Today, Oprah Winfrey signs off after 25 years on daytime television. It has been, by any estimation, an astonishing career. In episodes (4561), Emmys (48), guests (30,000), gifts given, books promoted, money made -- even in that most unusual of daytime television categories, spinoff programs, Oprah has soared, not just head and shoulders but whole continents above the competition. (For more amazing Oprah statistics, click here.)
As the press proceeds to dissect Oprah's success, may I offer one thought. Part of what made us love Oprah, even those of us like myself who only watched the occasional clip of her show, is that she seemed to see herself as trying to share the things that she loved. It's really no coincidence that she became known for giving things away; on so many levels, that was her M.O. She was the one that discovered fun or important things, uncovered amazing stories and people, and she wanted to share them with her 40 million plus closest friends.
You and I, we don't have talk shows -- at least I don't. And our spheres of friendship and influence are far smaller. But still, the example of Oprah reminds me that whatever the size of the worlds we inhabit, the gifts that we have and the blessings that God gives us really can touch other people's lives, and make our world a better place.
Oprah, when I think of you, that is my favorite thing.
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