28 Dec, 2006

MADD Gives Boot to Miss Teen USA

Donald Trump may be in a forgiving mood this holiday season, but Mothers Against Drunk Driving is not.

The group announced it is severing ties with Miss Teen USA Katie Blair after news reports that she was allegedly observed partying in New York clubs with Miss USA Tara Conner.

"MADD was disappointed to hear news reports of Miss Teen USA Katie Blair illegally drinking underage," spokeswoman Heidi Castle said in a statement posted on the MADD Web site Wednesday.

"In the past," the statement continued, "MADD has teamed with Miss Teen USA to raise awareness about the serious and often deadly consequences of underage drinking. However, we do not feel, at this time, that Ms. Blair can be an effective spokesperson on underage drinking and will not ask her to represent MADD in future initiatives."

Blair, 18, of Billings, Mont., will also keep her crown, according to Miss Universe Organization spokeswoman Lark-Marie Anton, adding that the organization respects "MADD's decision as much as we respect their work. We look forward to working with them in the future," the Associated Press reports.

Castle's statement concludes with, "We wish Ms. Blair the best as she fulfills her role as Miss Teen USA, and we hope to work with the Miss Teen organization in the future."

photo courtesy images.google.com & story people.com, 12/23/06

Light the way

Do Miss Teen USA and John the Baptist have anything in common?

What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about being a light that prepares the way for others?

Today's scripture was given by the Holy Spirit to Luke the author. Luke is giving us the prophecy that the Holy Spirit gave to Zechariah concerning his son, John. Zechariah has just reviewed God's work through history, beginning with Abraham and projecting all the way into eternity in Heaven. Now he gets real personal starting in verse 76, because he is a grateful father telling of how his son, John, would be chosen to "prepare the way of the Lord".

Our God has unlimited power and a perfect plan for building His Kingdom. He chooses to use ordinary people who begin as helpless babies. John the Baptist would grow up to fulfill the prophecy given by the Holy Spirit. He would point people to God's light. John was a humble servant but sort of a Biblical celebrity!

Miss Teen USA has something in common with "JB". Katie Blair also points people (especially young girls) down a path. The difference is that "JB" walked in Christ's light. Katie Blair is in the limelight, but she is currently walking in darkness.

Don't underestimate what God can do through anyone who is faithful to Him. It's better to be ordinary in the light than famous in the dark.

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
  • Thank God for sending Jesus, to light God's way out of our darkness! Confess any way in which you may be walking down a path that leads to darkness. Ask God to use you this coming year to help prepare others to find the path of Christ's light.
  • As you continue to see Christmas lights, let it remind you to let God's Spirit constantly help you evaluate your own path.
  • If the prophecy fulfilled about John the Baptist gets you interested in further study about prophecy, talk to your youth leader or pastor for suggestions about resources.

How can we connect today's story, God's Story, and our story to others?

  • Pray for Katie Blair, Miss Teen USA, to be able to come in contact with a follower of Jesus who can learn her story and help her connect to God's Story.
  • Pray for Jesus to show you the people whose stories you should focus on learning in 2007. It might be friends at school, family members, co-workers.....
  • Write down specific ways you can help light the way for these friends and family.....
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The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.

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