Miss Lumbee Farewell Before I progress through the extent of my Miss Lumbee journey, it is imperative that I first give total credit to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. By His grace and mercy, He blessed me with the strength and guidance that I needed in order to start, sustain, and complete a successful year as a Lumbee Ambassador. It has always been my dream to be Miss Lumbee and to represent my Lumbee people with grace, dignity, and honor. Through my faith alone I frequently found comfort in �������������� �������� – “�������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ �������� ���������������� ������ ���������� �������������� It has always been my heart’s desire to direct my efforts of engagement towards servitude. Thus, I have perceived and recognized the opportunity to serve my Lumbee people as the highest honor I have ever been awarded. While Miss Lumbee was my title, serving as a role model to my beautiful Teen, Junior, and Little Miss Lumbee was one of my favorite duties. Kenda, you have literally been my sunshine on a cloudy day. Your free and gentle spirit has certainly taught me that no matter what I face in life, beauty can be found in every situation. Even though we have completely different taste in music, I have loved every moment of our joyous car rides together. Without a doubt you have assured me that when life gets tough it is okay to simply blast the music and sing your heart out. Kaloni, throughout the course of this year I have watched you transform into a young lady fascinated with her culture. Although your plate was continuously full with extracurricular activities, you still managed to give your all to your reign; for that I am so proud of you. Kamryn, the gift of your energetic spirit continuously brought out my inner child. When times were tough your presence always helped me to maintain a smile. I have thoroughly enjoyed the countless hours we spent together eating, singing, and laughing until we cried. Although life for you has only begun, I want you to progressively mature into the strong Lumbee woman that God has called you to be. The extent of support that I received this year has been unmeasurable. However, your support has never went unnoticed and words cannot describe my gratitude for each and every one of you. To my immediate family mom, dad, Zach, and Judah, thank you for always believing in me when it was hard for me to believe in myself. Mom, thank you for being my best friend and confidante; I will never be able to thank you enough. Dad, thank you for reminding me to always “get the job done.” It is because of you that I stand as the strong, Christian woman that I am today. Erica Dellinger Atkinson, thank you for seeing in me that of which I could not recognize myself. You worked tirelessly to bring out hidden qualities that were deep inside of me such as, courage, boldness, and certainly confidence. Andy, you have been my saving grace. I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done throughout my reign. Things such as traveling with me to every event that you could, pinning my crown and bow, and also being a listening ear in the times I needed you the most definitely never went unnoticed. You have made sure to make this a memorable year for me and I could never express how special you’ve never failed to make me feel. I love you. It is without regard that sponsors Donna Lowry, Ella & Co., Richard Mathis Photography, and All Occasions are acknowledged. Undoubtedly, your generous support granted me the opportunity to enjoy my reign without the cumbersome weight of financial burdens. Mr. James Hardin and the LRDA staff, thank you for all the time and resources you and your organization have invested in the Ambassadors. With this in mind, over the past year I have traveled thousands of miles from the East coast to the West coast spreading my culture, faith, and the origins of my Lumbee people. However, without hesitation I affirm that Robeson County will forever be the place that I call home. My 2016-2017 platform was “Mentoring to Motivate.” Now that my reign has come to an end, my biggest prayer is that I have made a positive impact on the lives of our youth. Each day make it your primary objective to be a better “you” than you were the day before. Consistent and efficient progression of yourself is the key to success. For as the bible details in ��������������������������, �������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ This empowerment is confirmed in ������������ ���������� and in ���������������������� respectively, by the explanation that no weapon formed against you shall prosper because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. M.F. Moonzajer stated, “my culture is my identity and personality. It gives me spiritual, intellectual and emotional distinction from others, and I am proud of it.” I stand proudly by this quote as a Lumbee Woman. Approximately one year ago I received my heart’s desire by being crowned the 2016- 2017 Miss Lumbee. Now without further ado, I humbly pass this prestigious title to the next deserving Lumbee woman. I encourage you to serve our people with pride, honor, and dignity throughout the duration of your reign. Best of luck in all your endeavors. Lindsey Kristian Oxendine Miss Lumbee 2016-2017
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