Unlikely Hero

I have found a new hero in a place I never would have suspected, my latest hero is a beauty pageant contestant. No, she's not my hero for her outer beauty, she's my hero for the inner beauty she allowed the nation to see when she was placed in one of those rare moments in time when the next 60 seconds will define her next 60 years.

Carrie Prejean, Miss California was seemingly moments away from achieving a lifetime goal of winning the Miss America Contest, the tiara was within her grasp, and with the answer to one question the dreams of a young girl becoming Miss America ended. Carrie was simply asked what her thoughts were on gay marriage, I am certain she knew
that her answer would determine whether or not she would win the crown. Carrie spoke from her heart and declared marriage "should be between a man and a woman." Instantly he response became the "answer heard round the world."

I'm not familiar with how one becomes a contestant in the Miss USA contest, I'm sure it takes years of practice, dozens, countless prior pageants and thousands of hours of preparation. I think winning Miss USA would be the ultimate goal for pageant contestants. When Carrie Prejean answered it was the equivalent of Tiger Woods needing a two foot putt to win the Masters, and picking it up. Brett Farve needing to make a key first down in the Superbowl instead takes a knee. Michael Jordan with the clock running down, holds on to the ball rather than taking the winning shot. It was in her power to reach the pinnacle, but not if it meant selling out her beliefs. That's why a pageant contestant is my new hero.

She did the right thing. Today she is being both vilified and commended for her response. Had she answered the way the eventual winner did "I'm not going to say whether or not I think it should be defined as marriage because that's up to our politicans and our elected officials.", she would have sold out.

The bible tells us not to store up treasures on earth, rather we should store up treasures in heaven. The bible says let your yes be yes, with her answer Carrie Prejean choose the ways of God, not man. Today Miss Prejean you are my hero.