Written on the 28 May 2011 by Rachel Quilty, Personal Brand Strategist, Jump the Q
Is Oprah a Christian?
Well, the question that has been asked by many over the years was finally answered by Oprah herself.
In Oprah’s farewell show concluding 25 years as the small screen Queen, her final words were “Glory be to Him”. Oprah attributed her success to two things, finding and following her God given calling as well as trusting the voice of God’s throughout her life.
Is Oprah a Christian? The answer is yes. If you have read the numerous bibliographies written about Oprah you would probably be appear of that fact. However, thousands of viewers and everyday people have wondered.
Well sceptics may still be wondering, after all many religions have a God. How would you know if it is “the” God that Christians praise and worship? Oprah stated on her finale show, "People often ask me, What is the secret of success of the show? How have we lasted 25 years? I non- jokingly say, 'My team and Jesus.' Because nothing but the hand of God has made this possible for me. ... I know I've never been alone, and you haven't either. And I know that that presence, that flow—some people call it grace—is working in my life at every single turn. And yours too, if you let it in. It's closer than your breath, and it is yours for the asking. “
Christians believe that Jesus the son of God, came to earth to live as man. His life was sacrificed for the sins of man, so that those who know him and believed in him would have everlasting life. The proof that Jesus is the son of God is not only in the miracles he performed throughout his life but also in that he prophesied his own death and resurrection and pulled it off. After being confirmed dead for three days Jesus was resurrected and rose to heaven to join his father – ‘a sacrificial lamb’ who fulfilled the religious law of those times.
Oprah, attributed her success to listening to God and that the only mistakes she ever made were when she stopped listening and took her own path. Your personal brand is aligned to who you are and what your stand for. It shoudl reflect your values and what's important to you.
Oprahs character, life and success are a truly inspirational testimonial of a strong Christian. She is an incredible role model on living a spiritually rich life. This has been only too evident in her gift giving where she acknowledges that the gift is in the giving and that giving is a universal law that will be reciprocated ten – fold.
Watch Oprah's recent master class on Surrender:
While Oprah would not say she was perfect, that as a human she is always learning. It is true to say that the only perfect human who allegedly walked this earth was Jesus. And that like Oprah, Christians are not perfect and they are always striving like Oprah to improve through doing what does right, forgiving and being loving.She promoted that each one of us has a calling or a platform and an audience to love, whether it be your spouse, your family or your workplace.
Some Christians and sceptics alike may even question, "How can Oprah be a Christian if she can support, interview and acknowledge the beliefs of her guests? ". Oprah has interviewed a diverse number of people with very different beliefs to her own, she has interviewed Muslims and Kabbalists, Scientologists, Atheists and Witches as well as acknowledged the universe and karmatic forces.
Because of this some may say “She could not be a Christian.” And others may claim, “If she is a Christian, she isn’t a very good one.”
But the truth is ... Oprah is an incredible illustration and role model on being a good Christian. She has rarely judged another person for their beliefs. She has an open mind and an open heart. She has always maintained her faith and beliefs. She has never been swayed. She has always validated her guests, she has listened, she has heard and she has reinforced her guest and listeners value as a person regardless of their behaviour. Oprah has recognised that every one of us is craving love, desperately seeking to be cared about and validated.
In First Corinthians’, Paul calls Christian followers " to be like the gentiles, be like the Jews, be like the Greeks and be like the Romans" so that you can understand and love them , and reveal the truth. Christians are called to love, not to judge.
The message that Oprah has shared with millions of viewers is that she cares about them, and they have felt her love. And through that love the presence God. She has recognised that people who are a long way from God need love, understanding and acceptance – Oprah has shown that like Paul when you can love, you can influence and generate more love, moving people to tolerance, generosity, and greater love.
And God is Love. And God loves you and you are never alone.
Oprah encourages you to find your own platform and to reach out to others in love, to serve the world, saying "It has worked for this platform, and I guarantee you it will work for yours. Try it with your children, your husband, your wife, your boss, your friends. Validate them. 'I see you. I hear you. And what you say matters to me.'"
Oprah said "I have felt the presence of God my whole life. Because nothing but the hand of God has made this possible for me ... I know I've never been alone, and you haven't either. And I know that that presence, that flow—some people call it grace—is working in my life at every single turn. And yours too, if you let it in. It's closer than your breath, and it is yours for the asking."
If like Oprah you would like to be a spiritual and loving human, and move mountains and your heart is saying you really need to make a change. To become a Christian, like Oprah is easy. Just ask! And just say to yourself this simple pray,
“Lord God, I have been so far away. I thank you - that you loved me so much that you gave your only Son, Jesus Christ to pay for all my failings. I recognise that Jesus is my Saviour and through his death my slate is wiped clean and my future blessed. I choose a new direction and I choose a new life filled with love and your plan for my life. I know it’s time to discover and determine my calling and purpose. I thank you Lord God that you have my back - that when you are for me-no one can be against me. I thank you for the wisdom and discernment you have provided me with - to listen to your voice and to make the good choices is the future.
In Jesus’ name – Amen.”
Your life experiences are aligned to your life purpose and God’s plan for your life. And your past is part of your purpose. And one day it will all make sense. Keep moving forward like Oprah, always learning – always improving. Always asking what’s the right thing to do? Ask yourself what would Oprah do?
Emulate Oprah and move into your life with purpose and passion. You are blessed to be a blessing to others. We have a life mission to complete. Each one of us has a unique life experience that enables us to connect with an individual unique target audience. You’re told to “Live as You are Called” whatever your past, who ever you are - you are loved, you are enough, you are important and you have a mission for God to complete.
As Oprah said, "your real job in life is to figure out what that is and get about the business of doing it. "
Personal Branding is about seeing yourself - as you could be! Just like God does! Rachel Quilty
If you are ready to discover your purpose and calling read more in the self -management book "Brand Yourself"at www.brandyourselfbook.com
Rachel's book is available from www.brandyourselfbook.com. For more great resources go to http://www.Jump the Q.com.au today!
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