OWN and Oprah’s Lifeclass were thoughtful enough to know that at the end of the week, we all need a little JOY and Joy Rising Friday’s help remind us all about what joy really is. We see it. We hear it. We feel it. Get ready…you know what’s coming.

Case Study – Princess Fanny Eugine. Oprah brings a little joy to “Princess Fanny” as her one and only Princess of the Day. One of the best dream-come-true moments on the Oprah Show, we are reminded of her giving heart and loving soul. Back in 2003, Princess got the royal treatment from Oprah with house cleaning for a year, a weekend trip to NYC and a new mini-van. “After that show, I floated home that night,” Oprah says. It’s amazing to be able to give…While the JOY is amazing just from the 2003 show, it all comes full circle when 2 years later, Fanny loaded 12 of her relatives into the van and drove out of New Orleans to escape hurricane Katrina wearing her princess tiara. Homes destroyed and lives changed, Oprah again touched Fanny’s life with her love and helped Fanny reclaim her home and make it livable again. JOY is amazing when you see it. Open your eyes and be changed.
From OWN: Princess Fannie Gets the Royal Treatment – In 2003, Oprah received letters about a woman with an extraordinary heart who deserved a little joy in her life. Fannie Eugene, a loving mother with a genuine, giving spirit, was chosen to be The Oprah Show’s Princess for a Day. After taking her first flight to Chicago, Oprah surprised Princess Fannie with gifts that helped ease her burden. Watch the big reveal!
Lesson: What God loves most is appreciation. It’s also what people love the most. Give of yourself and feel the JOY.

Case Study: Surprises to Guests – A special surprise to Denni. Representing every hard working mother…this is a dream come true and a life changing moment. Here is teh lesson that I see from this…
From OWN: A Gift from the Heart Changes One Mom’s Life – Denni, a single mother of three children, worked three jobs to give her children the education they needed to succeed. Then, in September 2010, Oprah surprised her with the mother of all paydays. Denni received a dream vacation to Italy, one year’s salary and money to pay off her children’s student loans. Find out how Denni’s life has changed since that day.
Lessons: Have a great attitude about life. Know that you will overcome and you CAN overcome anything. Do what you need to do…and God will always be there for you. Your kids and those you love are the most important things in your life, hands down. Find the meaning in your life and in your relationships and hold on to your dreams. You never know when they might come true. Be the best you you can be…and bring the attitude…because it will shine back on your life ten-fold.

From OWN: A Surprise for Single Mom Denni – Denni, a single mom of three children, works three jobs to give her children the education they need to succeed. She’s about to get the mother of all paydays! Find out more about Denni

Case Study – Joy and Makeovers. Checking in with Roland, one of Oprah’s man makeovers. “After hiding for so many years…it has allowed me to be truthful and real every moment since the Oprah show,” Roland says.

Case Study – Anna and the healing power of pets. Back in 1994, Oprah gave Anna a puppy. The tears of a little girl show you that joy comes with many emotions. After losing her mother, this puppy helped her move forward with her grief and life. It was an amazing story…for her and for everyone that sees it.
From OWN: The Healing Power of a Puppy – After a little girl named Anna lost her mother, she began to battle depression. Her family reached out to Oprah for help and said this 9-year-old dreamed of owning a Dalmatian puppy. Watch as Oprah helps make Anna’s dream come true during a memorable moment in 1994. Plus, find out how Anna is doing today.
Lesson: Don’t forget the JOY that your pets bring you every day. See it. Honor it. Love it.

Case Study – Reuniting Military Families. Back in 2007, The Oprah Show reunited families with those that they hadn’t seen in months.
From OWN: Soldiers’ Families Reunited – Today, there are more than 250,000 U.S. soldiers fighting for us in the Middle East. Many of these men and women spend months—sometimes years—away from their families. In 2007, Oprah brought soldiers who had just returned from Iraq a little joy when she reunited them with their loved ones. Experience this emotional reunion all over again!
Lesson: Realize the gifts from those around you. Appreciate the JOY that you have right next to you. Lower your voice…Raise your heart. Life is JOY.