WOW

Last night my wife and I watched the documentary on the opening of Oprah’s leadership school in Africa. After watching it, all I can say is wow - what generosity, what love, what passion. The show was simply amazing. Here one woman has used her influence and has changed the lives of hundreds of girls in Africa by giving them an opportunity to learn in a safe environment.

And that’s the key – a safe environment. I was shocked to hear that many of the girls who were accepted into Oprah’s leadership academy were walking miles to school with the fear of being attacked. They shared story after story of girls who had to walk through some of the most dangerous parts of their city, just to get to school, while guys would threaten them and taunt them – and these girls are 12-13 years old. That’s just sick. But now, thanks to Oprah, these girls have a safe environment in which they can learn and grow.

Watching the show really moved me. I was moved by Oprah’s generosity, by her concern for detail – she really wanted the girls to have a beautiful place to live – but most of all I was moved by Oprah’s love for these girls. You could tell she loved the girls at this school. Yes she gave millions of dollars to start this school, but more importantly she gave her heart to these young women. You could see that it wasn’t about the money for Oprah, but instead it was about the relationship she had with these young women – to me that’s what I think touched the girls at the school the most.

Frankly, that’s what touched me the most, the relationship that Oprah established with the girls of the school. Personally, I think it is easy to give money, but what’s hard is giving your heart to someone, being in relationship with someone. But that’s what Oprah did, and it was evident that she received far more than what she gave. But isn’t that always the case – when we give, we also receive.

So, all I can say is way to go Oprah. Way to Go! I pray that the church would follow your example.

By the way - If you missed the show last night, you can watch it on Saturday night at 8:00pm on ABC.