A Spiritual Beauty Pageant

Last week, I was a contestant in What is Your State of Mind? Pageant at my church, Bethesda Temple. The play was part of the annual women’s ministry. Being a part of it gave me a self-reflection to guard my heart and mind against thoughts and attitudes that aren’t pleasing to God.

It had all the similarities of a physical beauty pageant, but far from it. The message was profound. Eight contestants, including me, were judged by the characteristics of our state of mind as Christians. The prize we were vying for was God’s approval and blessings.

Miss State Of Complaining (This contestant complained about everything—the time service starts, the shoes she was wearing, and the way programs are done)

Miss State Of Anger—was off the Chain! (This contestant repents by the end of the pageant, but not before displaying out of control anger at everybody in the church, at home, and around her. The core of her anger was hurt)

Miss State Of Self Righteousness (As far as this contestant was concerned, nobody was saved, but her. Her problem was loneliness)

Miss State Of Prayer (She was the runner-up, because she knew how to pray through situations and not the devil himself scared her from calling on Jesus)

Miss State Of Gossip (This was another contestant out of control. She yearned for attention, so the best way to get it was to have dirt on everyone else, and spread it)

Miss State Of Fear (This contestant was scared of people, situations, trials, etc., and was rebuked by God for possessing the spirit of fear)

Miss State Of Unforgiveness (This contestant couldn’t let go of past hurts, therefore, she had trust issues, especially with people in the church)

Miss State Of Love—Me. I had it easy—well somewhat, considering I was rejected by the other contestants. According to them, love was never showed up at church.

The most challenging part of the play was learning the dance routine. As a sistah, you would think I had rhythm. Nope, either I added an extra bounce, or took away a shortcut. In the end, Miss State of Love danced to her own beat. Of course, Mother Jenkins and the Holy Ghost two-steppers stole the show with their grand entrance.

I wish the stage play had been video-taped, because it was a moment of self-reflection. Unfortunately, the only photo I have is this selfie I took in the dressing room, moments before we were called to go on stage.

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Pat Simmons is celebrating ten years as a published author with more than thirty titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth who is passionate about researching her ancestors and then casting them in starring roles in her novels, in the hope of tracking down any distant relatives who might happen to pick up her books.  Two of her books are nominated for the Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance for 2017.

Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as an amazing, unforgettable, life-altering experience. She believes God is the Author who advances the stories she writes.

Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. She has worked in various positions in radio, television, and print media for more than twenty years. Currently, she oversees the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions.

In addition to researching her roots and sewing, she has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country. Pat has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatic husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter.

Readers may learn more about Pat and her books by connecting with her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or LinkedIn; or by contacting her at authorpatsimmons@gmail.com.