I am an Oprah fan. There, I've said it. I think she is great. She believed that she could make a difference in the world through her journalism, and she did, and then some. Personally, my favorite discussions and interviews are when she focuses on health or on positive living. I generally turn off the interviews with the convicted felons, parents of missing or murdered children, and anyone who turns me off due to some social or political stand he or she may be taking. I figure, I just don't want to be depressed or listen to someone who enjoys hearing him/ herself speak.
The reason I bring Oprah up in my Blog that is supposed to be about finding piece during a time of what many would call high-stress, is that last night I watched this fascinating show on how The Oprah Show can propel a business forward if it gets featured. Having married into a family of entreprenaurs, I think these features are great! I love the fact that Oprah is supporting small businesses: the sweet little bakery or cute boutique. However, the final feature last night's program was about a woman who decided to "live according to Oprah." Now, I have not read her Blog, but regardless, the piece featured a lot of material possessions that "Oprah says every woman must have" or books that Oprah has recommended. This woman purchased everything that Oprah said people should buy or try. This got me to thinking, what's the point?
If my closet and bookshelves were full of all of the things that Oprah said are must-haves, would I live a richer life? Would I be more capable of love? Would those clothes help me be a better mother and wife? Would any of these things bring me closer to God? I'm pretty sure they wouldn't.
I do firmly believe that spending one's own money the way he or she wishes too is just fine. And, I must admit, the woman in the feature in lastnight's program had some pretty cute stuff. The study this woman in question is doing is to see if following Oprah's recommendations makes her life richer: "Living Oprah". Truely this seems like the ultimate in idolatry to me. I questioned the TV: "how about living according to Jesus Christ?" How about trying to follow the proven teaching of the Son of God? Oprah a god? I don't think she would even say that. TV Diva or Most Powerful Woman in America, perhaps, but not a profit or even a minor diety.
As my family and I pursue the legal and financial challenges that we are dealing with, I thank God that I am not placing my faith in material purchases or a talented multimillionaire.There are times I think that I'd like to win the lottery or think that I'd like to go on a summer vacation sponsored by someone with a lot of money. But Oprah can't make me feel better about my current situation. I have read some of the books she has recommended, and when applied through my Christ-centered lens some of the things that I have learned in those books help me see things differently, but I'd call that a resource, and there are many of those...a lot of those hang out at the library.
In anycase, when I woke up this morning I was praising God and thanking him for the love of my son and husband, feeling emense joy in my heart. I felt like no legal or financial pressure could hamper my day (it didn't) and that life would only get better today (it did). Where did Oprah fall into all of this today? Her rerun was sounding in the background while I played with my son. You might say, she makes for good background noise.
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