Ok...for those of you that know me, I am not a beauty queen. I'm loud, I'm clumsy, and I can be less than tactful at times. So imagine my surprise when I was approached about competing in a pageant! A pageant? Really? Me? I'm pageant material...
This pageant is the American Beauties Plus Pageant and it takes place in Atlanta in April which is a mere 11 weeks away.
I found myself asking my closest friends and family their opinion on the subject and they didn't offer the answer I was hoping for. Apparently, to them I am "pageant material". In my search for an unsupportive friend or family member, I came up terribly short, which left me in a conundrum...should I do this?
To offer a little insight into me, I have never considered myself the "pretty girl". I'm the funny one, or the cute one, or the one that sounds like Ariel (that's a new one and my personal favorite). I've been quite happy with those monikers over the years and they've served me quite well. I am married to a great guy who thinks I'm gorgeous and a son who thinks I'm pretty. How could I ask for more. Furthermore, it has always my opinion that a girl who enters a pageant needs validation of some sort; I'm validated through music, a fantastic and rewarding career, a beautiful family, and a relationship with God that has led me to an extended church family; why do I need a crown and sash?
This is a bit different, this is a PLUS SIZE pageant; we're all big girls! So that threw me a curve ball. I'm a confident girl, I'll jump in front a room of people and sing my heart out or present on a subject near and dear to my heart. But jump on a stage in an evening gown?
I've been asking myself, what do I have to lose? A few bucks on pageant costs and possibly extensions? I think the gain may just outweigh the costs. So here I am ready to take the plunge into this unknown world. The beauty of it (no pun intended) is, I can take anyone who wants to come with me on my journey. I seek you're advice, support, giggles, anything! I never thought I would ever do anything like this and now, rather than hide from the taboo of being plus size I'm not only going to confront it but also celebrate it. I'm also going to do all this with a grain of salt because that's my nature...I look forward to your comments.
Well.... You Go Girl! I'm so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteWow Deb! Celebration time long overdue! This is the belief and assurance that Jesus gave to me at the awkward and pivotal age of 14, when He told me He loved me and that I was beautiful. I haven't listened to the world since, in regards to the "image" of woman.
ReplyDeleteYou are beautiful - in every way. This sounds extremely fun and looks to be another way for God to reveal His love for you. You have my support and giggles, too.
This is awesome Deb!!!! I always thought that you were gorgeous and this sounds like such a neat opportunity! I am so jumping on board the Deborah train:-) Hey, if you need any back up dancers for your talent portion, just let me know: I can have your back:-) Eric has also inherited my interesting rhythm (much to Matthew's dismay) so he can back you up to:-) You are going to do great!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo very proud (said with my chest puffed up) of your courage.
ReplyDeleteToo often, women leave themselves behind to become Mothers, wives, daughters, employees etc. This is just one more venue to display all of your uniquely gifted "Debness".
What an inspiration to your friends and most of all Gavin. :D
I look so forward to your memoirs. Yaaayyyyyyyyy Deborah xo