Oprah Changed My Life! (Esther 1)

Oprah Changed My Life! (Esther 1)

Esther 1.12-13 But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command brought by his eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him. Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times... [nkjv]

If the acquisition of wealth, fame or power is high on your 'to do list', there is one sure way of making all your dreams come true - get yourself booked on the Oprah Winfrey Show!

On October 18th 2006, presidential hopeful, Barak Obama appeared on Oprah, as a result, internet searches on the Illinois senator increased 358% the following week. In May 2007, Oprah announced she would be supporting Obama in his push for the presidency. One analysis estimates she delivered over a million votes by the close of the 2008 Democratic primary race.

For struggling musicians, a one-shot appearance on Oprah can change your life. Oleta Adams album, 'Circle of One' was something of a snoozer till she went on Oprah. Faster than you can say, "Go girlfriend", a cool 300,000 copies were sold and the album shot to No. 20 on Billboard's Top Pop Albums chart!

'The Story of Edgar Sawtelle', a book by David Wroblewski debuted at #14 on the New York Times bestseller list with an initial print run of 26,000. After Oprah announced this book as her book clubs latest title, an extra 750,000 copies were printed and the book found its way in the #1 position.

Oprah is known as the most influential woman in the world. She has been ranked the richest African American of the 20th century and the most philanthropic African American of all time. Her show is watched by an estimated 45 million viewers each week and is the highest rated program of its kind in history.

Just one word of endorsement from this queen of talk tv can change your life forever!

Queen Vashti was like the Oprah of the ancient world. She had influence and lots of it. But according to the story, she made one fatal mistake. She made her decisions alone. She discussed with no one before answering the king's request. Had she had even one trusted advisor, maybe her answer would have been different. In contrast we learn later than Queen Esther ran everything past her trusted advisor, Mordecai.

Isolation is a killer. We end up making mistakes, hurting ourselves and others in the process. No matter who we are, we all need people in our lives we can go to for wisdom, advice or just to use as a sounding board. I call these people my 'north' people. They keep me on track. They stop me from making huge mistakes and they encourage me to keep on moving forward. My life is so much richer for having them.

King Ahasuerus had his advisors, Queen Esther had Mordecai, Vashti had no one.

Who do you have?