“Courage is grace under pressure.” – Hemingway

Most people think a “finest hour” happens under bright lights, on a big stage, with applause ringing in the air.

But this week, the opposite happened.
The Miss Universe pageant is taking place in Thailand, and the biggest moment wasn’t on stage.

It was behind closed doors.
The national director insulted Miss Mexico, calling her a “dumbass.”

In that moment, she had a choice:
Stay quiet.
Smile through it.
Do what’s expected.

Or – stand up for herself and every woman in the room.

She chose courage.
With dignity and strength, she pushed back. 
Calm. Clear. Unshaken.
Then she walked out.

And then something incredible happened:
The other contestants followed her.

A private moment became a public movement.
A leaked video ignited global outrage.
And within days, the director was removed from the event.

Her finest hour didn’t happen on a televised runway.
It happened in a room with no cameras, when she refused to tolerate disrespect.

Winston Churchill once said:

“To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing… What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.”

As I was traveling this week, guess who was on my flight. The one and only, Miss Mexico.

I got to shake her hand and tell her how proud I was, not for how she walked the stage…but for how she walked out of that room.

That’s what Churchill meant.
Your finest hour rarely arrives when you’re ready. It arrives when you’re needed.

It’s not about perfection.
It’s about conviction.

Dash of Courage
Your finest hour may not happen in front of millions.
It may happen in a conversation, a meeting, a relationship, a moment where no one is watching.

Ask yourself:
Where do I need to stand up, speak up, or show up, even if it costs me?

Courage isn’t always loud.
Sometimes it’s a quiet walk toward the door…that inspires everyone else to follow.

Courage over Comfort,
Garrett