The Love to Lead a Nation

As Michelle Obama addressed the Democratic National Convention last night, I was struck by the idea of togetherness, of a partnership where a couple forges ahead in the world as a unified front. It was a beautiful picture of the importance of finding someone that you love and support and who does the same in return, someone that believes in your dreams and you in theirs, and someone who not only loves you but also really likes you, who is proud to be associated with you. Although all candidate wives are involved in campaigning and the race for the White House, something about the relationship of the Obamas is really striking. There is an overarching "we are in this together" aura that makes me hopeful of what an America with the Obamas at the helm could look like. I was so moved by Michelle's statement when speaking of her husband, "I believe he will make an extraordinary president". There was such a confidence and a pride, almost inviting the world to see into what she sees in him. The woman that knows him best believing that he will be extraordinary, putting her stamp of approval and blessing on the person that she knows to their depths. It was as if she said to our nation that they have no idea of the greatness that exists within the man she loves, urging them to give him the platform from which to celebrate the passion and purpose and resolve of the man that she believes will transform our nation.

I understand that kind of love. A love that sees one's partner as extraordinary, full of greatness and purpose and influence and passion. A love that believes that if all could see what you see in them, the world would be a better place. And a love that is willing to fight to make sure that the world will someday celebrate them the way that you do. I am honored to love an extraordinary man.