Miss America: Lessons for 21 Year Old Me
It’s Miss America week! I always get nostalgic this time of year. The year I was able to walk, dance, speak and strut on that stage seems so distant, yet not that long ago. But when I pull out the dress and realize I can’t get my right leg in it…. I am reminded of how long ago that truly was. 🤣
Who are you cheering for this week? Y’all know Louisiana is my girl. She is beautiful, precious in every way, talented, and an all-around sweet person. I am praying for her! With her, I also have connections to Miss Texas through the Varsity world and a blog post written a few months ago! Crazy how God connected the dots! This is also the first year teen and miss compete in the same location at the same time. Go Laura Jane and Makenzie!
When people realize that I was a former Miss Louisiana, one of their first questions is always, “Ohhh! How did you do at Miss America?” And then I chuckle and tell them, “Top 52!” 🤣
The experiences and memories I will truly cherish forever! The fashion shows, special events, red carpet events, 2 weeks of filming in LA, production rehearsals, and the incredible free swag bags were amazing! I mean…. wow! We felt like stars back in those days. But to be truthful, my 21 year old heart was a little broken when I realized the judges didn’t choose me…. For anything.
You see, when you prepare for something like Miss America, you must go in with confidence. You must go in picturing what type of Miss America you could be. You become so mentally focused that you don’t think past the final competition. I had devoted that portion of my life to Miss America, and so many others had devoted their lives to help and support me along the way. You don’t get to Miss America by yourself! And the thought of letting others down was tough to swallow.
Ok, so this sounds like a sad story…. it’s not… I promise! Because 37 year old me has better perspective. I look back and think… “Wow God… What a story you gave me to tell. How blessed am I to be able to talk about this and share your goodness with others.” Here is what I learned and where I find joy in my experience. These are lessons any current or future Miss America contestant could use…. Or the normal mom of 3.
We need God-fidence. If someone were to say, “Tell me about yourself.” What would you say? Most of us would talk about our kids, family, job, college degree, major, and hobbies. We find identity in the titles the world gives us. 21 year old me totally found identity in what others said about me and what the world said. We need to daily remind ourselves who God says we are. If we don’t, we will be crushed in spirit, and we will allow the words and thoughts of others rule our heart. I want God ruling my heart and here is who He says you are: You are forever loved (Romans 8:38-39), You are strong (Psalm 18:32), You are forgiven (1 John 2:12), You are His (Isaiah 43:1), and You have purpose (Esther 4:14). You are beloved, valued, accepted, and wanted by Him. If you keep this in mind, it suddenly doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks or says about you. No matter if you are about to walk the Miss America stage or change a diaper, you now have a confidence that is unmatched… and people see it and gravitate towards it.
Jesus is the only mold. I remember the year I was competing they were starting to re-brand the Miss America image. They were going away from the “pageant patty” era and going towards a more modern image. That’s why we did the Miss America Reality Show. They wanted to show the world that we were a different and relatable group of women. I remember several MAO executives telling us what to expect and what they were looking for in a Miss America. They wanted modern, hip, non-robotic, natural, and not over the top. I took this to heart and wanted to fit that mold. When making Miss America decisions, that’s what I kept top of mind. There is nothing wrong with this! It’s smart! However, that should never out-weigh the uniqueness of the way God made you. So, I am asking you, “Who are you trying to be?” Are you trying to fit a mold? Are you trying to be something for the sake of an accolade, crown, or to please others? You don’t have to be a pageant contestant to fall into this trap. As a mom you can try to fit the mold of super mom. And it goes like this: Moms need to get up earlier, fix lunches, do homework (my child MUST get As), do the laundry (3xs a day), cook a nice hot meal (that everyone loves - yea right!), clean the house, oh and don’t forget to work out and eat gluten free meals.… Who told us we have to do all that :) ?? It’s a mold (and a lie), and as ladies of God we must flee from that thinking. I’m trying to be like Jesus. It’s the only mold that lasts.
Be Bold. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 Be bold about your faith. Be boldly kind. Be boldly patient. Be bold in where your peace comes from. Be bold about sharing Jesus with others. Be bold in grace, mercy, forgiveness, and self-control. If you are all of those things - you are bold. Because those things are all counter-cultural. How do we stand out in today’s time? You be bold about the Spirit’s work in your life. This is the fruit of being led by the Spirit.
I love thinking about my Miss America experience and all the lessons learned. It feels like I lived a different life. I’m so thankful for the people who poured into me at that time, my family, and the Miss Louisiana Board - who are family! It’s fun to reminisce. You can watch this year’s pageant Sunday night (Jan. 14) on YouTube! Cheer on our Louisiana girls and pray for their God-fidence and boldness as they both compete.
