The Obamas: The Love & Decency We Needed to See

It was 2008 at the DNC Convention when I first "met" Michelle ... I was at my grandfather's house watching intently because I wanted to hear the Senator's wife. 

Barack Obama was his name -

I wanted to know what she was like. 

In a sea foam colored dress - with sophistication, compassion & soft wit, Mrs. Obama shared the importance of education, hard work, her father's commitment to her family and the strength of middle class America. She spoke of her "two heartbeats," her daughters, and she captured mine - first go 'round.

Michelle could've run in 2008.

As she wrapped up her first major twenty-minute hello, I ran to the guest room door and yelled down the stairs --- ok. Maybe I screamed.

"POP POP!!!!!!!! POP POP! Did you see her?!! ...Did you hear her?! She's BEAUTIFUL! ...That's our First Lady! They're gonna win!!" 

With tears in my eyes & a certain elation, it didn't take long before the secret was out.

Putting On My Warrior Boots: The Day I Decided Fear Couldn't Make My Decision & The Lisa Whittle Retreat!!!

Lisa Whittle. Lover of Jesus. Author. Teacher. Funny. Warm & Down to Earth. I didn't have the pleasure of meeting her until last weekend..

I'd been following Lisa's ministry for some time now... She posts. I open my email. That has been the pattern. Her way with words and biggest message, "God First." won me from first read. I've only known her to be authentic, and fiery, and uncompromising in her love for the gospel, so when she said she was hosting a retreat for just about 30 women to share her heart, upcoming book, and tips for aspiring authors, I knew I had to be there.

Problem?  Precipitation. The bad kind. Almost didn't make it!

Snow in NJ. State of emergency in NC. I LOVE flying, but I didn't sleep too well the night before heading out. The news exploited photos of car pile-ups in the typically "sunny south" as I heard deep down inside, "If you go, I'll keep you.."