Not that it takes much effort, but I sometimes just like to pay attention to what other people are saying. It gives alot of insight into what they are like as people, their strengths, weaknesses and so on. Read on and you'll see what I mean.
Statements from people I've observed recently
"...Why am I still talking about weight after all these years?"
"...If I could live the rest of my life as a thin person, then I would be happy..."
"...I never go out of the house wearing sweats..."
"...I've always wanted to learn how to play chess..."
"...I would feel stupid acting like that..."
"...Why is this happening to me? It's always something!"
"...I'm eaten up with guilt..."
"...I remember when..."
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Now, I won't tell you who said what because that would infringe on someone's privacy. I WILL tell you that the first statement is someone that made that announcement on television, so my rule of anonymity doesn't apply. The woman who is seen as having all the answers in life and is a multi-millionaire (or even billionaire by now).
Yep, Oprah Winfrey. I think it took courage for her to say that phrase. Because everyone DOES think she is perfect.
I guess the point I am trying to convey is we all have moments of weakness. And, sometimes it may surprise you to realize that the one person that you thought was a pillar of strength, struggles as well. Somehow, it always helped me too. Do I always look to Oprah? no, not always. But I do think she will get a gold star in heaven for all that she has done while on this earth.
I remember a woman was in her audience one day and Oprah was having a "garage sale" of her shoes and clothes for charity. The woman found a pair of Oprah's shoes and bought them for what she could afford to donate to the Angel Foundation. Apparently, this woman had a very difficult life and struggled to make ends meet each month. But, like a little girl buying her Cinderella shoes, she bought them and took them home with her to the South Side of Chicago.
She remembered the times when Oprah recounted stories of her difficult childhood growing up in Mississippi and then in Nashville. Being abused at a young age, experimenting with drugs, teen pregnancy and so on. And, now she is one of the most influential media stars of our time.
The woman placed Oprah's shoes on the floor of her bedroom and she kicked off her own shoes and carefully stepped into Oprah's shoes. She stood completely still and closed her eyes. Before she knew it, her eyes were filled with tears.
A year later, Oprah held another charity "garage sale" for her charity. The woman who bought her shoes brought them back to the show. Oprah looked stunned when the woman asked if she could bring them back so someone else could buy them.
"What? You don't like them?" she asked incredulously.
"No, I love them. When I bought them, I thought my life was over. I was so tired of the hardships and the money problems and family problems. Just once...Just once...I wanted to stand in your shoes. You've been where I was. You know what it's like. But now, I've stood in your shoes and it gave me strength. Those shoes brought you from where I was to where you are now. Everyone should have a chance to stand in your shoes."
Some shoes are not only good for the sole, they are great for the soul.
More Musings Later -
2 comments:
Your story is lovely although it did not quite happen that way. The woman who purchased the shoes lived and still does live in Indiana. She still has the shoes and considers them a blessing because she has since completed college and has embarked on career in Communications and Special Education. She is continually thankfuk to God and to Ms. Winfrey for all she has achieved.
I stand corrected, thank you. It does seem that I saw a show where the shoes were brought back for others to experience as well. Could be my failing memory, however.
What a wonderful way to experience the adage, "Walk a mile in their shoes."
thanks for reading!
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