True Beauty
I’m often asked about my love of pageants- why did I decide to compete, how old was I when I started, and why on earth would I still compete as an adult? There are so many answers to these questions but, by and large, it’s the friendships that keep me coming back.
In 2015, I competed for the second time in the Mrs. Texas America pageant. Having placed in the top five the year before, I thought my chances were pretty good to win. But there was this one girl I thought was a standout! Her name was Lindsay Closson and we would become fast friends.
Over the course of the preliminary events, we found out that we had a lot in common. I’ll never forget, right before the opening number on the final night, Lindsay came up to me, grabbed my hands, and said, “I really think we are going to be the final two standing.” And I agreed. Although I really wanted to win, I knew I'd be okay if she had won.
She was partially right because she was indeed one of the final two standing. Lindsay placed 1st runner up that night and I was right behind her as second runner up. We both say we walked away as winners because of what we gained in our friendship. We have continued to support each other through pageants, babies, and the inevitable challenges of life.
There is so much more for me to share about the friend Lindsay is (and I will), but today I want to honor her.
Last August, Lindsay competed for the title of Mrs. United States in Las Vegas. On the final night, she was asked on stage to share about her platform:
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the question, ‘so when are you having kids?” And it was a question that didn’t bother my husband Brady and I at first. But through a six-year journey of infertility, it was really hard to be honest with our struggle. I am Lindsay Closson and for so long I carried the burden of wanting to be a mom so bad. And it wasn’t until I found Braving Infertility Together that I found the courage and support to find our breakthrough- our miracle son, Caiden, who will be two in October.
But here’s the thing, infertility is most often not covered by insurance. Couples spend up to $20,000 for one treatment and the outcome is not guaranteed. Affordable options are limited to contests and giveaways by clinics and it shouldn’t be that way. As Mrs. United States, my mission is to fund a grant to help couples seeking infertility treatments to get them who would not otherwise be able to afford them.
And everyone in this room tonight, you can do two things: the first is to talk to your HR department about having infertility treatments covered by your insurance program; and the second, I invite you to make a donation at braving it dot org.
It’s fun to gamble while we are all here in Vegas, but no one should have to gamble on starting their families.
This is a mom standing on stage, with two heavenly babies and she was able to remain composed in front of a live audience, with an intelligent answer AND an action step for others to help out. She went on to win the title of Mrs. United States 2019 that night, and the look on the faces of the women behind her proved they agreed the judges got it right. It’s also a testament to the competitor that Lindsay is.
Lindsay competed with a purpose, but she was also there to make friends. She wanted to know the stories of the girls competing alongside her. She was rooting for them while having the confidence to know she had what it took to do the job. Many people assume you need to spend a small fortune to win a pageant. Well, Lindsay won wearing an interview dress for less than $40. You know the old saying, if it's not broke don't fix it? Lindsay and her team believed that, and knew her heart and mission was enough.
This week, Lindsay should be in Florida crowning her successor. In fact, back in February she wrote how excited she was,
“I am most excited to meet the women who will be joining the Mrs. United States class of 2020! The women who are saying yes to doing what they love, refusing to give up on a dream or trying something new. The women who want to be connected, inspired and empowered to chase their life’s biggest goals and dreams.
I am most excited for you. To see what you’ll do with the opportunities that life throws your way. To see if you’ll take the risk. To watch that risk pay off for you in ways you never could’ve imagined.”
When I think of people who model grace and live out love in their life, she’s definitely at the top of the list!
Lindsay you are a true friend, a kind competitor, a warrior for justice, a peacekeeper, and (most importantly!) a faithful wife and mom. You will forever be the Mrs. United States 2019. Grateful to have you in my life!
*If you all want to know more about Lindsay and the work she does head over to her Instagram, @realmomoftexas
