As a man, I can tell you that it’s generally unpopular among most men to be an Oprah fan. Mention her name among a group of men and you will hear snide remarks about daytime talk-shows, jokes about their sappy-emotional issues, and cruel jabs in reference to Oprah’s weight struggles. For most talk-show hosts, such contempt might be appropriate. But the Oprah of today is not the same Oprah who was the weekly target of many a joke when television’s sitcom Married With Children was still on the air. It’s time for men to give Oprah Winfrey a second look.

The reality is that our ideas and opinions of this woman are as embarrassingly outdated as Al Bundy’s ties. Today’s Oprah no longer struggles with her weight. In fact, she won that battle years ago. For years now, she has been eating healthy foods and exercising daily. She looks great and has the energy of ten men. This accomplishment alone is inspiring, as most of us wish we had the same discipline required for such an achievement.

This is a woman who makes a hundred and fifty million dollars a year. She’s considered the most powerful person in the country; and not just the most powerful woman, but the most powerful person. Still, she’s not just a successful business person, she’s extremely versatile in her accomplishments and her interests. She reads books, writes books, and is the single most influential person in the industry controlling the success of other people’s books. She makes movies for both the big-screen and television. She motivates and inspires all sorts of charitable concerns and acts of kindness. And she runs a daily television show that teaches millions how to be better people, be healthier, be happier, be wealthier, be more spiritual, and overcome major obstacles in life such as physical illness, mental illness, substance abuse, loss, trauma, poverty and even loneliness.

Today’s Oprah Winfrey has overcome major life challenges related to the color of her skin, her sex, her weight, her abusive childhood, her economic background, and the extremely limiting belief system she was taught while growing up. Who among us is not inspired by such bravery, fortitude and success? Who isn’t the least bit intrigued by what she has to say and teach us? If she was a man, other men would take pride in learning how this person became so accomplished. But I say, because she is a woman, her accomplishments are all the more fascinating and inspiring.

Look, I’ll be the first to admit that some of Oprah’s shows are a bit too centered on women for my liking. However, since I’ve taken notice of this remarkable lady, I have learned a great deal about the life-secrets of one of the most powerful and charismatic people in the nation. Oprah’s daily television shows, the books she writes and recommends, and her television and magazine interviews boldly fulfill anyone’s desire to learn how she became so influential. She holds nothing back when she talks. With full honesty, she teaches us all her methods and philosophies of life. But if we are too macho, too worried of what other guys will say, or too narrow-minded to take notice, we may miss the opportunity to learn from this great teacher—not a woman, not a talk-show host, but a teacher.

Even if we, as men, can not humble ourselves to learn from this woman, we still may have Oprah to thank as a positive influence in our lives. Have you noticed your wife or girlfriend handling money better? Maybe she’s healthier and in better physical condition? Maybe your kids are getting better grades, or having less difficulty with social pressures at school. There are numerous positive changes that could be occurring around you of which might be due to Oprah’s show.

Oh, men can still laugh at Oprah when we’re in a group, maybe while having a few beers together. But when you or your child or loved one is suffering and Oprah’s got a show focused on the subject of that suffering, you’re going to want to watch it. Her show isn’t about telling sad stories just to make people cry anymore. It’s about teaching us how to grow, and how to cope with and overcome the obstacles, demons, and challenges in our lives. It’s educational, helpful, and sometimes lifesaving. So, once again, I say, if not for ourselves, then at least for our loved ones, it’s time for men to take a second look at Oprah Winfrey.

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For more articles by Bob Olson, visit www.ofspirit.com/bobolson.htm 

BOB OLSON is a former skeptic and private investigator who has researched evidence of life after death since 1999. He now shares the spiritual insights, extraordinary experiences and gifted practitioners he has met along his journey to assist others with their own spiritual growth. Bob is the author of Win The Battle, How To Beat Depression, and co-author of Understanding Spirit, Understanding Yourself. He is also the editor of OfSpirit.com Magazine, GriefAndBelief.com, BestPsychicMediums.com, & BestPsychicDirectory.com, HowToBeatDepression.com.