August 22, 2019 (LifeSiteNews) – This year’s Mrs. Virginia is set to compete in the Mrs. America beauty pageant Saturday, while 6 months pregnant. Lisa Stover, the 2019 Mrs. Virginia, is a LifeSite team member who normally works behind the scenes as a Major Gifts Officer, but she is no stranger to the spotlight.
In March, Lisa was crowned Mrs. Virginia, but Lisa had suffered her fair share of losses prior to this. A month before competing, Lisa suffered the loss of a child to miscarriage. Then a week before the pageant, she lost her mother to breast cancer. With every reason to walk away, Lisa persevered and prayed that God would help use her story as a witness to others. Prior to competing, Lisa prayed a rosary dedicating her competition weekend to God and the Blessed Mother.
Even though she did not grow up Catholic, Lisa said she feels a very special connection to Our Blessed Mother, “Especially as a mother myself too, I have just found that connection, that deep connection.”
Lisa is the mother of a 22-month-old and is expecting her second child in December. Her witness to motherhood and femininity in the barrenness of the pageant circle is like a light cast into the darkness.
She shares, “I’m really honored to represent women and to show them that true women’s empowerment means understanding and living out our fertility as women.”
In meeting Lisa, one can quickly see that her suffering has been redeemed by supernatural grace. Lisa’s life is truly a witness to the beauty of life, love, and faith. We wish Lisa all the best in her big day Saturday!
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