In Elvis' birthplace, Palin wears blue suede shoes

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin invoked Tupelo's most famous son in word and feet, delighting about 6,500 fans by showing up in blue suede shoes.

Elvis Presley's story "is an all-American story that shows you anything is possible and you never know where you'll end up in this blessed land," she told the crowd Saturday at the Extraordinary Women Conference.

The 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee was the keynote speaker at the conference featuring Christian authors and speakers.

Women young and old hurried forward to snap photographs as Palin stood awash in pink and blue light, The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported (http://bit.ly/qVPzPg).

Palin told of giving her life to Christ at a Bible camp when she was a girl.

She said she was reminded of scripture when she was 44 and learned that she was pregnant with her son, Trig.

"I laughed. I remember another Sarah who laughed, too," Palin said, referring Genesis 18:12, where Abraham's 90-year-old wife laughed to herself at the idea of having a child.

With clenched fists, Palin said abortion is a great evil and children, like Trig, who was born with Down syndrome, remind society to be compassionate and loving.

Shanna Berryhill drove over from Pope to enjoy the company of other Christian ladies.

"It's a spiritual rest," said Berryhill, whose husband and two kids gave her the afternoon off. "It really ignites my heart for God," she said shortly before Palin took the stage.

Lori Zustiak of Nashville rocked her young son near the entrance as Palin finished.

"Governor Palin is just very inspiring," Zustiak said. "She reminds us of what America used to be."

___

Information from: Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, http://nems360.com/