Well, if you are a follower of current events, you have had a Melania Trump overloaded day. In case you don’t follow current events or politics, let me fill you in on what has happened during the Republican National Convention.
Mrs. Trump made her debut into the public limelight by delivering her first highly-anticipated speech. All was going well. She was lovingly introduced and received by the audience with robust applause. After her delivery, the audience’s response signaled the speech was a homerun – or so everyone thought.
Within an hour after the speech, it was discovered that her speech had startling similarities to First Lady Michelle Obama’s 2008 DNC speech. Oh, wow!!!
As I listened to report after report, I thought of how this could be a teaching moment for us all.
It is apparent to me that Melanie Trump, or someone in the campaign, has an admiration for Michelle Obama. Rightly so. She’s one of the most amazing American First Ladies (if I do say so myself.) There are so many wonderful things I admire about her myself, like her poise, her support of her husband, her grace as a mother, her support for our troops, her concern for the physical health of our youth, her inspiring education and hard work which led her to the highest place in the USA – the White House. Oh, the admiration list goes on and on. But, in admiration of all of her great attributes, I would never diminish my own.
I paused to write this blog because I realize there are many women who may be tempted to blend into the background, feeling inadequate. So allow me to outline three things to always remember:
- You are more than enough.
Sometimes the line between admiration and competition becomes murky. In order to rid ourselves of a competitive mindset, we must embrace the fact that what we have been equipped with by God is more than enough. Seek to be the best YOU that you can be.
- You are unique.
Every woman is different. No two women have the same story or background. God has made you unique, and that is a good thing. You don’t have to be anyone else but YOU. Melania’s own story was unique enough. I’m not sure why she chose to use someone else’s story, but I hope it is not because she felt her own story was unworthy of being heard.
Know your story and share your story. If you don’t know what makes you unique, how about using Lady Obama’s speech as a template to build your own story.
“And Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values: that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you’re going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don’t know them, and even if you don’t agree with them.
“And Barack and I set out to build lives guided by these values, and pass them on to the next generation. Because we want our children — and all children in this nation — to know that the only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.”
- From this speech, list three things you learned from your parents or guardians.
- List the values you hold, your non-negotiables, those you desire to teach your children, grandchildren, those who look up to you.
- Determine what legacy you want to leave behind
Again, know your story and share your story.
- Appreciate and learn from others’ accomplishments
We are never too old to learn from anyone. The person you meet and admire today may possess the knowledge you need to move you to the next phase of your purpose. Don’t be so closed-hearted that you can’t give credit to those who have inspired you to greatness.
My friend, confidence breeds beauty and honesty. You have an audience that waits in anticipation to hear from you, to learn from you, to follow you. That audience may not be found in a large convention hall. Perhaps the audience is in your home, your place of employment, your house of worship, or even in your neighborhood. Your story is waiting to be told. Don’t keep that audience waiting any longer.
Written by Shirle Perkins
Shirle Perkins - Speaker, Teacher, Author, Certified Christian Life Coach and Business Coach. She is the Founder of LILY Ministries, a women's ministries designed to encourage and empower women through their transitions in life.
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