Carrie Prejean, Miss California in the Miss USA contest, was considered by many to be the front runner until one of the judges asked her about gay marriage.  In answering the question, she stood her ground and said that she believed that marriage should be between a man and a women.  And it cost her the crown.

In a later interview, she said that she reflected on the answer that ended her chance to be Miss USA. Asked how she felt, she replied

Honestly, happy. This happened for a reason. By having to answer that question in front of a national audience, God was testing my character and faith. I’m glad I stayed true to myself.

Here is a young woman who had worked hard and long toward her goal, and when the prize was within reach she was forced to choose between her beliefs and the crown.  How many of us would have caved in under that kind of pressure?

In the aftermath there were of course some who publicly attacked her for her beliefs, but there was also an outpouring of support form those who were thankful to her for standing up. When asked if people had been trying to contact her, she said,

Yes, lots of phone calls. I’ve gotten over 500 facebook friend requests, hundreds of messages from people I don’t know, saying how proud of me they are that I stood my ground. That made me the real winner of the night.

We need more believers  who are willing to stand up for their faith, and not cave in to pressure to be politically correct.  Carrie Prejean, you are a winner!

Update: Today’s paper quotes her as saying “It’s not about being politically correct, for me; it’s about being biblically correct.”  Meanwhile, she is being savagely attacked by Hollywood.  We should keep her in our prayers.

An article in today’s SF Chronicle describes the plight of two students at the College of Alameda who were threatened with suspension for praying with a teacher who was ill in a faculty office. A U.S. District judge has refused the school’s efforts to have the case dismissed and said has ruled that the lawsuit filed by the students can go ahead.  The students are seeking affirmation of their rights and removal of all disciplinary actions, but no damages other than their court costs.  For more details, see this article.

I don’t have any information on this case apart from these news articles, but based on the information here this looks like an outrageous attempt to ban religion, especially Christianity, from the campus.  The teacher was sick and the two girls prayed for her, with her consent, in a faculty office.  Another faculty member walked into the shared office and insisted that they stop, which they did.  But then they were accused of “disruptive behavior” and disciplinary action was taken. Outrageous!  I’m glad that the two girls involved have legal representation and that the case is going forward.  Schools must learn that they cannot selectively discriminate against the first amendment rights of Christians.