“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
– Albert Schweitzer
I can’t think of a more fitting quote for Oprah’s departure. She’s been an icon in my home and in the lives of my daughters growing up, but her farewell show yesterday was truly one of a kind. For the first time we saw Oprah as both the host and guest of her own show. Once the stage was stripped of guests, surprises, causes, fanfare, etc. all that remained was a chair, a box of tissues, a glass of water, and the lady herself. She took the stage and talked to all of us for one hour. She shared her insights and beliefs as I have never heard her do before, without interruption. A lot of times, over the years, I was interested in hearing Oprah’s views, but she always stopped talking to ask her guest a question, giving them the platform. Yesterday, it was all her. No prescribed topic other than to thank all of us, she spoke from the heart about many topics that struck home. I finally had my first Oprah “ah..ha” moment. ( just in time)
In one hour she made me see that I have always been worthy “blooming wherever I have been planted”. Teaching for 35 years MATTERED in the lives of many children, raising two beautiful happy children of my own is a way to pass on more good and beauty to those that will cross their paths, and now, in retirement, I am using my words as God sees fit to help others who may be walking where I have walked. As much as I have always tried to help others, I’ve always felt I never quite did enough – I never made a difference on an “Oprah level”. My husband spent a lot of time trying to convince me that I did a lot in the way of service with my life. Let’s say I knew it in my head, but now I feel it in my heart. I am happy with myself for what I have done, and what I am doing now, thanks to many of the things Oprah said yesterday. I learned that it’s okay to feel the joy of being worthy. Worthiness is God’s gift to us for doing whatever He has called us to do.
When the lady giving the facial described her job as making someone’s day, I was truly touched with the message that no matter where we live, what career path we have chosen, as long as it is done with God’s blessing, and we are acting on His behalf, moving people forward in their lives, we are worthy. You can be Oprah with Tyler Perry on stage, or you can be me smiling at a stranger in the checkout line, and to God, we are both doing what we were put on this earth for – to make someone’s day; to add joy or healing to another life.
Today I’d just like to say thank you Oprah, for rekindling a spark that has been snuffed out by those who have misjudged and misunderstood me. There is nothing that will bring you to your knees faster than living your life being the best person you possibly can, and being told you’re less than nothing and none of what you have done was worth it. Don’t ever give into being robbed of who you are and your integrity if you are out there day after day trying to make the world a better place, with a pure heart.
Thank you Oprah for lifting the umbrella of injustice that I have allowed to be placed over me, enabling me to move on with a clear heart. I’ve recorded the show and I think I will play it often for inspiration.
And so, as another day goes by, Oprah walks off the stage leaving me forever changed, and …I have written.
Linda,
I didn’t get a chance to see Oprah’s last show, but I have watched it often in the past. She is one of those angels who walks among us, raising us up. And so are you!
Diane