Integrity vs. the world

I just watched Tyra Bank’s “America’s top model – All Stars” (probably a season behind now- models competing are from different cycles of the show) and it was down to the top 6 models competing for the coveted prize. I’m not an avid follower but I watch it when I catch it on TV and I’m free to spare an hour.

A model there has captured my interest by the name of Shannon Stewart Ratcliff. She is Christian and was a former competitor of  the first season of the show way back, she stirred up controversy when she refused to do a nude photo shoot because of her Christian belief nevertheless she still landed second overall to the winner of that cycle

Well, today’s episode required the last 6 models to do a lingerie photo shoot for a brand. Shannon stood by her conviction and didn’t do the shoot and, of course, her refusal took its toll on her bid for the top place in the competition and got eliminated. She had no pictures to show to the judges. One guest judge said he wouldn’t want to book someone who has so many limitations.

Shannon maintains she has no regret and she is quite happy to leave the competition knowing she kept her standard and was true to herself.

Now that earns my respect and admiration. No, she didn’t win the top prize but she made it to the top 6 despite her Christian conviction, showing all of us that we can compete without compromising our standard, without baring more skin than what’s  really needed (particularly for this kind of career).

Tyra said it herself, that while all the other girls would do anything to stay in the competition, Shannon chose to stand by her conviction and she thought that was admirable (or something to that effect, sorry, can’t say exactly what her words were but they came off to me as that).

We can’t expect the world to understand the limitations we put on ourselves in order to follow and live according to our Christian faith. What Shannon did made her authentic to herself and to the world, she became more than just a gorgeous body and a beautiful face but a woman to reckon with, and she has my vote!

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.