For Such A Time As This

For Such A Time As This by Leah Hadder

Living in a time of negative media, news, and information ready to change at our fingertips, it is easy to lose focus on what is truly important.

As a believer in the pageant industry, it is easy to get distracted by comparison. Sometimes, I may not feel good enough, wise enough, or pretty enough to enact God’s calling on my life. I once heard a former Miss America state titleholder share her competition story. She had competed for years before placing runner-up in her last year to compete. Feeling defeated, she sadly accepted her placement. Surprisingly, months after, the current state titleholder won the national crown, and the speaker then resumed the duties of the state’s crown. What a testimony of God’s working!

Concluding her story, she held up the coveted state crown. It was gorgeous, sparkling, and covered with jewels from top to bottom. She then stated a quote that influenced my thoughts as a believer.

As she held up the crown, she said, “You know, this is lovely, but it’s just a decorated piece of metal. I can’t believe that I made this an idol for most of my life when now, I can hold it in my hands and place it in a box.”

“What!?” I thought. “How ungrateful!”

She then concluded her message with, “I struggled for so many years thinking that I needed this to be happy. It’s not the object that makes you happy. It’s what you do with the crown that is most important.”

After a moment of confusion, I then began to understand what she was trying to explain. It is tempting

to get caught up in thoughts related to how we present ourselves to the public. Others are so concerned with titles and prestige. Many admit that seeing posts on social media have made them feel inadequate. People want “the next best thing” instead of pursuing engaging ways to appreciate the present. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, folks!

What can we do with the time and positions we have now to reach others for the Kingdom? What gifts has God given us that we can use to minister to others? What can we focus on to ensure that we are living our lives to the fullest within His will?

As Miss Petite Tennessee, I am in a very special, appointed position to influence others. There are many opportunities with the platform that I’ve been given to help those in need, edify others who feel discouraged, and speak to many across the South about faith and perseverance. Pageant title, workplace position, leadership duty…whatever it may be, you are given time. How will you use it?

Esther 4:14: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

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