LIFE gives the Gift of Honor
Posted by Marcia Robinson on December 1st, 2011
Give the Gift of Honor
The gift-giving season has arrived and it reminds me of a book Terri Brady recommended related to parenting. It challenged me to consider the Family area of my LIFE, specifically in regards to honor and respect in the home. Honor was defined simply as “treating people as special, doing more than what’s expected, and having a good attitude.” Additionally, it went on to explain that showing honor is like giving a gift. When we treat others in dishonoring ways, it’s like giving dirt to them. On the contrary, when we show honor, we give them a daily gift worthy of sharing with others.
As an assertive and somewhat dominant (lol!) woman, my personality had affected our home environment. Our children were being raised as independent thinkers, yes, but ultimately, they knew that mommy and daddy had the “final say” in the home. Obedience didn’t seem to be a problem; yet, something was lacking. It didn’t take me long to recognize that “something” was honor. I can laugh now looking back how I attempted to “take charge” and bring honor into our home through an action plan of discussions on character related topics, reading classics, and associated reward charts. Initially we saw some change, but obviously I was missing the spirit of the book–honor through example.
We are commanded in God’s word to “prefer one another” (Romans 12:10). The New International Version states it like this, “Honor one another above yourselves.” At the heart of it, “preferring” one another really challenges our naturally selfish mindset. This type of honor is desperately needed in many homes across America, including our own. With the addition of our seventh little one, Chris and I were reawakened to this need. We are so grateful for the LIFE changing information we continue to receive through the LIFE subscriptions. Chris Brady’s recent LIFE cd on “giving happy” reminded me how we find true joy in service to others. Honor Based Parenting isn’t always easy, but as Orrin Woodward says, “Leaders don’t do things that are convenient, they do things that are needed.”
The author of the book I mentioned earlier stresses, “When we recognize a person’s value, it’s easy to give him or her honor.” We find ourselves blessed to be associated with people like Mark and Rita Haas, Chris and Terri Brady, and Orrin and Laurie Woodward. These LIFE leaders exemplify how to not only validate others, but to add value in their lives by pouring a bit of themselves into them.
Chris and I are proud to be part of the legacy of Team Maximus, where each of our affiliated Teams can unite under the banner of “Strength and HONOR.” We have found that STRENGTH resides in being part of a group of people that are committed to “treat people as special, do more than what’s expected, and have a good attitude.” Thank you, Mark and Rita for setting that example for us all.
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December 1st, 2011 at 3:13 pm
One can think and say all day long, but until one actually “does”, the thing remains undone.
Marsha clearly spelled out the real challenge for all of us. I won’t speak for anyone else, but I know I need to be more of a “doer” and less of a “teller or thinker.”
Like Marsha, I am so thankful for the challenge and accountability that comes through being a member of LIFE and Team Maximus, but also for the acceptance, love and encouragement that is so graciously extended to all during the journey.
December 1st, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Marcia, what a valuable post. I would like to know what book you are referring to so that I can add it to my list. Like you, we don’t have a problem with obedience, but may have something missing when it comes to honor in our home. I would love to be able to read it and apply it in our family as well. Thanks to Terri Brady for being so well read and knowing which books to suggest right when we need them!
December 2nd, 2011 at 12:30 am
Marcia! I love this article!! I am so thankful that you are passing on such enriching principles that Terri Brady has reccommended! I know through being a part of LIFE and Team’s information we have become passionate about continually learining more about parenting and investing into the lives of our children. We are so thankful for the example that your family along with the Haas’, Bradys’ and Woodwards’ have set for us to strive for!!
December 2nd, 2011 at 11:33 am
Great post Marcia, we are so blessed to be plugged into this great info!!!! I know you have recommended that book to Annie and it has made a huge impact in our home as well!!! Looking forward to the future of LIFE!!!! God bless
December 3rd, 2011 at 1:38 am
When Marcia writes about affecting her home environment as a mother, please understand she leads her home with more passion and vigor than almost every mother I know! She exemplifies honor to her children all day long then turns around and teaches honor to her team in edifying and encouraging while expecting nothing in return. All in a days work for an excellent wife, mother of 7, and encourager of all!!
December 13th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
wow!!! That is some awesome insight on the heart issue of finding value in others!! As a task oriented person with a tendency to place people and the relationship in the back seat, I can definitely take a lot of notes on this article. Thank you for sharing Marcia!!! You and Chris are excellent examples of leading with honor!!!!!!
December 14th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
Great article Marcia! I absolutely love this book, and refer to it quite often!! It has made such a difference in our home life, and i recommend it to every parent out there! Thanks for being a great example and helping so many mothers on their journey! Love ya!
December 19th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
I love the transparency of the TEAM’s leading ladies! You make it easy to honor you! Thanks for reminding me of the importance to honor even when it’s not easy. I shudder to think of the kind of parent I would be without your example and those of the other women of excellence in LIFE.