Several years ago, I took a Dale Carnegie course. Each week, we applied the principles from How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie to give speeches to our classmates. After every speech, we would vote for the most inspiring speaker of the day, and the winner received a prize.
I never won a prize, but almost every time, I ranked in the top three most influential speakers. After one of my speeches, the instructor told me, “You don’t know the impact you’re having on people.” That stuck with me. Even without winning, I was inspiring others.
“Kind words are like honey; they are easy to accept and good for your health.” – Proverbs 16:24
Our Thoughts and Actions Are Like Bees
Bees are intentional about where they collect nectar. Just like them, we can be intentional with our thoughts. “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5
When bees bring nectar back to the hive, it transforms into honey. In the same way, when we align our thoughts and emotions with Christ, we create something uplifting—encouragement, strength, and kindness for ourselves and others.
Every bee has a role in the hive, working together as a unit. Similarly, each of us has unique strengths. When we try to imitate someone else, we lose what makes us special. God created us with specific talents, and when we embrace them, we thrive in our own sweet spot.
In the end, honey brings sweetness, nourishment, and healing. Our words can do the same—offering encouragement, comfort, and strength to those around us.
Bees are also focused. They don’t sting unless provoked. Even in difficult situations, we should strive to respond with grace rather than hurt.
And here’s something remarkable—honey lasts for years without spoiling. Likewise, our kind and inspirational words can have a lasting impact long after we’ve spoken them.
Enjoying Middle Schoolers
I worked with elementary students, and I knew I connected well with them. They hugged me, followed me around, and made me feel appreciated.
Then came my first year at a middle school. I wasn’t sure if I could relate to these kids. After all, I was a middle school student a while ago.
But one day, a teacher told me that I was good with the student I was assigned to. That made me pause. Maybe I was better at working with this age group than I thought.
I take an interest in students’ lives. I ask them questions about themselves. They light up when I give them a genuine compliment. I use sarcasm, but never in a mean way—I’ve learned how to engage with them on their level.
Now, when I walk through the hallways, I hear the kids calling my name. They make me feel like a celebrity—at least at school!
The Power of a Special Connection
All my nieces are under five, but one of them has a unique connection with me. One day, she FaceTimed me from my sister’s phone—just to talk to me. When she came to visit, she wanted to play with only me.
That kind of relationship—the kind that makes someone seek you out—is special. It makes me smile.
Kind Words Make a Difference
Have you ever had a moment when someone’s kind words completely changed your outlook? Have you seen how something you said impacted someone else’s life?
Our words matter. They can bring healing, encouragement, and joy—just like honey.
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Sources and References:
The Bible (Online Source):
The Holy Bible, Easy-to-Read Version. Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2016%3A24&version=ERV. Accessed [date].
The Bible (Online Source):
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%2010%3A5&version=NIV. Accessed [date].
National Honey Board:
National Honey Board. “All About Honey.” Honey.com, https://www.honey.com. Accessed [date].
Stephen Covey’s Book:
Covey, Stephen R. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. Free Press, 1989.