Audacity of hope

This year, as we all watch the shimmy and shake of presidential hopefuls jockeying for American’s favor, I find myself caught in a refreshing twist of opportunity.

In my Independent, happily non-political mind, I have come to the general acceptance that the Democratic Party has the greatest chance of taking the White House. And while I’m certain there are reasons to be concerned with this, I find myself quite excited about the possibility. As I look at the two prospective options for Democratic presidents, I feel a tremendous sense of hope; albeit, for entirely non-political and non-issue reasons.

First, as a woman who has undergone her fair share of chauvinistic behavior and smashed her bruised head against the ceiling of women in ministry, I’m thrilled that our good-ol-boy-club nation is shifting to the point where a woman is valued enough to be a true presidential candidate.

Second, as a woman hoping two adopt two children from Ethiopia, I feel completely overwhelmed and under-qualified with the thought of someday trying to convey the struggle, resilience, strength and fortitude of the African American people. It would be an amazing moment to pull my children up on my lap, point to the President and say, “See that man standing tall and proud? He is African, just like you. Dream, my babies. Dream big.”

Either way, Clinton or Obama, the White House becomes an open door.