The First, the Only, the Few - by Pam Lilly (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Born just before the victories of the Civil Rights Movement and entering public school just after desegregation, Pam Lilly has often been the first, sometimes been the only, and regularly been among the few Black people in predominantly white spaces. Drawing on her own experiences as well as those of family members, she narrates a story of adversity, victory, moving forward, and joy. A devoted follower of Jesus, Lilly sees everything that has happened to her as part of God's plan for her. With a clear desire to love others and encouragement for all people to listen to and learn from each other, The First, the Only, the Few, will challenge readers to seek the kind of unified society God desires and will bless.

Review Quotes

"Pam Lilly brilliantly combines her life story with fascinating and powerful illustrations of the pain of racism she has experienced along with so many other people of color. She courageously tackles the impact of racism and offers hope through the power of God's Word. She offers concrete help in achieving hope, harmony, and healing in relationships with people who are different from each other."

Dr. Wil Chevalier, President and CEO

LifeBranch Institute International

"Pam shares her personal story growing up in southwest Louisiana as an African American with Christian parents. Pam opens with prayer, asking for courage and wisdom to tell her story in love and to do so in a spirit of unity. Many of the stories are hard to hear but so impactful. Pam shares without judgment and encourages her readers to ask themselves tough questions. Then, as 'Brothers and Sisters, ' let us truly become one in Christ so that they may know we are His followers."

Mark Christensen, SPHR

Former Human Resources Manager, National Diversity Council

"Pam Lilly pours her heart onto the pages of this powerful work. One part memoir, one part prayer, and one part prophetic word, Pam calls us to break down racial barriers within the church and in whatever communities we find ourselves. By sharing her personal story, we're reminded to remember the first trailblazers who overcame prejudice, and those who labor as the only and the few, and to follow their lead."

Rasool Berry, Director

Partnership Liaison and Content Developer

Voices from Our Daily Bread Ministries

"In these pages Pam sheds a canopy of light on the shadows of heaven that is ours in this present age, calling those in Christ to pray with deepening urgency, 'Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.'"

Dr. Randy R. Butler, Pastor

Mission Increase

"As a white parent raising a Black child, I need this book. Pam's vulnerable storytelling alongside her gospel-saturated perspective challenge me to live for a world where all people feel safe, loved, and embraced. Read this book with a heart open to what the Lord is going to speak to you."

Rev. Dan Aikins, Evangelism Pastor

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

"Growing up as 'White Evangelicals' we had no idea the struggles that our brothers and sisters, who didn't look like us, experienced on a daily basis, even inside the church. It is because of conversations with friends just like Pam Lilly, that we better understand so many things that were hidden. If you want to be a part of unifying the body of Christ across all cultural backgrounds to reach this country for Christ, then this is a must-read, not just for understanding but for empathy too."

Jim & Martha Brangenberg

Co-hosts of www.iWork4Him.com

"Pam Lilly's The First, The Only, The Few is a beautifully written and inspiring autobiography that captures the extraordinary journey of a courageous young African-American woman breaking barriers during the desegregation era. Pam graciously invites readers into her world, sharing her 'firsts'-from attending the first desegregated school in her community to other pioneering moments in her life. Her story is not only a powerful testimony of resilience and faith but also a reminder of the hope and unity that God's people can bring in times of division. This book opened my eyes to the profound truth that 'not everyone is having the same experience, ' and it gave me the language to foster meaningful conversations in my own community."

Nadya Dickson

Leadership and Life Coach and National Director

The Master's Program for Women