grace – The Tempest

I find that my most blissful moments remind me of the strong, calming scent of lavender. For one reason or another, I relate it to a lot of the more meaningful aspects of my life. To me, lavender is like a feeling; like the wind brushing up against your skin.

While I think that lavender is largely optimistic, I also find a certain sorrow that is comfortable, even humble, in its presence. I’ve come to appreciate it in every shape and form – the color, the flower, the scent. Its hard to place; not sweet or bitter, but rather musty.

Lavender manages to incorporate itself into my life seemingly on a whim and in the most fleeting of moments. We have a peculiar relationship. I am stomach-knottingly anxious in the presence of many, especially when I first meet them. But, with some, I sense lavender, and I know that something great is about to happen. It is more of a feeling than anything else. Just talking to some people can be rejuvenating, and perhaps it is because our meeting reminds me of that warm, soft smell of a mid-spring day when the sun is bright and pure, and the entire day lies ahead.

Nowadays, when I am feeling an emotion that is simply beyond words, I say that I am overflowing with lavender.

According to etymology, the English word “lavender” is derived from the Latin “lavare,” which translates to “to wash.” It is a necessary refinement – a cleanse. I am purified with every utterance of the word.

Perhaps it’s not just me. In literature, lavender has been used significantly as a token of love. To me, it’s more like a notion of love at first sight. Shakespeare offers a bouquet of “hot lavender” in The Winter’s Tale. Cleopatra also roots lavender with love, as she is said to have used its sultry perfume to seduce both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Christians are also known to have used it as a repellent of evil. The plant is said to have been taken from the Garden of Eden and is sometimes found hanging in a cross shape above the doors of some Christian households as a means of protection. There are so many songs with the title lavender, my favorite being by The Beach Boys, and there have also been many poems written about it, too. Take, for example, this quote by an anonymous writer, “as rosemary is to the spirit, lavender is to the soul.”

Lavender is swift, like a movement, carrying me in and out of perfectly imperfect moments. The vision of it is rather uplifting as well. It stands delicately tall among the rest, but it is not intimidating either. I adore its confrontation. In fact, I look forward to it.

During her eight years as the first black First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS), Michelle Obama has demonstrated pure class, grace and intellect. From her impressive sense of style, to her public health initiatives, Michelle has been an incredible First Lady. She serves as a role model for many and has shown her commitment to empowering women all over the world.

While some have criticized her looks and fashion choices, Michelle did not let that prevent her from having fun and helping others during her time as FLOTUS. She has been a symbol of hope and will be missed dearly.

Here are nine times she proved to the world her black girl magic and black excellence as FLOTUS will go down in history:

1. Her speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention

This was one of Michelle’s defining moments as First Lady. In an extremely effective and well-delivered speech, she called out bullies and those who promote hateful rhetoric. It was during this speech she said the motto she tells her daughters is, “when they go low, we go high.”

2. The time she danced with a 106-year-old White House guest

In 2016, Virginia McLaurin met President Obama and the First Lady in celebration of Black History Month. McLaurin couldn’t hold back her excitement as she met the Obamas. She told her she thought she would “never live to get in the White House” and Michelle and the President danced with her. It’s hard not to smile as you watch the video.

3. When Ellen DeGeneres challenged her to a push-up contest

On “The Ellen Show,” the two discussed Michelle’s workout habits and routines. Michelle wakes up early every morning to exercise. Her training showed as she got down and started doing push-ups next to Ellen. Then Michelle received a cute workout gift from Ellen.

4. Her impressive carpool karaoke skills

It’s not everyday that you see the wife of a president jamming out to Stevie Wonder and Beyoncé in the car. Michelle drove around the White House grounds with Late Late Show host James Corden and then surprise guest Missy Elliott joined them.

5. When she called out Donald Trump for his lewd comments on women

After a leaked Access Hollywood tape showed Donald Trump bragging about sexually assaulting women, Michelle did not stay quiet. In an emotional speech, she described his words as “disgraceful” and “intolerable.”

6. Her amazing sense of style, hands down

Over the years, Michelle has proven that she can pull off just about any style whether she is wearing heels or sneakers. She’s leaving behind a fashion legacy that will be difficult for Melania Trump to top.

**7. Her Let’s Move! campaign**

In 2010, Michelle announced that she would be starting the Let’s Move! campaign in order to fight childhood obesity and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Her initiative has encouraged students to exercise more and eat healthier.

8. Her relationship with her family

Michelle and Barack have been married for almost 25 years now. When Barack first took office, Michelle focused on settling in Sasha and Malia into their new school. She prioritized her role as a mother while still fulfilling her FLOTUS duties.

9. Her charisma

Michelle’s genuine character and personality made her a lovable First Lady. She was funny and down-to-earth and poured her heart into the speeches she gave and the initiatives she ran.

We will miss you, Michelle Obama!

…And it’s not too late for you to decide if you want to run for president in 2020!