Some people don't have a mother in their life for whatever reason....the thing is, whomever is around and is your ''mother figure'' you should honor her just like she's your mother...because in reality she is. Same for that ''father figure''. I'm very blessed to have my grandparents, I consider them my parents. That's all there is to it. I always try to do my best to honor them, show appreciation for them, and more. Hugs and kisses goodnight...every night...even if we're in the middle of the store, and I'm going to go look at something...I don't care who's watching or anything, a kiss on the cheek and a nice hug before I go my way. They're 65 and I'm 22...I don't care though, if someone wants to laugh they may do so. I would simply look at them, smile, and walk off. No matter how old we get in life, we shouldn't be or seem to be ''ashamed''.
For some in a situation like mine, the best way to honor the parents, is to not speak evil against them, bad about them, etc. Now I've been guilty to an extent...I haven't exactly talked bad about them, but I have talked about things they have done that hurt me....it was a process of healing though, not to hurt them, make them look bad, or dishonor/disrespect them. It was said in confidence to whom I know won't gossip, and will pray for me. Really, mainly just my grandparents, my sister, and an aunt of mine. If I say something, or go to say something I feel wouldn't be respectful and honoring them, I try and think before I say it. If do slip up...I ask for forgiveness, repent, try harder, ask for wisdom, knowledge, understanding, compassion, patients, my heart not to be hardened, and so on. I feel that's about the best thing I can do. I figure Jesus can and has/does forgive me, so I have no excuse to not forgive them. After all, we're told if we don't forgive we aren't forgiven, but if we do, then we're also forgiven. Anyhow, I'll stop now sorry about that...just a word to the wise as the saying goes...God bless everyone!