Joel Osteen Podcast
Episode: Appreciating The People In Your Life
Date: October 9, 2025
Host: Joel Osteen
Episode Overview
In this heartfelt message, Joel Osteen explores the importance of expressing gratitude to the people who help us succeed. He emphasizes that everyone has a “parachute-packer”—someone working behind the scenes to make our lives easier and richer. Through personal stories, biblical references, and memorable anecdotes, Joel encourages listeners to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of those around them, both seen and unseen.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Myth of the Self-Made Person
- No one achieves success alone; we all benefit from the efforts and sacrifices of others.
- Osteen recounts his own experiences: “The more you give credit to others, the more God will bless you. The scripture says, humble yourself and God will exalt you.” (05:15)
2. Gratitude for the Unseen Helpers
- Joel lists several unsung heroes: parents, educators, police officers, trash collectors, store clerks.
- “Your life is easier because somebody is serving, somebody is investing in you. My question is: are you thanking them? Are you telling them how you appreciate it?” (06:45)
3. Personal Examples of Thankfulness
- Joel shares a lighthearted story about how it takes three people (his friend Sam the tailor, Johnny who delivers his suit, and Victoria who chooses the suit) to help him look sharp on stage (08:30).
“It took three people to get me in this suit. No wonder I look so good.” – Joel Osteen (09:00)
4. Maintaining & Building Loyalty
- Expressing gratitude creates loyalty, while taking people for granted erodes it.
- “Lack of thanks erodes loyalty. When you don't appreciate people, they don't want to help you ... No, it says there in Proverbs, pride goes before a fall.” (11:00)
5. Captain Charles Plumb’s Parachute Story (14:15)
- Joel recounts Navy fighter pilot Charles Plumb’s encounter with the man who packed his parachute, only realizing years later how crucial that “lower-ranking” person was to his survival.
- Plumb’s message: “Who's packing your parachute? Who's behind the scenes making you look good?”
“Are you walking by people every day at the house, at the office, at the school, and you don't realize how instrumental they are in your life?” – Joel Osteen (18:00)
6. Gratitude Towards Family
- “Have you told your mom lately? Hey, mom, thanks for packing my parachute. Hey, dad, thanks for making me better.” (20:10)
- Joel stresses not to focus on parental shortcomings but to recognize their sacrifices.
7. Appreciation Can Restore Relationships
- “When you appreciate people, relationships can be restored. You got to quit focusing on everything they did wrong and find something they did right.” (21:20)
- Joel shares about his brother Paul, who received an encouraging gift from their sister during a difficult Christmas (22:20).
8. Biblical Reference to Joshua, Moses, Aaron, and Hur (24:55)
- While Joshua led on the battlefield, he was winning because Moses, supported by Aaron and Hur, was praying for him on the hill.
- “Could it be like Joshua, there are people that we're not aware of, people we're not paying attention to, that are helping us to win?”
9. Giving Credit to Volunteers and Staff
- Joel honors the countless people involved in Lakewood Church—from camera operators (like Bink driving hours every Sunday), technicians, to ushers and volunteers—who make each service possible (27:15).
“I'm winning because somebody's making me look good. Somebody's packing my parachute.” – Joel Osteen (28:20)
10. The Championship Ring – The White Sox Story (30:10)
- Osteen shares how Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf awarded championship rings to every employee, not just the players, showing the power of recognizing behind-the-scenes contributions.
“When you value people, they'll go the extra mile. You may not own a professional sports team, but we all have people making our life better.” (32:00)
11. Start with Your Own Family
- Gratitude begins at home with those who serve and support us daily.
- Joel mentions the roles of his wife Victoria, children, brothers-in-law, and sister Lisa in his journey.
12. Assignments and Closing Challenge
- Joel assigns listeners to:
- Identify who's packing their parachute—who’s helping them succeed.
- Express appreciation—write a note, make a call, give thanks in words and actions.
Memorable Quotes
- “Love is not love until it's expressed. Until it's given away.” (34:05)
- “People don’t know what you’re thinking; your thoughts don’t bless anybody.” (34:12)
- “Give flowers while people are still living. Don't wait till somebody dies before you decide to tell them how much they mean to you.” (35:50)
- “If you've got something good to say about me, say it now. Say it while I'm alive. Say it while I can hear it.” (36:20)
Notable Moments & Timestamps
- [08:30] – Three people help Joel look sharp; lesson in acknowledging everyday support.
- [14:15] – Captain Plumb’s parachute anecdote, a central illustration.
- [20:10] – Encouragement to thank parents, despite imperfections.
- [22:20] – Joel’s brother Paul’s moving Christmas story about the impact of a small gesture.
- [24:55] – Story of Joshua and Moses, the unseen supporters in every “victory.”
- [27:15] – Gratitude for Lakewood’s behind-the-scenes team: from camera operators to volunteers.
- [30:10] – The White Sox ring story, emphasizing recognition for all contributors.
- [35:50] – Wisdom on expressing appreciation before it’s too late.
Actionable Lessons
- Notice and name those making your life better—at home, work, and in the community.
- Be lavish and specific with your thanks: send a text, call, write a note, or offer a gift.
- Express appreciation regularly, not just on special occasions.
- Understand that gratitude creates stronger relationships, deeper loyalty, and brings fulfillment.
Tone & Language
- Warm, personal, and anecdotal.
- Joel uses humor, personal vulnerability, and biblical wisdom to connect with listeners.
- The underlying tone is motivational, affirmative, and faith-infused.
Final Takeaway
Expressing appreciation is not just “nice” but necessary—for stronger relationships, deeper fulfillment, and more collective success. By making gratitude a habit, you not only honor those who help you win but also unlock greater blessings in your own life.
“Remember, none of us got to where we are on our own. If you'll develop this habit of appreciating the people in your life, you'll not only have better relationships, not only enjoy your life more, but you'll go further. You'll accomplish more. And I believe and declare, you'll become everything that God's created you to be. Amen.” – Joel Osteen (39:55)
Assignment for Listeners:
Identify the people packing your parachute and take a moment this week to let them know how much you value them.