Undercover Judge

Sarah F., Utah, USA

While competing in a national beauty pageant a few years ago, I saw how much the gospel helps me in many aspects of my life. During the pageant, I refrained from negative talking or backbiting. I knew that everyone there was a child of Heavenly Father and that participating in such activities would not be uplifting.

After a few weeks, the other contestants and I found out that there was an undercover judge—our makeup artist. She had always been in the dressing rooms and at photo shoots and appearances, and she heard everything we were saying. Some girls worried the judge had heard the bad things that they were saying, and I was thankful I didn’t have that burden on my mind and that I could be at peace. I was able to make a good impression by keeping my standards and not participating in any gossip or foul language.

After the pageant, a judge came to me and thanked me for my mature conduct. All the judges had recognized that I acted different from some of the other girls.

It is so easy to get caught up in worldly things. I know that reading scriptures and praying always to our Father in Heaven are ways to make sure that He is not far from our thoughts and that we are cautious of our actions.

I used the scripture 1 Timothy 4:12 as my motto: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” I learned that I can always ask Heavenly Father for the strength to stand strong and be an example, even when it is hard. I know that He is always there and will always help us, especially if we are dedicated to doing the right thing.