Reflecting on the Mrs. International Pageant
As
the Mrs. contestants filled the room during our first night together at
orientation, I walked around and placed a bookmark on every woman’s
spot. On the front was my picture and on the back was a quote that read,
“True beauty in a woman is reflected in the soul.” Little did I know
that I would discover countless beautiful souls during my week at the
Mrs. International Pageant.
Our
group consisted of teachers, business owners, non-profit starters,
ministry leaders, international models, and even a meteorologist (just
to name a few). We represented two generations of women and several
different countries. But even more impressive than our age, race or
resumes, we are all women filled with bravery, resilience, and a heart
to serve others. I am honored to have been among these as a
representative of North Dakota and my platform, National Youth
Ministries.
A
quote that I recently adopted as my motto is, “Success does not rest in
the outcome, it rests in the obedience.” My personal journey in
pageantry is truly one of obedience. After placing 3rd runner up in the
Miss Junior Teen Las Vegas pageant almost 10 years ago, I told my mom
that pageantry wasn't my thing and I never wanted to do it again. Note
to self, never say “never." Ironically, as a newly-wed adult, God gave me a
clear calling toward pageantry once again. When God asks something of
me, I believe it is necessary to be obedient to His direction. So there I
was, at the Mrs. International Pageant, doing the very thing I never
thought I’d do. I am so grateful that God replaced my “never” with his
beautiful plan.
Throughout
my very busy week in Charleston, West Virginia, I asked God to reveal
my specific purpose for being there. “Is it to win the crown?” I asked
several times. “Or is it for something else?” Each time, I heard him
say, “Just wait and see.” So that's exactly what I did. As I waited, I
developed relationships, enjoyed amazing food & fun activities and
engaged in many interesting conversations. I even learned how to say
“Hello North Dakota” in 6 different languages! I took lots of pictures,
prayed with my directors and fellow contestants, smiled at every person I
met. I had so much fun!
Not
every moment was perfect, though. I had a minor setback when a
mysterious bug bite forced me to miss some of rehearsal to go to the
quick care with my entourage of directors and staff. But I learned to
laugh at the ridiculousness of my “emergency”. After a steroid shot and a
good spray tan, the bug bite was healed and hidden just in time for
preliminaries!
After the preliminary competition on Friday
night, my mind shifted from fun-mode into anticipation for the results.
As Saturday afternoon approached, I was very emotional. The long, but
wonderful week was finally coming to an end and I couldn't believe it
was my last day with all these women. Yes, tears were involved. When our
last rehearsal ended and we headed backstage to get ready for the final
show, I reminded myself to enjoy every moment.
After
fixing my hair and makeup one last time, I turned on worship music,
stepped away from the dressing room and found a quiet corner to pray.
“God, why am I here?” I asked again. “Is it to win the crown?” “Or is it
for something else?” At that moment, God told me to be happy for every
woman who makes the top 15, whether I am one of them or not. He told me
to be as happy for my fellow queens as if it were me up there. All of a
sudden my mind and heart shifted. I was no longer anxious. I was filled
with pure excitement for our top finalists (who hadn’t even been
announced yet) and I was already excited for the winner, whomever she
was going to be! I immediately got a burst of energy and the desire to
get back in the dressing room and get to know some of these women while I
still had the chance.
In that moment, I was living Psalm 28:7
“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”
As I marched on that stage for opening number, I was truly “bursting” was happiness, thanksgiving and energy.
When
the top 15 were called and I didn’t hear my name, I continued to smile a
genuine smile because I knew I had given this competition my very best.
I had no regrets, and I learned so much. As I stood on stage clapping
for those who made it to the top, I saw why I was there. I was there to
share a piece of myself and the light of Christ with these women. I was
also there to be inspired by them because many of them have been
philanthropists for as long as I have been alive. I was there to learn
and grow from this experience. Huge congratulations to our new Mrs.
International, Mellissa Pocza! You are a great role model for women
everywhere and I am praying that you accomplish amazing things this
year.
I
believe God will continue to show me many more reasons as to why he
called me into pageantry. I look forward to learning, growing and
discovering every reason He allowed me to be Mrs. North Dakota
International for such a time as this.
Angelina Yarbrough
