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Episode 00020: You Will Honor Those Who Shaped You

December 30, 2025​

Greeting​

Welcome back to The Daily Spirit. Tuesday, December 30th, 2025. Five minutes of spirit-filled encouragement to start your day.

Opening Hook​

You probably just spent time with family over the holidays. Maybe it was beautiful. Maybe it was complicated. Maybe both.

But now you're back. Back to real life.

Here's my question: before the distance creeps back in, have you told them you love them?

Scripture​

Exodus 20:12: "Honor your father and mother so that you'll live a long time in the land that God, your God, is giving you."

This is one of the Ten Commandments. Not a suggestion. A command. Honor your parents.

Personal Touch​

I just got back from spending a few days with my parents and my brother. And I have to be honest with you. They're not believers. Not yet.

Sometimes I feel like a disappointment to them. I wish I could be the version of success they imagined. The stable career. The clear path. The predictable life.

Instead, I'm on this narrow, sometimes lonely path. Following a calling that doesn't always make sense to the people around me.

But here's what I know. I'm on this path for a reason. My great-grandfather was a pastor in China when it was dangerous to be a Christian. My grandma went to church surrounded by atheists. Her own husband never stepped foot inside with her. That was harder than anything I'm facing.

I believe I'm meant to recover my family back to the faith. That's part of my assignment.

Core Message​

But here's the thing. Whether or not they believe what I believe, they love me. And I love them.

And I had such a beautiful time with them. My brother's girlfriend is wonderful. My parents are healthy. We laughed. We ate good food. We were together.

It's so easy to focus on what's not going great. High achievers do this. Ambitious Christians do this. We're self-critical. We're always optimizing.

But today I just want to remind you: gratitude. Gratitude for the people who shaped you. For the parents who raised you. For the siblings who grew up alongside you. For the family that formed you into the person you are today.

Exhortation​

So here's my encouragement.

Send them a text. Today. Right now if you can.

Tell your mom you love her. Tell your dad you appreciate him. Tell your brother or sister that you're glad they exist.

Even if the relationship is complicated. Even if they don't believe what you believe. Even if there's tension. Show them love. That's your witness.

You don't convert people with arguments. You convert them with love.

And if you're feeling like a disappointment right now, like you're not measuring up to someone else's version of success, hear me: you are on your path for a reason. Your narrow road is leading somewhere. Keep walking.

Affirmations​

Let's speak some truth. I'll say it, you repeat.

[Pause after each for repetition]

I honor my parents.

I love my family.

I am grateful for who shaped me.

My love is my witness.

I am on my path for a reason.

I will let my spirit speak volumes.

Closing​

That's it for today.

One more day in 2025. Let's make it count.

Go get after it. God is with you. Talk tomorrow.

Substack Post Copy​

Title: You Will Honor Those Who Shaped You (Tuesday, December 30th, 2025)

Subtitle: On honoring family. And letting love be your witness.

Body:

Good morning!

You just spent time with family. Before the distance creeps back in, there's something you should do.

Hit play. Or keep reading below.

Do This Before The Distance Creeps Back In​

The holiday season is almost over. You're inching back to real life. Before you get back into the hustle and bustle, likely hundreds of miles away from them, have you told your parents you love them?

"Honor your father and mother so that you'll live a long time in the land that God, your God, is giving you."

— Exodus 20:12 (MSG)

That’s one of the Ten Commandments. And it’s not a suggestion.

I just got back from a few days with my parents and my brother. They're not believers. Not yet. Sometimes I feel like a disappointment to them. I wish I could be the version of success they imagined.

But I'm on this narrow road for a reason. My great-grandfather was a pastor in China when it was dangerous. My grandma went to church surrounded by atheists. That was harder than anything I'm facing.

Here's what I know: they love me. And I love them. We had a beautiful time together. It reminded me how easy it is to focus on what's not going great instead of being grateful for what is.

So send them a text. Today. Tell your mom you love her. Tell your dad you appreciate him. Even if it's complicated.

People rarely see the light through apologetics. Love is your witness.

Your Affirmations For Today:

  • I honor my parents.
  • I love my family.
  • I am grateful for who shaped me.
  • My love is my witness.
  • I am on my path for a reason.
  • I will let my spirit speak volumes.

God is with you today.

Love,

Gary