The recently published autobiographical memoir by our beloved Michelle Obama has been all the rage in the United States and probably all over the world. We have packed venues, bought multiple hard copies, read articles, and listened to her voice reading her own words as we go about our daily lives.
I too, was interested and intrigued about Mrs. Obama’s experiences as the First Lady of the United States (ahem…the first Black First Lady or maybe it’s mo
re PC to say, the First Lady-who happened to be Black–not sure). In any event, I, for one just could not imagine the challenge, the turmoil and the magnificent opportunities that this position provided for her specifically, for us as a country and for me as a fellow Black woman. I wanted to know more-pull back the curtain and try to understand (or at least have an idea) of her experience in her own voice.
So…I decided to put together a book discussion! On a mild-weathered Sunday evening between insults of much colder days, 20 people –diverse in every way possible, gathered in my living room to discuss the book—more accurately—to discuss the themes presented in the book as not everyone finished (or had even started the book—it’s a long book 😉
The conversation was so thoughtful and honest, filled with both the high energy excitement of ideas quickly snatched up and expanded upon to moments of soft cadences in which we reflected on an idea presented. The conversation left room for statements about the power of the book, as well as the shortcomings. It pushed us to consider the chapter headings of our own lives, how we make decisions that are simultaneously personal and professional and how we are all…becoming. The conversation even pushed us to consider what we are becoming and to admit thatsometimes we are in the scary place of not knowing what we are becoming.
It took a great deal of effort and trust on behalf of each person to enter into the conversation effortlessly–to expose their thinking, to ask questions and to wrestle with ideas presented and reflect on our own journey.
My heart filled up with joy just like the fund-meters that you see in schools with the red temperature gauge.
Out of my own necessity to understand and to be in fellowship, I deliberately created this space-this sharing space, this healing space for all who were there and definitely—most definitely for me.
We are becoming-
Becoming together-
-Hollee
SoGoodSoulGood 