Miracles Happen♡

The long awaited part 2. I’m a little biased. This may be my absolute favorite part of the story. This time it starts on Memorial Day Weekend 2023.

I don’t know how the photos from the 2023 state pageant came up on my IG feed. Isn’t it funny how one random coincidence can change your life? The butterfly effect is I think what they call this but that one little photo popping onto my feed changed everything. In that moment, God spoke to me and told me it was time.

Admittedly, I always deep down planned to return as a Miss. I’d wait until I was 19 and hit the appointed representative program. There was no way I could possibly win a live state pageant. My first year of eligibility in the Miss division was 2020 so needless to say that didn’t go to plan. It was the next year they started offering live state pageants in the Miss division so I thought my chances were over. That is when I fully buried the dream of ever becoming NAM Miss Alabama.

So why now God? Am I truly ready for this? Could I even have a shot at this? The diversity represented in last years class made me feel it was possible. It felt safe and welcoming. Through every moment of self doubt God told me the time was now and this was my moment. I decided to put my trust fully into him and believe that this in fact was my time. I decided that the work had to start then and I would work for a full 365 days to get on that stage. Even though I didn’t have the extra money I bought a pair of $30 heels on Amazon and immediately went to work. I watched TikTok videos and Youtube videos for guidance but eventually realized I was serious. I wanted this more than anything. That is when Cady came into my life.

I knew I needed to work with a Coach to get the results I wanted. Some girls don’t have to and it is easy to be jealous of their natural talent. I know God placed Cady in my life for reasons bigger than teaching me how to walk or how to communicate effectively during interview. Believe me- she did all of those things and more. Our first session together I couldn’t even answer an interview question. I didn’t have the confidence to fully piece words together. Cady was placed in my life because she was the first person to ever believe in this dream as much as I did. I remember getting off of our first session in genuine disbelief that someone as kind, beautiful, confident, and accomplished as her could possibly believe in me. God knew that deep down I was experiencing doubts that I shouldn’t have. While I knew that this was meant for me and I was willing to trust that this process would work out in the way he meant for it to he knew there would be doubts along the way. That is exactly why he gave me Cady- someone who believed in me so much that I couldn’t help but believe in myself.

I met with Cady every other week for a year straight. Sometimes more than that. I even got to work with her in person at NAM Nationals- a moment I think I cherish most from the last year. She helped me become the version of Sara I longed to be. I put in the work and sometimes overdid it. Towards the end of my prep she had to tell me to slow down and not put hours into prep every day. In the times I doubted myself she reminded me just how great I was and this was my time.

Every. Single. Day. for 365 days I woke up and told myself I was NAM Miss Alabama. No seriously- I looked in the mirror every single day and told myself. When I went to watch NAM Nationals I couldn’t help but stare at the stage. I looked at every inch of it and told myself I would be there next year. I planned my life around this title. I knew with absolutely everything in me I would make this mine. This is why I talk so highly about speaking your dreams into existence. Pray for it but also speak like it is already yours. I told someone a year ago I’m not doing all this prep for a 3 day pageant weekend. I’m doing it for my year as NAM Miss Alabama.

I pulled out all of the stops. I worked for it like never before. I invested in my dream. I spent hours curating my wardrobe. I said my introduction a hundred times a day. When I said I worked…. I worked y’all.

And finally it was time.

With my cutie little Barbie bow and my favorite pink dress of all time (that I can confirm will be making an appearance at Nationals) I headed to check in. I finally felt like I was home. It was a feeling I couldn’t even begin to explain or even feel again. It was the realization that I had finally found my way back after all of those years. It wasn’t just this crazy idea of a comeback I didn’t know would actually happen a year ago. I was there. I made it.

I knew that no matter what happened that weekend I was rewriting the ending of a story that absolutely crushed me all those years ago. I was doing it my way.

Check in gave me a huge boost of confidence. It made me feel ready. I looked my best and felt it too. There was multiple events happening at the Renaissance that weekend. One being a D1 baseball conference championship. Talk about one extreme vs the other. Some other events too. While we were in line for check in people were walking in and cutting through our line to walk to their event. Focused and in my own zone I felt someone tap me on the shoulder and pull me aside. I assumed she was the mom of a contestant but she was actually attending another event there. She asked me if this was a pageant and I nodded my head and told her “Yes ma’am! It is the National American Miss pageant for Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.” She then leaned in and whispered in my ear “You know you’re winning, right?” I laughed it off and told her thank you as she continued singing praises. I wish I could go back and tell her thank you again for the extra confidence boost she gave me. I felt validated in knowing I truly had put my best foot forward and hearing that from a random stranger helps. I got to meet so many girls at check in! From future sister queens to friends I now cherish.. it was the best experience.

One thing I really wanted to talk about was the little “God Winks” from the weekend. I wanted this so bad but above all I wanted a clear mind going into the weekend. Earlier in the week I asked God to give me a sign this was mine and make my contestant number “something crazy like 123”

And then….. I beat myself up the rest of the week because ugh Sara you shouldn’t ask God for something so specific like that. Now when I don’t get 123 I’m going to be in my head all weekend.

But God.

Let me say that again y’all…..

But God.

At check in I was assigned the predetermined contestant number 123. When I tell you I had a mental freak out.

Peep the text sent to my dear friend Bethany on May 25- the day of check in. But God. I had all the peace I needed going into the weekend. It was him telling me this is your crown so go get it.

I decided to go to my hotel room and relax before the next event- THE PINK PARTY.

And if you know anything about me I’m a huge Swiftie. Like watch The Eras Tour live streams and rarely miss one. The surprise song sets get me so excited- especially with the mash ups.

Sadly I missed the live stream that day but of course had to check what she sang during the set.

Another God Wink.

2 songs I have used as my light during the last year of this journey.

Long Live- all the feels but the lyric about the years I sat on the sidelines waiting for right now.

You’re On Your Own Kid- the bridge describes it all. The whole song does truly.

These songs made up my journey more than anyone knows.

She mashed up these songs and played them together on the day of check in.

Peace. I had an abundance of it. I knew from that moment on God led me back down this path for a reason.

The Pink Party was lots of fun. How could it not be? NAM, Pink, and Party. Such a perfect trifecta.

Again, all I could think of was how I felt like I was home. Meeting all the girls, the staff, the vibes. It was perfect. We had rehearsal and crash course later that night. Everything just felt right.

The next morning I was up bright and early for optionals. I accomplished so many fears. I did Casual Wear- an optional I truly didn’t think I was good enough for years ago. I had a goal going into the weekend to compete in as many optionals as possible. I just wanted to experience NAM in all of its glory. I wanted to say I did it, I tried it, I stepped out of my comfort zone. I competed in Spokesmodel and Runway that day too. The rest of the optionals had been completed before the pageant. We had some rehearsals that day then it was time for the first main competition- Formal Wear.

Here is the tea y’all. I used to HATE Formal Wear. This was what I wanted to accomplish more than anything. I wanted to love in. I wanted to feel beautiful during it.

The real tea is a long sleeve dress in late May in Alabama was notttt it. I got pretty hot and sweaty going into the competition. The nerves and watching all 50 something teens did not help.

Formal Wear didn’t go how I planned. Obviously I didn’t do too bad. But I thought I did. I thought I was done. RIP to my dream. She was now dead. Oh well… there is always next year.

The next day was the day. Interview and Personal Introduction. But more importantly… finals. May 27, 2024. A day I counted down to for a year. A day I wrote on every calendar, planner, and frankly anywhere this day was the day my dream came true.

But truthfully I didn’t think it was happening. Let’s go just have fun the rest of the competitions and see what happens.

That was before the best pep talk of my life from one of my favorite people in the entire world- Laura Clements.

She brought me out of the funk and mindset it was over. This is why it is so important to surround yourself with the best people. I don’t know if this would’ve been possible without her encouragement.

So I left hair and makeup with this new mindset. I was hungry for it. Just when I thought I was done I had this fire in me that I had never ever had before.

I went into my hotel room and stood in front of the mirror.

I don’t remember exactly what I told myself but I remember saying something to the extent of this was my crown and I’m here to claim it. If they thought I was out of it after one competition not going my way they were wrong. This is mine- God sent me here for a reason.

Fired up. I can’t describe how I was feeling.

Personal Introduction was first.

A small hiccup on stage- literally. I got the hiccups during Introduction. But I recovered well so that is what mattered.

Interview was my time. Not to brag but I give a good Interview. I knew this is where I would show them exactly why I didn’t just want to win but why they needed me to win.

National American Miss has a round robin style interview with 5 judges- 1 minute each.

I connected with the first 2 judges really well! I got across all I wanted to. I felt good.

Then I sat down with the third judge. Come on God… give me a good one.

“What does representation in pageantry mean to you?”

Funny you ask that. This question is made for me.

“Representation in pageantry means absolutely everything to me. It is why I am here and why I think seeing me as the next NAM Miss Alabama is so important” I don’t remember what else I said but I remember thinking mic. freakin. drop.

The next 2 judges I connected well with. I stood up after talking with the 5th judge and I realized then.

I had done it. I had just won NAM Miss Alabama.

I could’ve thrown up.

All I knew was I needed to find my mom.

And when I did I grabbed her and started jumping up and down. “Mama I did it.”

I knew.

It wasn’t confidence but peace. I just knew. I spent the rest of the day convincing myself that I didn’t need to get ahead of myself. Calm down. We’ve been here before. You don’t want to get your hopes up.

I spent the rest of the day relaxing the best I could. I made an Instagram post to share with my friends before finals. It was spur of the moment but the words still get me to this day.

“Wow. All the feelings today. A year ago this weekend I began the most beautiful journey I’ve ever been on. I won’t get much into it now (although you know a sappy post is coming later) but I am so abundantly proud of myself. I fought for this dream with everything in me and can confidently walk away tonight knowing I did everything I came here to do.

I left everything on the stage and in the interview room. I shared everything I needed to share. I did everything I needed to do. I have peace with whatever tonight brings. Overall I know that 15 year old Jr. Teen contestant Sara would think that 23 year old Miss contestant Sara is the coolest person in the world.

Tonight I’ll either get to be Miss Alabama or just Sara. I think both are pretty great.”

And I added the picture with the biggest smile possible because that is exactly how I felt.

It was finally time. I went downstairs to find out Lynleigh, who I met at check in, won NAM Miss Alabama Jr. Teen. Her mama had all the excitement as we celebrated together. Her last words to me- “Now go win so y’all can be sister queens!!’ I wanted to spend the year with them so desperately. .

I got backstage to find out Anya- not only the coolest girl I know but the most inspiring too- had gotten 1ru. Celebrating her was so special. I just wanted to find her. I ran through the dressing room and ballroom looking for her. It was one of my favorite moments of the weekend. I got to celebrate Lynleigh too- making the moment that much more special.

Then it was time. Moments before going on stage I asked if we could make a circle to pray together and say something nice about the girl beside us. Holding hands with Brenna I got to tell her how special meeting her was and how glad I was NAM brought her to me. I hope to do this again at Nationals. It meant everything to me.

I took this picture before walking on stage and sent it to my friends. I felt abundantly positive.

But no matter how good I felt nothing could prepare me what was about to happen.

The first award of the night was Miss Personality or better known as Miss Congeniality. In one of the greatest honors of my life, I was voted Miss Personality by the other contestants. To my surprise the awards kept coming.

I walked away with the following…

Miss Personality Winner

Red Carpet Correspondent Winner

Runway Winner

Casual Wear Winner

Heart of Service Winner

Young Author Winner

Best Thank You Note 1ru

Dream Model Winner

Spokesmodel Winner

Photogenic 2ru

Actress Winner

And each time my name was called I was genuinely so shocked and excited.

Alright- no more funny business. Let’s cut to the real stuff. Top 10. Of course Alabama was last. I sat through the announcements of Top 10 for Mississippi and Louisiana. My heart was pounding.

I had never placed before. That’s what I really wanted. I wanted to be better than last time. I was only in competition with myself.

Finally my name was called. I had placed at a NAM State Pageant. Instead of explaining my excitement I figured I would show you. See below ;)

But what isn’t pictured is me needing a chair and tissues backstage. I had done it. I can only feel like David conquering Goliath. I thought I was going to pass out. I did what I came to do. 15 year old Sara would be so insanely proud and I held that. No matter what happened next… it didn’t matter. I had been the girl who walked away with no placement and I wouldn’t take this for granted- not for a single second.

Brenna won NAM Miss Louisiana and it only made me want to win more. How awesome would it be to be her sister queen. Just when I had stopped crying the tears came back. I was SO happy for her. This is what pageantry is about to me.

Now it was time to announce the Top 5. I was the first name called- I couldn’t believe it. Again, see below hehe

Now it was really time.

“Are you ladies ready? Have you waited long enough” You have no idea. I’ve waited 7 years.

4th runner up… okay prepare yourself. wait? that isn’t me

3rd runner up…. okay she is calling your name now. just be proud of your- wait that isn’t me either

2nd runner up….. ok ok…wait that isn’t me. holy crap i’m in the top 2.

And in that moment God told me it was finally my time. After all the no’s and not yet’s he told me to be ready- the time is now.

Then it finally happened. Miracles happen started playing. It was my name they were announcing.

I finally had my miracles happen moment. Miracles do happen when you believe just as I did. I dreamt of this moment for 7 years and it was even better than I ever could have imagined. A true dream come true.

The next few moments were just as magical. Stepping offstage to everyone cheering “Miss Alabama”. Hugging everyone. Facetiming my family. Stacy who was the NAM Miss Georgia at the time was there and so was her mom. I had opened up to her mom about how I had stopped competing for a few years after that mean boy I told y’all about. She grabbed me by the hands and told me that this was the sweetest revenge. Maybe my favorite moment from that weekend. It was so full circle.

We had a royalty meeting and I was able to be with my 2 other Miss sisters. The start of a beautiful friendship and the first time the 3 Gulf Coast Girlies got to be together. We then got to shoot with Meagan Gilbert which was a dream. It was everything I had ever hoped for.

It was the day my dreams came true. It was the best day of my life.

And eventually I’ll tell you guys about the worst days that followed but that isn’t my story. This is.

The story that miracles do happen.

The story that proves even your biggest dreams are possible.

The story that shows you aren’t defined by your body.

The story I will tell over and over for the rest of my life.

I will end it with this. People will tell you your dreams aren’t possible, aren’t logical, or aren’t for you. The only way that is true is if you don’t try.

The dreams that are worth it aren’t easy. There is going to be bumps in the road with twists and turns. The journey may be long but it just makes the destination that much sweeter.

I said I wanted this title to show others that my dream was possible so theirs is too. And it is. Consider this your sign. No matter what your dream is keep going.

All things will come with a little time when you believe.