Winning at Home: Unpacking the Relationship Insights from T.D. Jakes and Serita Jakes
It was an illuminating experience to be able to watch the video from the International Leaders
hip Summit (ILS) 2023, where globally recognized and respected figures, Bishop T.D. Jakes and his wife Serita Jakes, engaged in a profound discussion on relationships, titled "Winning at Home". This discourse, packed with wisdom and practical insights, shone a light on the key aspects of building a successful relationship, emphasizing the importance of ‘winning at home’.
The Concept of ‘Winning at Home’
Winning at home, as T.D. Jakes describes, is not just about succeeding on the public stage, but achieving personal and relational success. A pivotal point that he raised was the concept that 'winning' inherently implies a fight or struggle. It's about weathering the storms, both big and small, that life throws at us. He made it clear that each of us carries our unique baggage, our individual frailties and vulnerabilities. Yet, it’s the unity, understanding, and respect within a relationship that enable us to endure these struggles together.
The Importance of a Secure Home
Serita Jakes' perspective brought another dimension to this conversation. She emphasized the importance of establishing a secure home environment, a safe harbor amidst the challenges life throws at us. She noted that it was not about possessing material wealth but building a strong foundation of love, respect, and mutual understanding.
Upholding Vows, Navigating Life’s Challenges
T.D. Jakes touched upon the essence of the vows taken during the wedding ceremony. The vows, he said, encapsulate the promise to stand by each other’s side, in good times and bad. As they shared anecdotes from their own life, it became evident that the path to 'winning at home' requires one to navigate through various challenges - whether it's personal crises, family conflicts, or individual hardships.
Recognizing and Protecting Each Other's Dignity
A striking point that emerged from the conversation was about preserving the dignity of one's partner. Both T.D. and Serita Jakes underscored the importance of protecting one's partner's dignity even in the heat of a disagreement. It is about listening without being defensive and speaking without causing offense. This mutual respect forms a cornerstone for a healthy and long-lasting relationship.
Family as the Training Ground for Love
Finally, the conversation touched upon family as the training ground for love. It’s within the family that one learns to express love, communicate effectively, and empathize with others. As parents, the Jakes spoke about their approach of maintaining a balance between being authoritative figures and being sources of love and support for their children.
'Winning at Home' is not about being perfect or projecting an image of an ideal family. Instead, it's about dealing with imperfections, navigating through life's ups and downs together, and maintaining the sanctity of the relationship amidst all adversities. This insightful session with T.D. Jakes and Serita Jakes indeed shed light on the essence of nurturing and sustaining successful relationships. Check out the the video in it's entirety and you will be blessed by the multiplicity of wisdom that we all can relate.
It's wonderful seeing these two grow in maturity as elders and experience their genuine love for each other, priceless.