Joel mostly speaks about the work we do as humans for God and each other. If you haven't had the chance to listen to him, I highly recommend you do. Even if you are not religious, his ministries are inspiring.
I was so touched by yesterday's service I couldn't help but to share it with you. Joel talked about a simple, yet, complex word.... honor.
Honor. One word holding a spectrum of colorful waves in the decadence of its simplicity and meaning. People who give honor are quite humble as they bestow this gift onto others. To give honor is to be honorable.
When we bequeath honor upon others, God enables all of the glory of our dreams and passions to come to full circle. By giving away honor, He rewards us with success, love and the freedom of our dreams coming true to only grow bigger.
It's easy to give away honor. You can call your mom and tell her how proud you are of the woman she has become and caregiver she has been all of these years. If you have a coworker who has done a good job at the office or is always on time, you can tell him/her how much you admire their dedication. The next time you go to the grocery store, look for your favorite cashier and get in their line. Tell them how nice they are and how much they make your shopping more enjoyable.
By making others feel good about themselves, we are acting in God's light. We are showing Him how we honor His existence by loving our friends, neighbors and family members. He delights in our work for Him and rewards us immensely for doing so.
Raise your family members and spouses up. Tell them how much you appreciate and love them. Express a wave of compliments and be stingy with your complaints. I know how hard it is to deal with certain members of the family. Just the other day, during our Thanksgiving celebration, I was telling my mom how much I disliked one of our family members. He's not in our close unit but I see him enough to sum up my own regards toward him. He can be quite moody and mean, often taking his ailments out on others.
After I watched Joel Osteen's ministry yesterday, my heart grew heavy with guilt. Even though I may dislike this person, I should not put negative energy out there, especially when it comes to my own family. Instead, I should honor each and everyone of them by saying something kind, as hard as this may be at times. To be honorable is to give honor. And when we award others with honor, the sky is the limit as God takes delight in His children's work.
I already believe God is rewarding me. My children's book is still on Amazon's top 100 Kindle books for Children's Fiction and Imagination. It might not be a bestseller and who knows, it may never sail to its final destination. But for my book to be able to sail into the hearts of some unknown shores, I am pleased with God's favors.
Be kind my dear friends, family and fellow authors. It's free to give honor away. The incredible feelings and accolades your life surmounts to will be astounding.
Have you ever listened to Joel Osteen or read one of his books? What are your thoughts about giving honor to someone else?
I enjoyed this post! I'm a huge Joel Osteen fan. I saw him live this year when he visited my city and read his book "Your Best Life Now" when I was in college. Thank you for sharing this. It's so easy for us to get into a rut and to complain about everything! I've found that making someone feel better actually serves to make me feel better, and when you feel good you do good things, and as a result of that, good things happen to you! I'm so excited for you and your children's book. Onward, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Quanie!
DeleteI would love to see Joel Osteen in person. He's such an inspirational speaker and really does lift his followers up. I want to read his new book, "You Can, You Will: 8 Undeniable Qualities of a Winner."
Your support means so much, my friend=) Thank you!!
I do believe that making people feel good while in your presence is one of the finest things you can do for each other.
ReplyDeleteIt truly is, Lee=) And it makes us feel good doing it.
DeleteNo I have not, but the message you shared is a good one. It's a good reminder to put others up. Thanks for sharing and the reminder.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading, Brenda=)
DeleteTotally believe in this theory, Gina! I hadn't thought of it as 'honoring' but that's exactly right. I love to compliment people I see everyday and always thank them for what they do for me. The Barista, my yoga teachers, the cashier at the grocery store. It might be easier to honor strangers than our own family since we have different expectations of those closest to us. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa!
DeleteI made a promise to myself I would put our more positivity and compliments and less complaints. I think making others feel good about themselves is such a great way to give back to the universe. And it makes us feel good too.
I try to honor my friends and acquaintances with respect and also support them through tough times. We all need that. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, Lexa. We all need a little support at times, especially the tough ones=)
DeleteThat is so true and such a great reminder.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you and your writing accomplishments.
Awe, thank you so much Sandra=)
DeleteI love being in a positive atmosphere, where people are respected and appreciated. The opposite doesn't help anyone, and will alienate and cause hostility.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right. I always notice the more moody and hostile people are, the more negative things happen to them. I don't wish this on anyone but it's just something I've observed. I am totally adopting this way of thinking and making it a habit to be a better person not only for myself, but for the rest of the world.
DeleteThis is such a great reminder, especially for this time of year. Thank you, Gina!
ReplyDeleteAnytime, Kelly!
DeleteI've read many of Joel Osteen's quotes but haven't ever watched one of his ministries. This post is a fabulous reminder, Gina, and not just for this time of year but every day of our lives. It is easy to honor those we know and love with honor, but we don't do it as much as we should. Great post, Gina!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chrys!
DeleteThanks for the great reminder.
ReplyDeleteThank you=)
DeleteGina, I often watch both Joel Osteen & Joyce Myers. Like you they are very gifted speakers & authors, that always leave me feeling overwhelmed with inspiration after reading their books or hearing them speak. With the question of honor, not enough of our society knows the meaning of the word anymore. In order to honor, we need to respect & it makes me so sad to see the lack of respect in our present day & age. Any hope for our future lays in the hands of our gifted ones, that have the power to make a change. You, Gina are part of this hope.
ReplyDeleteOh mom, you are quite moving yourself with your lovely words. You give me honor everyday just by showing such kindness towards my goals and success.
DeleteWe really do lack the type of respect desperately needed in our present days. I really hope more leaders take this generation and future generations to a place where respect and honor are valued more.
Giving honor to those who drive us crazy might be one of the highest things we as humans can do....so don't beat yourself up about it too much! It's something for us all to aspire to and work towards. Remember, forgiveness is also so important. Forgiving myself is one I struggle with, so I really do understand! Beautiful post, Gina.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz! Forgiveness is such a challenging gift. I often struggle to forgive others who have wronged either my family or me. I've learned to forgive myself for things which have only made me who I am today. Without our mistakes, we wouldn't have learned to take the better paths in life=)
DeleteGina, what a beautiful post. I've watched Joel Osteen from time to time and I agree with you that he is such an evocative speaker. I always feel uplifted and light-hearted after watching his ministry. Very powerful and thought-provoking post on the topic of honor. :) Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way after watching him speak. He always manages to remind me about how significant little acts of kindness and love can be.
DeleteI have heard of Joel Osteen. It's good to spread positive thoughts and actions out there. Every little bit helps.
ReplyDeleteIt does, indeed!
DeleteI haven't read his books but my sister has a series of his DVDs (I think). It is important to give honor and be stingy on complaints. Thanks for your reminder, Gina. I'll do this more starting from today!
ReplyDeleteYay, Claudine! I've been doing it since last Sunday and it feels so much better than having those sour moments in our lives.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read or seen any of his DVD's but I definitely believe in the power of kindness! It amazes me how small a compliment can go to really boost another person :)
ReplyDeleteI think we take for granted the simple act of being able to hand compliments over to people. It really does make both parties feel special and appreciated.
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely check out one of Joel's ministries sometime. No need to buy the dvd, I believe he comes on pbs on Sunday... will double check.
Hope your evening is great. Hugs
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sandra. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteSounds like the book you purchased from the seminar you attended would be a good investment. I'm going to have to look into it. Happy Sunday, Gina dear.
ReplyDelete