Thank God for His Grace

By now I’m sure you’ve read about it or heard the news. Miss California USA Carrie Prejean will keep her crown despite “racy” photos that appeared on a Web site weeks after the 21-year-old defended traditional marriage during the televised Miss USA pageant.

She told the panel of celebrity judges, a live audience and millions of viewers, she didn’t believe in “opposite marriage.” “I don’t mean to offend anybody,” she said, “but that’s the way I was raised.” She went on to say marriage is between a man and a woman.

I just about fell out my chair watching Carrie that night. I remember thinking to myself, She’s going to lose. But did she? She was named first runner-up in the pageant, but I believe God’s will was done in her life that night.

Carrie told James Dobson during a radio interview this week that she refused to let Satan make her compromise her convictions. She took a stand for traditional marriage and was verbally attacked in the media for her position.

There are so many ways to spin this story, but what resonates most with me is the underlining message of grace. Carrie should have disclosed the information about the photos when she signed the pageant contract. And had she chosen not to pose for a photo shoot wearing skimpy lingerie, she probably wouldn’t be in this predicament.

But she did and Donald Trump had a decision to make: fire Carrie or let her keep her title. He chose the latter.

His decision reminds me of God’s grace toward us. Many of us have done things in the past we are not proud of, but the Father has forgiven us and has wiped the slate clean. And though some people continue in sin, He continues to extend His grace to them with opportunities to turn their lives around.

He then uses our lives as a testimony to His redeeming power. Thank you, Lord!

I am not calling The Donald a saint. I don’t know what his spiritual beliefs are, but as co-owner of the Miss USA/Miss Universe pageants, he has the authority to fire who he chooses.

I’m glad Carrie Prejean decided to take a stand that day when she spoke up for marriage. Though her response opened the door to her past, the Father extended His grace to her opening the door to her future.

Valerie G. Lowe is the editor of SpiritLed Woman eMagazine.