It's not my job to tell you what to be thankful for when it comes to our current President, Barack Obama, neither is it my job to point out the great things that he did do for our country (I'm not that Queen). However, if you continue to read this blog, I will tell you what I noticed he did, for the past 8 years, the profound lessons that he taught me. As he exist this experience as the leader of the Free World (?) and steps into whatever God has in store for him, I applaud is unwavering ability to stand poised and determined.
Stay in the fight. President Barack Obama undoubtedly faced many trials and tribulations, there were those that we viewed on TV, heard about and then there were those that we will never hear about but not one time did he stand in front of us, The American People, with his head bowed. He stood firm with the position of being President even when it wasn't what he thought it was going to be. As a child I remember hearing my mother say, "If you can't take the heat then stay out the kitchen!" Well he did. He stayed and he showed me how to "stay." He displayed being cool under pressure, he never let his right hand know what his left hand was doing and he moved in silence (with grace). Thank you Mr. President!
Stay encouraged. Everyday he read letters from the American People, letters that ranged form disgruntled demands for change to joyous admiration. I can recall many moments when he thanked the American People, with tears in his eyes, for their encouragement and then he encouraged us too! He encouraged us not to give up when it seems like all has failed, he encouraged us to dream and then to put into action, he encouraged us to fight with our minds and not with our hands. I also noticed the hate that spewed against him, the demeaning caricatures, the undeniable sabotage and to know that he still found space to encouraged me, in the mist of it all?! Thank you Mr. President!
Stay together. I think about the attacks on his character, not just his job as the President of the United States, but his manhood- when they went low he went high, but he did it together! What does that mean, he did it together? He stayed with his family, his rock, his foundation- they went through it together. He remembered that together we create a force no one can divide. In fact, in his final speech, he thanked his family for being present, for never doubting his ability and for staying in his corner. Most often times just knowing that someone is there for you (physically. emotionally, mentally etc.) is more than any words could express! I can admit that there have been times when I've thought, I'm stronger by myself & that I can do it by myself but you, Mr. President, you've reminded me to go together, to stay together and that most importantly we'll get there together. Thank you Mr. President!
President Barack Obama, job well done! I've had many conversations with peers, co-workers and family who encouraged you to "go there" when your back was against the wall- but you never did. You showed me how to truly handle adversity- poised & determined. You were able to make remarkable changes to this country (some may disagree) but how you did it & how you said it, taught me a great deal. I may never get to thank you personally but know I'm one of the one billion people on this planet who recognizes your greatness & I your strength! Thank you Mr. President!
P.S. My mom's face though....priceless!
