Miss USA

Broken is still Beautiful.

Wrecked is still Worthy.

Humble is still Honorable.

Flawed is still Favorable.

Rejected is still Refinable.

Failing is still not final.

Ya’ll this is a picture of me right before performing a brand new song that I just wrote a few weeks ago inspired for this occasion and for so many stunning contestants competing in a beauty pageant.

Not long after I took this picture, I was back in this empty room sitting in a chair, mortified crying for 30 minutes, wishing I could disappear or be invisible. Dreading the idea of having to ever walk back out of the room. I had practiced over and over with hopes of glorifying God and blessing the people who would hear it, and making the pageant proud for inviting me. But the truth is, I was a complete hot mess! My monitor never turned on, I couldn’t hear, I lost focus, I stumbled forgot the words, my parts, and struggled through the entire performance whether or not I should just drop the mic and walk off the stage or keep humiliating myself by blindly singing the rest of this song! I ended up finishing the best I could, but knowing I was surrounded by a room full of beautiful and influential people and critics I felt reduced to worthlessness.

After a good gut punch to my pride, I was reminded that I am not defined by my performance, my voice, my beauty or my status.

I am Royal & Radiant simply because I am a daughter of the King. And Nothing can change that. It is sealed forever. I am favored and called.

And all of a sudden, I am encouraged that I can only grow from this. The fire refines. And I will survive, because only by the truth am I defined. God knows who I am. I know Him, He knows me, and through His eyes, I see me.

I commend every brave girl who is willing to be revealed. To be beautiful. To stand out. To make a difference. To share some light. To sparkle and shine. To aim to win. To push your way through the haters and the lies… to crush your pain and pride, in order to rise and shine! YOU are Worthy! You are Precious! You are Inspiring! Thank you! Keep Shining from earth to eternity! You are a star to the one who made you!

These precious young ladies and woman have been preparing for months… many have been working with coaches and spend hours every day. They have invested so much into this competition. So many have had to overcome challenges, emotions, rejections, fears, and insecurities. I have been overwhelmed by just a pinch of experience witnessing behind the scenes! I’ve seen the fears and the tears and also the pride and the shine! Only a few carry a certain essence that only a girl with grace can show! She is the kind one, the humble and most patient one, the one who smiles most through the pain but is determined to finish strong. She is most prepared, and self aware. She is the one encouraging everyone around her, she is well put together and still has time to fix another girls crown. She is well spoken and her words are seasoned with class and grace. She can stumble and make a fierce comeback that will make you forget every flaw. She has a glow, from the inside that overflows.

Throughout the few days of the pageant, there was one special girl that I connected with. On the last night I asked her if I could pray for her before the pageant, after we prayed, she looked at me with tears in her eyes, and she flooded my soul with purpose.

After feeling beyond humbled by my worst performance ever… I hear her name called, the confetti machines blowing, the applause and cheer from the audience! WHAT?!!! Out of 75 girls - She Won! SHE WAS CROWNED! Wow! What a redemptive ending! HALLELUIAH!

I was reminded of the conversation I had with God about me being willing to be the donkey he could ride upon! I am still happy to be his Princess AND donkey!

I know I am called! I am chosen! To bring the good news to the poor and healing to the brokenhearted and freedom to the captives! For our God gives beauty for ashes! He gives the oil of joy for mourning and a garment praise for a spirit of despair. He redeems our life from the pit and crowns us with love and compassion! And wisdom reveals true dignity and gives us a crown of beauty!

The weight of our value

is not just found in our winning,

but in our willingness,

not just in our beauty,

but our bravery,

not just in our fashion,

but our compassion,

not just in our perfection,

but our purpose,

not in our status,

but in our soul.

Please go follow Peyton Lewis to becoming Miss USA!

🔗 My sequin dress: https://liketk.it/4KRFb