Tara Dawn Christensen
Tara Dawn Christensen does not have a radical story of God's saving grace from alcoholism, drug addiction, or a gang lifestyle.
Throughout middle school, high school, and college, God gave her the strength to reject some of the temptations of society, such as alcohol, drugs, and premarital sex. Many times, Tara felt that because she did not have a "story," like so many who share in the church or school settings, that God could not minister through her.
When Tara Dawn Christensen was in the seventh grade, she was assigned to do a book report on an autobiography. Because of her interest in the Miss America Pageant since she was a small child, she decided to read A Bright Shining Place by Miss America 1980, Cheryl Prewitt. Reflecting on that time, Tara said, "I knew then that I wanted to become Miss America."
When she became a senior in high school, she began to compete in pageants. On September 14, 1996, after four attempts at the state level in seven years in two states, 23-year-old Tara Dawn Holland became Miss America 1997. It was only after Tara laid down every bit of her own personal interests and ambitions at the foot of the cross that God blessed her with the title of Miss America.
Since traveling the country as Miss America 1997, Tara Dawn Christensen has continued to use the title of "Miss America" for God's purposes by speaking and singing in public and private middle schools, high schools, and colleges, youth rallies, "True Love Waits" rallies, women's and teenage girl programs, and concerts for people of all ages.
When asked the reason for her ministry, Tara's heart is obvious. "My goal is not to be famous, make a lot of money, or be a household name. All I know is that I have to do what He has called me to do. However He wants to use me is my only desire. I don't know what God has planned for me, but I will continue to proclaim His truth wherever there is an opportunity."
Tara Dawn Christensen does not have a radical story of God's saving grace from alcoholism, drug addiction, or a gang lifestyle.
Throughout middle school, high school, and college, God gave her the strength to reject some of the temptations of society, such as alcohol, drugs, and premarital sex. Many times, Tara felt that because she did not have a "story," like so many who share in the church or school settings, that God could not minister through her.
When Tara Dawn Christensen was in the seventh grade, she was assigned to do a book report on an autobiography. Because of her interest in the Miss America Pageant since she was a small child, she decided to read A Bright Shining Place by Miss America 1980, Cheryl Prewitt. Reflecting on that time, Tara said, "I knew then that I wanted to become Miss America."
When she became a senior in high school, she began to compete in pageants. On September 14, 1996, after four attempts at the state level in seven years in two states, 23-year-old Tara Dawn Holland became Miss America 1997. It was only after Tara laid down every bit of her own personal interests and ambitions at the foot of the cross that God blessed her with the title of Miss America.
Since traveling the country as Miss America 1997, Tara Dawn Christensen has continued to use the title of "Miss America" for God's purposes by speaking and singing in public and private middle schools, high schools, and colleges, youth rallies, "True Love Waits" rallies, women's and teenage girl programs, and concerts for people of all ages.
When asked the reason for her ministry, Tara's heart is obvious. "My goal is not to be famous, make a lot of money, or be a household name. All I know is that I have to do what He has called me to do. However He wants to use me is my only desire. I don't know what God has planned for me, but I will continue to proclaim His truth wherever there is an opportunity."
