I first heard Christina tell portions of her story on the Today show several months ago. I was initially captivated by her unabashed sharing of the gospel on national television. But, even more than that, her hope in the Lord and her passion for foster care reform were visibly stirring during the interview that day. I knew we had to talk with her on Pardon the Mess. Christina Meredith endured years of physical abuse at the hands of her mother before entering the foster care system as a teenager. After graduating from high school, Christina ended up homeless and living out of her car as she tried to make ends meet. Praying every day for the Lord to give her a new hope, she had no way of knowing that, within a few short years, she would be crowned Miss California. Today, Christina is the author of her first book, CinderGirl, as well as the founder of a nonprofit organization that advocates for foster care children. She shares her difficult story with vulnerability while encouraging each of us to consider our part in helping the least of these around us. Christina’s story will strengthen your faith as she reminds us that only the Lord can take our places of doubt, discouragement, and pain and turn it all for good. Practically speaking, it’s a great reminder that when we do the smallest things for those suffering around us it makes a big impact. Spoiler alert: she has an amazing story near the end of the podcast about how Tim Tebow’s dad prayed daily with her in high school. Don’t miss this one!   Links for today's podcast:  Christina Meredith CinderGirl