Sarah Palin's Inspiring Faith

There were no reporters allowed (except me) and her speech was to be strictly religious and inspirational, no politics allowed. Last night at the Women of Joy conference in Louisville, Kentucky, all of the 16,000 women in attendance had the privilege of seeing the real Sarah Palin. I went to the event with my mother, grandmother, and three aunts. I definitely enjoyed seeing a more personal side to the woman who is one of my role models

Sarah talked about the struggles that she had faced during one of the most trying years of her life: her son Track enlisted in the Army, she discovered she would be having another baby, she found out her daughter Bristol would be having a baby, she learned that her own baby would be born with Downs Syndrome, and she was asked to be John McCain’s Vice Presidential candidate all within a period of 12 months. Throughout the trials, her faith grew. 

Despite the fact that she and Todd thought they had everything planned out, their world was turned upside down with a few unexpected events. There were times, she said, that she questioned God and wondered if He knew what He was doing by giving them so much to take on; but in hindsight, she came out of the year with a stronger faith, a stronger sense of purpose, and a calling to put our country back on the right track.  

The wisdom and faith that Sarah gained during the year of trials have helped her stay strong while she promotes conservatism on the national stage. Both she and her family have been the subjects of constant scrutiny by the media, but she has managed to keep a positive attitude. Sarah is able to push through the hard times because of her certainty about what God has called her to do. While still staying away from politics, she did encourage women to become active in their community and try to make a difference. 

Despite the fact that we are constantly told that one person cannot change the course of things, Sarah said that we can spread our beliefs by simply discussing them with friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Every little bit helps and everyone can make a difference in some kind of capacity. She acknowledged that sharing our values with people will sometimes result in ridicule, but faith can provide the strength we need to stick to our convictions.  

After ending her speech on an encouraging note and walking off the stage to a standing ovation, I was left with an even better impression of Sarah Palin.  She showed a side of herself that is not usually highlighted on CNN or the front page of the National Enquirer, and she allowed us to see who she is when she is out of the spotlight. Sarah is a strong, independent, kind-hearted, and compassionate woman of faith. Those who doubt her motives and think she is in the public arena for personal gain are sorely mistaken. Her primary goal is to bring about a spiritual change in America and return us to our conservative, Christian roots.