Lives on Fire

Each Friday, we are taking a look back over the week and bringing you the “Top 5 Moments” of OWN programming each week.   There were plenty of moments to pick from….so much good stuff and we did our best!

• “Oprah’s Next Chapter” with Paris Jackson – Must admit, we were a little bummed that the Jackson family were only able to give a half hour.  This is a family that everyone has grown up talking about.  It doesn’t matter where you lived…everyone knew Michael.  As soon as cameras rolled onto Paris, there was a sense of relief.  She looked good and seemed to be doing well.  After losing her father so many of us worried about what would happen to the family and most importantly the kids.  The best moment was when Paris shared her father’s views on covering their faces when they were young.  Although many of us understood at the time that he was trying to protect them (in Michael’s unique way), what we didn’t realize is that by doing this he enabled his children to have a semi-normal life.  They were able to go out with nannies without any disguises.  What a gift.  Michael gave them the childhood he was never able to have.
•  “Our America with Lisa Ling” – Let’s be honest…it isn’t easy watching young girls dress up with a ton of makeup and dance like they need a pole.  It makes everyone uncomfortable.  As Lisa Ling asked parents about beauty pageants and the effect it was having on their children, it was obvious that the parents were still a little uncomfortable with the whole thing.   The moment that was most interesting was when the parents of Keisha told us that they would love their child regardless.  It was a sweet moment, but crazy!  Although her parents give her that unconditional love, the message the beauty pageant sends is that unless you are flawless…society may not.
•  “Super Soul Sunday” with Sarah Ban Breathnach- Last Sunday, Oprah sat back down with Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of “Simple Abundance”  to discuss how fame changed her life and the lessons it brought to her.  The greatest but simplest aha moment came late in the interview.  When they talked of her journey, Oprah asks Sarah, “Do you ever wish the fame and fortune never happened.”  Sarah’s response was, “No. I wish I was more prepared.” Sarah talks of wishing for a secret master class that helps someone when they arrive to fame quickly.  But Oprah reminds us, ask when you do not know.  Oprah says, “I knew that early on – that I didn’t know how to manage it – so I wasn’t afraid to ask for help.”  Like a true teacher, teaching us through her own actions. When you don’t know, ask. When you want answers, ask. When you need help, don’t be afraid. Just ask.
•  “Lives on Fire”– Only a couple of weeks in and we are already beginning to love the courageous women on “Lives on Fire.”  As each of them maneuver their careers and still attempt to maintain a personal life, we see their personalities begin to emerge.  Trying to constantly prove themselves, they are pushing themselves physically and mentally.  Now don’t get me wrong.  Women can do ANYTHING a man can do, but the pressures they feel in a male-dominated field…it isn’t easy.  However, these women are truly holding their own!
• “Million Dollar Neighborhood” –The show premiered giving practical advice about coming together and making a change. Revealing embarrassing financial secrets, people shared the emotional baggage that had locked them into their unhealthy spending. “You can’t get where you want to go if you don’t know where you are,” host Bruce Sellery tells us. He is so right. If you have no idea what is happening, you can’t begin to adjust it. Not acknowledging it…won’t make it go away!

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