By Anita Johnston // Faith // EEW Magazine Online

Easter, also known as Resurrection Day, is among the most holy holidays for Christians in America.

Media mogul Oprah Winfrey who professed Christianity a decade ago often uses her multiple platforms to discuss her faith in Jesus Christ, something she did leading up to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the dead this year.

In a post written for Oprah Daily, the 68-year-old discussed several things: how she was ridiculed for her faith as a child; how that faith has contributed to her success; and what the Messiah rising from the dead means to her personally.

“I’m the person who grew up believing—not only believing but telling everybody—that Jesus was my brother,” wrote the philanthropist who was born in the rural town of Kosciusko, Mississippi. “I didn’t know my father for the first eight years of my life, and I was raised in the church to believe that God was my father. Since Jesus was his son, he was my brother. That was a major part of my worldview for a long time.”

But Winfrey’s young peers did not share the same perspective and “started making fun of me,” she said.

According to her, they mocked her, saying, “This girl thinks Jesus is her brother. Get out of here, preacher girl.”

But that didn’t stop her from proclaiming her beliefs and reaping the benefits of a strong relationship with God. Though children laughed back then, likely, no one is laughing anymore now that Winfrey has ascended to become one of the wealthiest, most influential women in the world.

During a recent conversation, Winfrey said her chief of staff, Amy Weinblum, noted, “I think one of the reasons you’re so successful in life is because when you grow up believing that God is your father, you’re invincible.You think there’s nothing you can’t do; there’s no problem that can’t be solved.”

In response, Winfrey said, “I agree,” adding, “Going to church was a big deal for me. I lived in the church. I sat in the second pew on the left-hand side soaking up every single sermon so deeply, I could preach them myself. And I did—the kids on the playground got an earful, especially around Easter.”

In the post, Winfrey waxed reflective about Easter and the significance the resurrection holds for her. “The resurrection of Christ has played a big role in my life because it speaks to possibility, hope, being redeemed, and having a second chance,” she explained.

 “I look at my life as a resurrection for all the Black people who were enslaved,” said Winfrey.

While addressing her digital audience, the founder of the Angel Network, a public charity she formed in 1998, also shared her list of beloved gospel songs that occupy a special place in her heart.

“When I listen to gospel music, I am reminded not just of the struggle of Black people but also of their faith and perseverance. Long before we knew about therapy or counseling, we went to gospel music to be our balm, our comforter, and our solace,” she said.

Among Winfrey’s favorite tunes are Tamela Mann’s “Take Me to the King,” Aretha Franklin’s “Mary, Don’t You Weep,” Kirk Franklin’s “Strong God,” and Donnie McClurkin’s “Stand.”