I went on this journey making several promises to myself:
#1- Know you are doing this to bring glory to God- Throughout this competition I was ready to represent God in my actions. I was not going to let this pageant bring my focus off the person who gave me this opportunity. I praised him through the whole event and thank him for all he has given me. I know that he is proud of his daughter.
#2- Stay true to myself- I was not going to change myself to give a better impression. With me, what you see is what you get. The answers to my questions, my attitude on stage and behind, is who I am. This was the real Lindsay Merritt! I am a wife, mother, teacher, Christian, and advocate for children. These factors went into every aspect of the pageant. From my one piece swimsuit, to my red dress, to interview, I was going to reflect who I was as a person. Some of my decisions cost me points, but in the end I am so proud that I stayed true to myself, I was genuine, and I made the people I love the most proud.
#3- You are doing this to make a difference in NC, for the children- It was such an honor to have about 10 little girls (not related) come up to me after the pageant and tell me they were pulling for me! How amazing is that. Even now as I type I am crying because of the positive example I was setting for these young girls. My mission was accomplished :) I was doing this not to prove anything to myself, but to make a difference in children's lives. I made it a point, each opportunity I had to make my platform "Giving Every Child a Chance" front and center. This will not be the end. As long as our children are not having every opportunity to live a successful life, then I will continue working to make that difference.
Thank you to all of you who have supported me through this. It is not the end. I will continue making your proud, and working hard for each and every organization and group that has backed me this whole time! Thank you so much and I love you all. Until next time....
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| 6th Runner Up Michelle Duncan, 4th Runner Up Candice Farnie, 2nd Runner up Autumn Booth, Winner Debbie Miller, 1st Runner up Amanda Furr, 3rd Runner up ME, 5th runner up Catherine Bersch |
We are so proud of you and the job you have done and will continue to do! You did stay true to yourself, and it paid off. Winning the title of Mrs. North Carolina wasn't all that you were there to achieve. You completely fulfilled what you went there to do, and for that I am so proud and honored to be your mom. Like I said, I can't even remember how many people approach us after the pageant, and told us how they were so impressed by you and what you stood for. You represented Christ the moment that you stepped onto that stage, and He was smiling from Heaven! If you choose to continue on this pageant road, you know you will have us all behind you, and from what it sounds like, many more friends and "fans" you made last night. Love ya Mom
ReplyDeleteHello Mrs. Merritt, my name is Jeff Holt. We do not know one another personally, but I had the opportunity to see you, and hear your testimony of your love for children at the Mrs. North Carolina US Pageant on June 4th. I've also read your short bio in the pageant's program. In brief, I am a member of the Guardians of the Children, which consequently was a local supporter through the Mooresville chapter to Mrs. Candice Farnie. I am in the process of chartering a new chapter and would like to speak to you in further detail on some issues I feel you may be able to assist us with. I look forward to your earliest response at jholt26@triad.rr.com
ReplyDeleteThank you in advance for your help,
Jeff