How Oprah Winfrey made me cry, she really did.

James -

I did not see the show, but from what my wife tells me about Oprah, she is a women to be admired.   There are many individuals who get the media's attention and do remarkable things.   I often here about of course Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, the contributions made by Denzel Washington, and on and on.    It's commendable and some of these acts of true kindness affect our culture in positive ways.     I wish we could see these same acts of kindness from some of our sports figures.    I think their reputations have been tarnished over the  years. 

James - like you, I had tears as well when I watched those wonderful children and heard their stories.  The girl's face, who wanted more than anything to go to 'university', was priceless when she heard Oprah say she would pay for it, for her to go to college anywhere in the world.  And then to hear Oprah say she was going to pay for each one of those children to go to college anywhere in the world...........she is quite simply amazing. 

It was a fascinating show, to see someone's dream come true in the way that Oprah's dream of opening this school has come to fruition.

James,

Thank you so much for your post today regarding the special last night.  I too watched it and was truly touched by what Oprah has done by dedicating the last five years to make that academy a reality.  Those girls are experiencing something they thought was only possible in the dreams and what I'm sure many of kids here in the U.S take for granted daily.  To hear stories of how a young girl must walk miles in the dark early mornings just so that she can go to school is truly amazing.  You could see the joy and heartfelt thanks the girl's family had knowing that Oprah just gave their child a good chance to rise above the poverty and disbelief that there is an actual future out there.  Say what you want about Oprah and how rich she is, but you know what... that woman put here on money where her heart is and I could only wish other's in her financial position would do the same. 

Its been tiresome for me this past year to see all the sensational press of how certain celebrities are spending the money we the public (believe or not) pay them by seeing their games, buying their cds, or watching their movies.  I'm just glad there was something on tv last night worth seeing after a long day working.

Good post, James. 

James,

I almost got out of bed to write a post about this show last night...for the same reason; I too was weeping throughout the show.  It was totally unexpected and I spent some quiet moments reflecting on why the show touched my core so deeply. 

I think that one of the reasons is that all of us are connected.  In a profoundly beautiful and mysterious way, we deeply celebrate and appreciate when we experience the "awe" of a life that has truly awakened to it's purpose.  As a nation, we were witnessing a profound awakening in Oprah's life, in the lives of the girls at the Academy and then it spread to touch South Africa and continues to spread as it touches the world! 

All of us are here to do in our own unique way what Oprah demonstrated last night.  What an Inspiration!

James

I like you was moved.   I know many people have mixed thoughts about Oprah.  And they are correct she does know how to market herself and good for her.   What does matter, is what she does with what she earns and she has provin herself over and over in my book.  

Oprah has long earned my respect and I hope one day I can give back just half of what she does.

Desiree www.TriCountyHomes4Sale.com

James, I saw this, and have to admit that it made me cry too. Those girls are such powerful motivators. I plan to buy the DVD. Thanks for posting this.

"It will be interesting to see how many of those young ladies work to change the world over the next couple of decades."

James, yes, I believe they will make a change. There are traits that I saw in all of those girls: strength, courage, and determination.  They will succeed. And they will be leaders.

The one regret that I had while watching that special was that, not all of the girls would get the same opportunity. I felt sorry for the ones that weren't chosen to attend the school.  Of course, that would not be possible. Considering the environment in which they live, you wish there were something that could be done to get all of them out of it. But I really commend Oprah for what she has done. It's a testament to the fact that, we all can make a small difference in the world.