personal story is shared from a desire to encourage others who are suffering in any capacity. It is meant to extend a hug of gratitude to the caregivers who run the race with them, and to honor God who remains with us through it all. Pamela J. Helmers enjoys the splendor of creation-from mountaintop hikes to oceanside strolls. She works at an international ministry proclaiming the Gospel. She is also a volunteer interpreter with the deaf. Pamela lives with her husband, Jeffery, in sunny Peoria, Arizona and cherishes time with their five children and nine grandchildren, siblings, and parents.