From the Pit to the Crown: Elaine Mingus on Healing, Faith, and Finding Purpose
On this episode of The Life Unscripted Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with a woman whose story is as awe-inspiring as it is deeply human. Elaine Mingus—writer, speaker, business owner, mother of seven, and the reigning United States of America Mrs. Texas 2025—joined me for an unfiltered conversation about trauma, transformation, and the radical grace of starting over.
Elaine's journey is not one for the faint of heart. She shares with unwavering vulnerability her early battles with childhood sexual abuse, an eating disorder, and heroin addiction. But what marks her story is not the darkness she endured—it’s the light that followed.
"I used to brag about how much I could drink or snort. Now I brag about how far I’ve come," Elaine told me, with a grounded confidence only someone who has clawed their way out of hell can carry.
The Power of Storytelling
Elaine believes storytelling isn’t just a form of expression—it’s a lifeline. “We literally exist in story form,” she explained. “Even our dreams tell stories. And those stories release oxytocin and dopamine—healing chemicals. Stories help both the listener and the teller.”
Her own healing began not in a clinical setting, but in a church—one she walked into on a whim wearing a tutu veil and blood-red lipstick. What started as an attempt to get a free Bible for “research” became a divine encounter that changed everything.
"All these good things came from one moment of God touching my life and bringing me out of the pit."
From Pageant Losses to Purpose-Driven Wins
Elaine’s foray into pageantry wasn’t about the glitz. It was about gaining a platform to share her story. And though she lost her first four pageants, she gained something more valuable—perspective.
"I could lose forever if it meant one more person gets to know the God of the universe who wants a relationship with them."
It wasn’t until her fifth attempt that she won the Mrs. Texas crown. And it couldn’t have come at a better time—financially strained, with seven kids, and a husband recently laid off, Elaine’s victory wasn’t just personal. It was divine timing.
Advocacy on the National Stage
Elaine is now using her platform for change. As part of RAINN’s National Speakers Bureau, she recently traveled to Capitol Hill to advocate for survivors of sexual violence, championing stronger laws around statutes of limitations and support services.
She urges us to remember that the average age of disclosure for sexual abuse is 52—and that laws must reflect the long, painful process of healing. Elaine is proof that speaking out can bring light to someone else’s path.
A Life of Purpose—and Balance
Balancing motherhood, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and pageantry isn’t easy. But as Elaine says, years of homeschooling and raising seven kids prepared her to manage chaos with grace. With the support of a loving husband and her belief in seasons of life, she’s learned to let go of rigid timelines and trust in God’s unfolding plan.
"Your purpose never changes, but your strategy will."
Lighting the Path for Others
Elaine often says that stories are candles—we light them to help others find their way. She encourages anyone listening to start where they are.
"You don’t have to see the whole picture. Just take the next best step."
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Catch the full conversation on The Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel—available on:
✨ Connect with Elaine Mingus:
- Website: elainemingus.com
- Instagram (Pageant Account): @usoamrs
- Instagram (Personal): @elaine.e.mingus
- Book: Without Regret (fiction, available on Amazon)
📲 Stay Connected with Rosabel Zohfeld:
- Website: rosabelunscripted.com
- YouTube Subscribe: @thelifeunscriptedwithrosabel
- Instagram: @rosabelunscripted
- Facebook: Rosabel Z Unscripted
- My Book: The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream
If this story stirred something in you, don’t stay silent. Share your story, reach out, and let your light be someone else’s candle. 🔥
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