The Resilient Beauty of Brokenness
Facing adversity? You’re not alone.
No one gets through this life without going through adversity. Some experience more than others, but we all face trial and tragedy. But what is on the other side of those experiences? James Pence is an author, singer, motivational speaker, and performance chalk artist who uses his gifts to share stories of how God brings healing and peace through trouble.
How God is Faithful Through Loss and Adversity
Thanks for Stopping by…
I am thrilled to welcome you to my world, where words, melodies, and chalk converge in a symphony of healing. As a writer, speaker, singer, and performance chalk artist, my passion lies in sharing stories of brokenness and restoration, akin to the ancient Japanese art of kintsugi, where shattered pottery becomes a testament to beauty from brokenness. My performances and stories depict God’s unwavering ability to heal the wounded soul.
Join me on this uplifting path of healing and growth as we discover the artistry of redemption.
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and Get the First Chapter of “Blind Sight” Free!
Blind Sight was originally released in 2003 and was my first published novel. Since then, it has existed in three other editions and is currently available under the title “Unseen”. This is the 20th anniversary of Blind Sight’s original release.
What People Are Saying About James Pence
“Jim…Always Exceeds Expectations.”
Jim is a professional! I have trusted Jim to share with my church, my company, and my clients here at the Zig Ziglar Corporation. He is professional. He is personable. He is well prepared. He is always well received. He tailors his message to the audience and he always exceeds expectations. You will be glad to involve Jim with your team.
“I was blown away!”
When Jim started to speak, I knew we were in for a treat. His message impacted everyone in attendance. Then Jim sang. I don’t know how to say this other than that I was blown away. So was the rest of the audience. His amazing chalk artistry wrapped up an unforgettable evening. Jim delivered a program that wasn’t just great, it’s what I would call “chalk and awe.”
“James Pence Breaks the Mold.”
Do you get tired of the same old? Same old topics presented in the same old way. James H. Pence breaks the mold. Combining stunning chalk drawings with his marvelous singing voice, Pence delivers emotion, substance, and hope during his shows —which will stay in your heart for a long, long time.
Terror By Night
The True Story of the Brutal Texas Murder That Destroyed a Family, Restored One Man's Faith, and Shocked a Nation
In one evening, Terry Caffey lost everything. His wife, Penny, and his sons, Matthew and Tyler, were brutally murdered; his home was burned to the ground, and his sixteen-year-old daughter, Erin, was in jail, charged with three counts of capital murder.
What happened next is nothing short of miraculous…
Art, Music, And Speaking by James Pence
Chalk Art
I took up performance chalk art in 1978 after watching a chalk artist at a summer camp where I was a counselor. I quickly discovered that chalk art speaks powerfully to all ages, and since that time have drawn all over the United States. If you’re interested in having me come draw for you, drop me a note through the contact form.
Music
When I was about three years old, my parents bought me my first record player. Since that moment, music has been a major part of my life. At five I fell in love with musical theater by listening to my parents’ records At thirteen, I taught myself to play guitar by listening to Peter, Paul and Mary. After I came to faith in Jesus I began singing in churches and, later, in prisons.My musical influences include Broadway musicals of all kinds, gospel, folk, and the story songs of the incomparable Ken Medema.
Speaking
In my motivational speaking, I share the resilient beauty of brokenness through music, art, and powerful storytelling that your group will remember long after the event. My wife and I lost our first child, Michelle, when she was only a week old. I’m also a survivor of a sudden cardiac arrest. I have spent his life telling how God brings healing through brokenness.
Artwork by James
Celebrating the Beauty and Goodness of God
James’s creations are a testament to the presence of God, capturing the essence of sadness and joy, pain and triumph, sorrow, and hope. Through James’s chalk, watercolor, digital, and AI-assisted art, experience a visual tapestry that reflects the profound stories of how God's grace flows into every chapter of our lives.
James’s Stories
Finding My Way Back
A Deconstruction Observed, Pt. 25 It’s difficult to describe what the darkest part of my journey felt like. After realizing that the science behind evolution was correct, I went into a spiritual freefall and ultimately found myself standing at the edge of atheism—a place I’d never expected to be. …
Standing at the Edge of Atheism
A Deconstruction Observed, Pt. 24 “I stood at the edge of eternity and beheld only blackness.” That’s where I was during my darkest times. It wasn’t a pleasant place to be. I had believed in God from the time I was a young child. I’d placed my faith in Jesus when I was a teen. I’d walked with him …
Living at the Intersection of Faith & Science
A Deconstruction Observed — Pt. 23 It was so mesmerizing, I forgot to look through my binoculars. I’m talking about the recent eclipse, of course (aka The Great North American Eclipse of 2024). I’d been looking forward to it for seven years—ever since the partial eclipse of 2017. That’s when I …