Standing in the Gap: Why I Am Proud to Be Mrs. Wisconsin

My heart is overflowing with gratitude as I share the news that I will be representing the Mrs. USA Pageant as Mrs. Wisconsin. This is a dream that has lived quietly in my heart for years, but one I never imagined would unfold in quite this way.

A few years ago, before my momma got sick, I found this system and felt a stirring inside me. I wanted to step forward, to take my place on that stage, and to run for the Mrs. USA title. But I never told anyone. Life happened, and I pressed pause on that dream. Then, in 2020, my life changed forever.

More Than a Breast Cancer Survivor

When I heard the words “you have breast cancer,” I felt the ground beneath me shake. I didn’t feel brave. I didn’t feel strong. I didn’t feel beautiful. I felt small, weak, and uncertain of what tomorrow would bring.

For a while, I thought if I ignored it, maybe it would disappear. But cancer doesn’t vanish when you turn your face away. It lingers, it grows, and eventually you are forced to decide who you are going to be in the face of it.

And I made my choice: I would fight.

But I decided I would not stop at fighting simply to survive. I would live. I would rise. I would become more than a breast cancer survivor. I would become a champion — not just for myself, but for every woman who has ever faced her own battle and wondered if she could keep going.

Redefining Beauty and Courage

Cancer took things from me. My hair, my eyelashes, my reflection in the mirror. I struggled to recognize myself. But slowly, I came to see that true beauty isn’t defined by what we keep — it’s revealed in what we rise through.

I learned that beauty is in the scars that prove we survived. Courage is in the tears we cry, followed by the steps we still choose to take. Strength is in the quiet moments when no one is watching, but you stand up anyway.

Through this journey, God showed me that beauty is not skin-deep — it is soul-deep. And I want women everywhere to know: beauty belongs to you, even when you don’t feel it. Especially when you don’t feel it.

Why I Said Yes to Mrs. Wisconsin

A month ago, God placed this pageant system back on my heart. It had been years since I first discovered it, but the dream stirred again — stronger this time, louder this time, clearer this time.

When I interviewed again, it was as if God whispered, “It’s time.” Time to step forward. Time to speak. Time to represent not only myself but every woman who needs to be reminded that her story matters.

This pageant is not about vanity. It’s about victory. It’s about using a platform to bring purpose, hope, and awareness to things that matter. The Mrs. USA system also supports The Love Without Borders Foundation, a nonprofit that raises funds to support orphans worldwide. And that reflects what I believe — that beauty and love are not just about us; they are about lifting others.

Standing in the Gap

So as I step into this role, I want to be clear: I do not stand here as just Ruth Marie. I stand in the gap.

I stand for every woman who is fighting cancer right now.
I stand for every woman who cries silent tears at night, wondering if she has the strength to face tomorrow.
I stand for every woman who feels overlooked, undervalued, or unseen.
I stand for mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends who carry burdens they never asked for but refuse to let define them.

This stage is not just for me — it is for us.

My Prayer Going Forward

My prayer is that every time I speak, every time I walk across that stage, every time I share my story, another woman will whisper to herself, “If she can rise, so can I.”

I pray that I will be a reminder that you are not just surviving. You are more than your pain, more than your struggle, more than the battle you face. You are strong. You are worthy. You are beautiful. And you are never, ever alone.

The Journey Continues

I step forward now as Mrs. Wisconsin — not to chase a crown, but to chase a calling. To live out the truth that God has written on my heart: that beauty is made in the fire, strength is born in the struggle, and courage is the choice to keep going when everything tells you to stop.

Thank you for standing with me. Thank you for believing in me. And thank you for joining me in this purpose that is so much bigger than myself.

Follow along on this journey at ➡️ ruthmariebeauty.com

With love, courage, and hope,
Ruth Marie 💕