Mining Michelle

I caught a bit of the Democratic National Convention last night. I confess I don't follow politics closely, but conventions are a fascinating look into human nature. I wonder why people react as they do and why certain phrases stir them. I am captured by the ability of the speakers to set a tone and change momentum. As the cameras scan the audience and I see individuals completely tuned in, I wonder what it is about a speaker that makes one believe them.

The one that got to me last night was Michelle Obama. She walked out to the podium gracefully and unafraid, delivering a polished, articulate speech. She assured us she and her husband are just like you and me. She promised with Barack at the helm, there could be a better tomorrow for our children and real opportunity for which America stands.

What struck me is that her message is not new--Barack Obama (or fill in the blank with your politician of choice) is the person to lead this country. With hard work and perseverance, we can have hope for a stronger America. Hasn't this been the same speech of political candidates for decades?

Yet people ate it up. Why?

We're all looking for hope, in any form, from any source.

An entire convention center applauded her message (some in tears), even though they know the game of politics and the strategies involved. They know her words were calculated carefully, meant to produce a specific effect (and Mrs. Obama did her job very well), yet they got sucked in just the same. Why?

We all want something, someone to believe in.

Her speech stirred something in me too, not necessarily her message, but the way she was able to have the room in her hands with such simple words. I possess the greatest message of hope the world has ever known. I know the One who never disappoints and can always be trusted, the One we can truly believe in. Why don't I produce such emotion in others as I talk of Him? How can I communicate this message to the hearts of those around me?

What does Michelle Obama have to woo the hearts of people that I do not?

Yes, I understand she has a huge platform with which to deliver her message that I don't, but I couldn't help noticing some of her qualities I often lack, things like confidence, well-preparedness, determination, fearlessness, eloquence and passion.

I learned a lot from Michelle Obama last night. She made me examine myself and my work ethic. What must I do to step it up a notch and impact people with real hope and God's love? What does God require of me?

You know I'll be mulling that over for days to come.