Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Gigi

“But the greatest among you shall be your servant” -Matt. 23:11 Jeanie Beadle Staples is an incredible women. Sure, I know I’m biased- she is my wife, after all. But she really is awesome. She is outstanding because she is understanding. She chooses to be a servant. She chooses to follow the Lord’s example. She chooses to love, and these days, she chooses to be a Gigi. God has blessed Jeanie in so many ways. She grew up in a loving family, has raised wonderful children into adults, and has been an amazing wife to me for 35 years. She is a world-class Olympic gymnast, a National Champion at LSU, Hall of Famer, and an excellent Bible study teacher. But her greatest accomplishment is the kids she has touched and loved. She poured her life into her kids, Elizabeth and Eric. Hundreds of little gymnasts took classes with “Miss Jeanie.” With her hands-on touch, kids understood that Jeanie didn’t just care about gymnastics, she cared about them. Jeanie helped build confidence in these kids as they faced their fears. She was and is an awesome coach. And now she is an awesome Gigi. Elizabeth and Mark have our three wonderful grandkids: Reese is six years old, Lucy is three years old, and Griffin two weeks old. I’m not sure where the name “Gigi” came from, but it fits her well. Jeanie’s compassion, sensitivity, and loving heart have won their hearts and her influence is making a huge difference in their lives, even as adults. Griffin was born last week and Jeanie has been in Des Moines loving on Elizabeth and the grandkids. She’s shining like she does in the gym with those little girls. She teaches by loving them. It’s not notes on a blackboard but life lessons lived out through the hugs, smiles, corrections, and hands-on, “in the trenches time” with these beautiful children. She helps them do flips in the yard, reads them book after book, and listens to their stories. The kids love Gigi because she loves them as they are. Her selfless spirit makes all the difference. Thank you Gigi for your wonderful example of what it means to be a loving grandmother. You have been an amazing example of Jesus to so many for so long. Thanks for being a wonderful wife, mother, teacher, coach and friend… …and an awesome Gigi. By Eric Joseph Staples © www.lifeaid.com