She Shouldn’t Have Made It

There are many who are born in poverty and broken homes and wind up living the same kind of life.  One woman broke through this vicious cycle and gained international prominence.

This woman is Oprah Winfrey; born in poverty to a single mother who unfortunately due to her own hardships was not able to provide her daughter with the security and comfort a child needed. Initially raised by her grandmother, Oprah learned to read and went to church.

Things turned for the worse when she started living with her mother in Milwaukee at the age of six.  Her mother had to work long hours and had her own personal difficulties.  Oprah experienced child sexual molestation and rape. At the tender age of 14 she became pregnant. Her child died at birth.

It was when she lived with her father who was a disciplinarian that her life got back on track. She landed a spot in a radio show that became popular because of her.  Over the years more openings finally led to the creation of The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1985, which only a year later became the number one talk show in national syndication.

She put up Harpo Productions that eventually allowed her to own and produce her own talk show, in 1988. This was a historical first for a woman.  Her talk show which promotes healthy living is widely viewed and very influential, like any book she recommends becomes a best seller.

She is credited with helping Barack Obama win the Democratic presidential nomination and the U.S. Presidential elections in 2008. She has her own Oprah Winfrey Network.  A billionaire and a generous philanthropist; against tremendous odds she made it.