At the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia this week, Michelle Obama delivered a speech that stuck with me. I will admit, I have never been a HUGE Obama fan (politically), but I have always respected him as a person and a family man. Listening to Michelle deliver her speech reflecting on her husband, their journey, their girls and their years in office, left me in a path or hope and light for our country. It reminded me of why it is that America can be great again, and what this country was founded on. Here is why I think Michelle Obama will be one of the most profound first ladies in History.
1. She is incredibly well spoken: There is something about Michelle's communication style that really drives the point across. she is empathetic and compassionate and so beautifully intelligent, and she speaks with such genuine care and emotion. I believe that she relates to all of humanity with her intense desire to connect with her audience and her clear understanding of suffering.
2. She knows what she doesn't know: There is nothing worse than a person who thinks they know about a specific demographics suffering, but doesn't. That type of ignorance is infuriating, to say the least. Michelle has said on several occasions that she can't always know or have a good understanding of certain events or groups, but that she will work hard to empathize and be compassionate. I think this goes a long way and it helps a leader to be able to check in with their ego and recognize that at the end of the day there is still much for all of us to learn.
3. She promotes love: She doesn't allow the negativity and ugliness of the world to jade her or take away her hope for humanity. I would imagine with all of the things she sees and hears on a daily basis, that she might feel discouraged or deflated about the state of our country, and yet she believed in love. Love for everybody, and she holds on to the hope that someday soon we will bring the focus to love rather than hate.
4. She is respectful of other candidates: Michelle has always done a great job of openly respecting other candidates, and while she DOES passionately push her own beliefs and agenda, she always leaves an opening for those with opposing views. When she speaks about other candidates, it's never about them personally but only briefly describing the politics and very rarely in defense of her family.
5. She is raising lovely daughters: One of the things I have to commend the president and his wife for is that fact that they are doing what seems to be such a great job raising their daughters. They recognize that their position puts their daughters at risk, and they make it a priority to raise them with respect, education and class. They put their family life first and realized early on that at the end of their 8-year stay, their daughters would be forever changed and that those years were formable years that would require some intentional planning and raising of their girls.
It's so refreshing to hear Michelle speak and to watch how she relates to others. I truly wish she was running for office because if she was, I can tell you without a doubt... I would be with HER!
