For the next 5 posts, I’ve decided to take a cue from the classic college application question: If you could have dinner with five famous people (alive or dead) who would they be and why? It’s a good question because it shows what you value in a person, and what you hope to gain from the interaction. So without further ado, the first person who came to mind was Oprah Winfrey.
Oprah and me on a picnic
What I love most about Oprah is that she treats life like one big classroom. She’s constantly learning, always asking questions, always looking at something in a new way. She could have taken the easy route and continued with her show for decades, but she needed something new and challenging so she started an entire television network. I don’t have cable so I don’t get to watch it 
. People seem to want to bash the network and celebrate in its fledgling ratings, but I see it as an amazing act of bravery. How many people will risk their public brand like that? As the great lady herself said, “challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand.”
Oprah introduced me to author’s I love (Jonathan Franzen
I would want Oprah to relax at the dinner party. No toasts, no stories, no pressure. She’s worked hard her whole life entertaining and challenging us that all I would really want is for her to sit, drink some wine, and receive a big fat hug from me at the end of dinner.
I’ll leave you with my favorite quote of hers: “I believe that every single event in life happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear.”
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Oprah would definitely be on my list, along with Hillary Clinton!
This is not only a beautifully written post, but it’s incredibly TRUE and inspiring. I’ve always been a fan of Oprah’s, even though I haven’t always watched her talk show or read all of her book club picks, or even faithfully subscribed to “O” magazine. I don’t focus on Oprah’s “celebrity” status as much as her humanity. She personifies what it means to live a life of grace, humility, and service. I’m also reminded of the Scripture (Luke 12:48) that says TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH IS REQUIRED. If anybody “gets” this, it’s Oprah. I’m looking forward to dinner guests 2-5.
Nicole @ Three 31
http://nicoleandkevin.wordpress.com/
Thanks! Did you start getting your subscription? It was supposed to start in December or January.
Yes ma’am, I did. I actually got two copies this month, I think I entered a contest on her website and they automatically send you an issue. Ooops!!!
Nice one, Tracy. Barbara Kingsolver is one of my faves, too.
Great post. Oprah is awesome! My dream is to meet her and get her to read one of my books!
Reblogged this on Glenn Langohr's Stunning Memoirs– of Life in Prison- In Print, Kindle and Audio Book and commented:
This is an awesome post and cool website.
Thanks for reblogging my post! I love your blog too! It’s amazing that you found your love of literature in prison and made the best of that time
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