One of my favorite guests, Mattie, With Oprah.
Oprah is jokingly referred to as the “third parent” of my family. It is not meant to diminish my parents physical presence or active roles in my life. They clearly were (and still are) the most important people involved in my upbringing. I think of her as how a teacher or other important adult has helped shape a child’s life- but even more so with Oprah, because she literally has been part of my family from infancy to the age of 25. I am the first generation product of “Oprah parenting.”
Some ways Oprah has helped shaped my life:
- I learned from Oprah what homosexuality was in a positive sense
- I learned about the HIV/AIDS crisis
- I learned about the importance of fighting back in an abduction
- I learned about tolerance, race, and hate groups- how our country has made great strides, but has a long way to go.
- I’ve learned about human conditions and became empathetic towards all human beings
- I was inspired to study Anthropology. That led me, an atheist, to West Africa conducting research. I left a Christian- forever changing my life.
- Dealing with PTSD after having HELLP Syndrome in my pregnancy, Oprah had a show specifically for “Warrior Moms” (with Jenny McCarthy). The stories did not diminish what I went through, but made me realize I was not alone. And even if something worse happened (like many of the women in the stories,) I could overcome any obstacle and be there for my children.
- After seeing a show on North Carolina families adopting from Liberia (beautiful story, and did give realistic expectations), Brian and I decide (after years of research and discussion) we were ready to take the next step and start the adoption process.
- Every Christmas present idea, decorating tips, recipes, and just plain fun aspects of life the show covered.
- I think the main inspiration I received as a child growing up, was that I really can accomplish anything my heart is in. Oprah’s own story gives inspiration to her message. I grew up not to be afraid of failure when there is passion in my purpose.
I know there are people for question Oprah’s authenticity. For me, it is pretty obvious the positive role her show has placed on my own life. The millions of people who have found her words inspiring and healing is proven testimony to her success. People seem to forget that Oprah is not a deity, she is not the Messiah, she is HUMAN. Perhaps the accusations of inauthenticity come from mistakes she, like every human, has made (and will continue to make). We cannot put our faith into a human being. We most certainly can learn from other humans, if it aligns with our personal relationship with God, and is in accordance with his word. It’s hard for some people to believe that someone who has offered wisdom and comfort to much of the world is still learning. One of the reasons life is so wonderful is because we will never stop learning, mostly from our own mistakes.
So, cheers to your Lifeclass, Oprah! I hope OWN will be giving just as much to my boys as the Oprah Show gave to me the last 25 years.
I’m a complete Opraphile. Henry refuses to watch her because he hates crying in front of me and worries Oprah lowers his testosterone levels.
So well written! I agree that she has inspired so many in positive ways, and you’re absolutely right when you say we need to remember she’s human. Not a deity like you say, and she’s entitled to have her failures just like the rest of us.
I totally love Oprah too – I think my very favorite episode was when she had her fourth grade teacher on her show (would have been in the late 80s early 90s) – she cried so hard and was more excited to see Mrs Lindsey than I had ever seen her react to a celebrity. She had the teacher there because she wanted the world to know that Mrs Lindsey was the one person who told her that she was special and helped her get on the road to the success she became. That was when I knew Oprah was real and all the glitz wouldn’t ruin her.
Can I just tell you how bummed I am that she is no longer on TV?
This is fascinating because I only knew Oprah as an adult. Unlike some people I know, I’ve always liked Oprah. She seems genuine and takes seriously her belief that she’s called to make a difference in the world. I part company with her in some places, due to the fact that her underlying worldview is what I’d call “spiritual humanism” which is, at root, different from Christian humanism. But they do share a lot in common. I can’t say I’ve learned anything specific from her, but she is inspirational and a pretty amazing human being.
I remember watching her with my Mom on the couch when I was just a little girl. I feel like I grew-up with her on television. Such an inspiration to all of us!
Hi Jamie,
This is something I have thought about a lot actually. My mom passed away when I was 15 and I credit much of my teen development to Oprah. I felt like she picked up where my mom left off.
I wanted to say hi for a while. We are in process at WACAP– we think we are in the top 3 or so for an infant boy. Would love to connect more personally at some point about your experience if you are willing! Thanks!
Hi Dana! Please email me jamie(at)iamnotthebabysitter(dot)com. I’d love to speak with you privately.
I’ve been watching Oprah for years but I never really thought about all she has taught me ….love how you listed out the specifics regarding parenting because that is so true but def. not something I’ve thought about
Teachers can have a lasting impression – @Oprah honors her 4th grade teacher – Mary Duncan – aka Mrs. Duncan http://bit.ly/KbMLVF