Following the 2025 Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Bangkok, the contestant Olivia Yacé of Côte d’Ivoire, who placed as fourth runner-up and won the continental title of Miss Universe Africa & Oceania, announced on November 24 that she renounced her title.
Yacé said the decision grew out of a deep conviction to remain true to her values of respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity. By returning her sash and cutting ties with the pageant, she signaled that identity and integrity matter more than recognition —and invited others, especially young girls and communities of color, to walk boldly no matter the cost.
When culture or institutions demand more than our conscience will allow, how can we, as believers, stand by God-given dignity and integrity—even if it means giving up prestige?
I didn't see the moment on live television, but I heard enough about it through the grapevine to know that it was messy. In a moment that caught public attention, Olivia Yacé renounced her title due to personal conviction. While it's become quite the scandal, the twenty-seven-year-old notes that this had nothing to do with the organizations, but her heart:
"As the representative of Côte d'Ivoire at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok, I witnessed firsthand that I was capable of accomplishing great things despite adversity," she began in her statement. "But to continue on this path, I must remain true to my values: respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity, the strongest pillars that guide me."
With this counter-cultural nature of her decision in a world that often equates worth with visibility and prestige, Yacé's choice invites all of us to ask an even larger question about identity, integrity, and the cost of standing firm.
Why Does This Story Resonate Culturally?
Beyond pagent circles, Yacé's story has struck a chord culturally. Why? Because we live in a world that praises influencers, prestige, and progress. Culture rewards compliance and silence, and shames the poor or unnoticed. Not only that, but public platforms, like that of Miss Universe, often come with unspoken rules, guidelines, and expectations.
For Yace, these cultural pressures wouldn't just apply to her faith or beliefs, but also to her race. Being a woman of color, she was encouraged not to rock the boat. And yet, Yacé chose to walk away from recognition, challenging the assumption that success must be preserved at all costs. But this moment wasn't a rejection of opportunity. This was a moment of moral courage. It was a commitment to her deepest desires and convictions. Something that Scripture has long honored for centuries, choosing obedience over applause every time. And that speaks volumes.
While many biblical examples of costly faithfulness exist, Yacé's story reminds me of three:
3 Biblical Examples of Costly Faithfulness
1. Daniel
In Daniel 6, some administrators and high officers wanted to find fault with Daniel, but couldn't find anything wrong with him. As a result, they caused the King to make a decree that anyone who worshipped any other God but the King would be thrown into the lion's den. Upon hearing the decree, however, Daniel chose to pray three times a day to the Lord. He didn't blink an eye at the pending consequences because He valued His integrity and commitment to the Lord over what others thought of Him. And so, Daniel is thrown into the lion's den for not bowing down to the King.
We know the rest of the story. God kept Daniel safe and delivered him, while the families of those who found fault with David were thrown into the den and immediately shredded to pieces. But Daniel trusted God to deliver him, even if he didn't.
2. Esther
Similar to Daniel, Esther had a high status, but risked that position to speak the truth. Instructed by Mordecai, she boldly went to the King to ask a favor. Plainly speaking, she essentially told Mordecai, "I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die."
For Esther, all turned out well. Those who sought to kill Mordecai and the other jews were killed themselves, and Esther and Mordecai were honored. But the story could've ended differently.
3. Jesus
Of all the Biblical examples, Jesus is our divine example. He rejected a worldly crown in favor of the cross. From the beginning of time, He knew His time on earth would be temporary. He knew that He was born to die. To give His life as a sacrifice for all people. And yet He chose to come because of His love for us.
Matthew 4:8-10 and John 18:36 illustrate Jesus' holding back of power. Because the reality is, Jesus could've gotten down off the cross. He could've killed everyone crucifying Him. But He restrained His power in love for us. For God never equates worth with titles, but obedience. And more often than not, that obedience looks like loss before it looks like faithfulness. God honors integrity even when the world doesn't.
Walking Boldly Without Applause
If you want to walk boldly in the Lord today, without applause, I would encourage you to reflect on these questions. Each one gets at the heart of your calling, but asks you to take a deep dive into your convictions and intentions. As you ponder or answer each one, journal your thoughts. Then, speak to the Lord about them:
* Where might I be holding onto a "crown" that no longer fits my convictions?
* Am I confusing opportunity with calling?
* Whose approval am I afraid to lose?
* Am I participating in something that doesn't align with my core values?
Once you've taken time to think over these questions, try one of these gentle practices:
* Name the values you refuse to compromise. Make a list and hang it somewhere you will see it.
* Do a check-in once a month to see if you're still living by these values. If you're, reward yourself. If you're not, ask God for grace, and realign yourself without shame.
* Pray for courage before clarity. Take time to process before you make big decisions.
* Choose faithfulness in unseen and difficult places. Even if you're the odd one out, remain true to the Lord and your convictions, no matter the cost.
* Re-define success beyond recognition. Remember, it's not about what people see you do, but what's in your heart.
Friends, I don't know what crown you're wearing today.
For some of you, maybe it's the crown of people-pleasing. Overworking. Giving in to bad habits. Compromising your values. For others of you, maybe it's the crown of defeat, shame, and fear. No matter the crown, I'd encourage you to lay it down as you remember that God's calling is never diminished by obedience. And the bravest thing you can do today is remain true to your convictions.
Walking away from prestige can become a testimony, and sometimes we have to step away from a stage to trust God and see what comes next.
A Prayer for Courage, Wisdom, and Peace
Dear God,
No matter what crowns we're wearing or wrestling with today, would you help us to lay them down? Today, we ask for courage, wisdom, and peace. We pray for grace to stand firm in our convictions and truth when it's hardest to fight. Especially those navigating identity, pressure, and calling tied to who they are, what they do, or what they look like, would you remind us where our true identity is found? We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Thank you for reminding us of our true value and worth as we stay true to you.
Amen.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/JadeThaiCatwalk
