I just realized that I never explained why I entitled my last blog "7th Heaven". Well the number seven is significant and considering that I am a spiritual person, it doesn’t hurt that seven is a heavenly number too (at least that’s what I learned in Sunday School);0). It truly took on a whole new meaning when I won Miss Black Georgia USA. It was my 7th state pageant, in the 7th year of my competing in pageants. I previously have participated in the Miss Georgia America and Miss Georgia USA systems before I became aware of the Miss Black USA Organization. I was always blessed to do well in those pageants never placing out of the top 5 and even finishing as 1st runner up back-to-back. I’ve won every preliminary award you can think of (interview, evening gown, talent, community service); with the exception of Miss Congeniality and Swimsuit--go figure;0)LOL! So the night that my name was called last I was genuinely surprised and happy because it seemed that after standing in that position for 7 years now; I wasn’t sure that I would ever be the last one standing. But God works in His time and it took all those many walks across those many stages to prepare me for the title/job that I am privy to today. There is a line from one of my favorite songs/bible verses that explains that journey best...."They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary, walk and not faint; for he giveth power and increaseth faith. Just wait, I say.....on the Lord!" Let the church say AMEN!!!!:0)

At one particular event that I spoke at most recently one of the guest speakers (Dr. Harris-Principal of Beech High School in Savannah, GA) said it best. We all have "stuff". Some of it is good, some of it is bad, and some of it is just there doing what "stuff" does best and takes up space. So it’s not the realization that you have stuff in your life, it is the actualization of what you do with it. I have accumulated alot of "stuff" in my seven years of competing. But now that I have the opportunity and platform to touch and inspire those in my great state, I understand that my "stuff" prepared me for this moment. Now I can take those experiences and build something wonderful.

So far, I have been to able delve further into my dream of becoming a television personality/host as I have taped commercials for a CW affiliate in Savannah and was a special guest for 94.1 the Beat and 101.1 the Love in Savannah and Hot 97.9 in Macon. Egypt, popular DJ for the stations, said I should think about a career in radio......hmmmmmmm, I wonder was that before or after I devoured my chips and twix on the mike while doing my best Janet/Michael Jackson impersonation.....?:0)LOL I’ve even had the chance to MC the Miss Fulton County Scholarship Pageant and the Black History Program for Adamsom Middle School which had 700 students in attendance--incredible! Those kids were so tremendously talented, I had to sit back and take notes!

I’m still hard at work with expanding my platform Project Protect as we have solidified my national partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. I have even been invited to be a spokesperson for many of their upcoming events including Pay 25; which is their largest iniative in promotion of National Missing Childrens Day-May 25th. Project Protect has also been introduced and implemented into 3 new schools: R.T. Smith Elementary, Sequayah Middle School, and Adamson Middle School.

So I guess it’s safe to say that my "stuff" ain’t doin’ half bad these days!;0)LOL It really is a joy to be able to be active in my community and give back. In such a short time my life has been so blessed by this opportunity and I will continue to strive to return the favor--stuff and all!!

Until next time.....BE BLESSED!!

-Kristen White
Miss Black GAUSA 2008