Mahalo ke Akua literally means “thanks be to God.” If youโre like me, sometimes I look back at my life and marvel at the fact I even survived. How did I get out of some of my circumstances alive and (somewhat) stable? Then it makes me think of all the people who helped along the way, all of the choices I madeโฆ and I see how God always had a plan, and when I take the time to be grateful, I see all he did.
Choosing mahalo (gratitude) can change our lives.
God never leaves us
God always had a way for me to succeed. Whenever I made choices, I felt alone. But I reminded myself of the tender mercies he gave to me on a daily basis and I knew I was not alone.
I became stronger, more empathetic, more compassionate, and more patient through my trials. I also had moments of joy and peace. God compensated me with people who raised my spirits and reached out in genuine friendship. Mahalo ke Akua, Iโd always think to myself.
These words stuck, not because theyโre easy to say, but because of the meaning behind them. When we take the time to express thanks, our perspective changes. It becomes easier to see the good in all things.
In high school, I conducted a song for my graduating class, called โThanks be to God.โ It was a simple Protestant song, but the meaning sank deep in my heart, especially these words, โThanks be to God for love divine, the hopes that โround my heart entwine, for all the joy that now is mine, thanks be to God.โ
Mahalo ke Akua for the joy that I get to experience in this life. Hawaiians have profound gratitude to God for his creations, his mercy, his kindness. Words of thanks and praise never run out:
Mahalo ke Akua for the ocean to provide comfort, for the food we have, for the rain that nourishes the earth, for the sun to shine benevolently, for our families, for the good people in our lives, for the challenges we face, and for the blessings we are so generously given…
Mahalo ke Akua for life
These words have helped me immensely through any of my trials. As I express gratitude for all that I have, even my challenges, my mind is enlightened, I am content, and I have more peace.
This year and always, remember these simple words. Mahalo ke Akua. Be thankful for your life, for the people in your life, for your home, for your health, for the creations on this earth.
I wanted to include the words to the song, โThanks be to God.โ Whether you are alone or with family or friends this Thanksgiving, I hope these words give you encouragement and peace. Mahalo ke Akua.
Thanks be to God for roses rare,
For skies of blue and sunshine fair;
For evโry gift I raise a prayer,
Thanks be to God!
Thanks be to God for lovely night,
For mystic fields with stars bedight,
For hours of dream and deep delight,
Thanks be to God!
Thanks be to God for love divine,
The hopes that โround my heart entwine;
For all the joy that now is mine,
Thanks be to God!
Thanks be to God for all the joy that now is mine,
Thanks be to God!
Write your thoughts daily
I truly believe that the more we express and record the things we’re grateful for, the more miracles and blessings we see each day. I created a Mahalo Ke Akua gratitude journal to help us get into the habit of recording what we’re grateful for daily. I hope this helps you on your journey to living mahalo! ๐
Get the Mahalo ke Akua Gratitude Journal here!
If you’d like to learn more about the Hawaiian value of Mahalo, check this out:
Or if you’re interested in learning more about the Hawaiian values, try the FREE 5 Hawaiian Days to Wellness Mini Course!
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What a beautiful post, Lei. Mahalo for sharing!
I LOVE what your website is about.
Blessings to you, most precious one!
With Love and Aloha,
Sj
I love what I just read . I want to learn more . Mahalo ke Akua a song brought me to your website.
Aloha Stephanie!
I’m so glad you found my website and have enjoyed it. I removed your address and information before approving your comment. ๐ Hope you continue to enjoy this blog and my books. Mahalo!
-Leialoha
Is this a book?
It’s not a book but I’m working on writing one about the various Hawaiian values. Thanks for asking!
I expect I would like the book when it’s finished.
Beautiful song/poem. Is it really “stars bedight”??
Mahalo nui loa,
I appreciated this post. I was looking for something different but stopped to read. My husband and I moved from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Kahalu’u/Kane’ohe (Temple Valley) almost 1 year ago to the day. We love our life here! ๐๐
Things like this article are keeping Aloha alive. So many things are attacking Aloha and threatening to change this beautiful standard. We stand firmly on The Holy Spirit’s desire to keep Hawaii Hawaiian by keeping Aloha central “inwardly” therefore outwardly. Thanks for sharing.
Aloha Janelle!
You are the sweetest! I’m so glad you love your life in Hawaii! The values you can learn from the culture and aloha felt there can impact your life forever. If you want to learn a little more about the values of aloha, check out my blog page. There are so many Hawaiian values to inspire you along your journey!
Sending aloha and good vibes,
Lei
Guided to find you just after listening to Nahko’s “Aloha Ke Akua” for the 100th time.
I’m in an Assisted Living facility in Illinois. We’ve been on lockdown for almost a year. Occasionally the Hawaiian ALOHA spirit comes to me, and fills my breath with the Hawaiian face of life. Nahko has helped. In fact, my earbuds and music fill my heart and soul much of the time.
The “lockdown” has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. It has forced me to look at all the ways the not-love part of me want to be in control. An impressive melt-down early on, made me realize I cannot control ANYTHING except how I respond. “Surrender,” and riding the Zuvuya (Mayan: waves), are the main gifts I’ve received. I am the happiest, and most at peace, than I ever dreamed possible. Perhaps the moment will come when walking on the soul of Hawaiian soil will be another dream come true.
With magnificent Mahalo Ke Akua for what IS.
* WE ARE * ONE HEART *