Over 50 years ago, two special people met. 

At 25, he had just finished time in the navy, and she was a high school girl of 17.  His blue convertible was a draw for many young ladies, but Gerald only saw one girl – Shirley. 

In 1959 they married.

Over the next years they had 6 children – four girls and two boys.  Gerry worked at many jobs – never making a fortune, but always providing for his family.  Shirley stayed at home with the children.  As a family, their focus was spending their time, and what resources God provided, serving and spreading the Gospel. 

As a family they moved from Ohio, to Alabama, to North Carolina.  Gerry would talk to strangers on the street and tell them of God’s love – then invite them home for lunch or supper.  Shirley never knew how many to expect at the table, but she always managed to make sure everyone had something to eat.

Some months and years were tough. 

At one point, with their house for sale because they could no longer afford the mortgage, and with only a box of macaroni and cheese in the cupboard – for eight people – they took the only action possible.  As a family, they prayed.  Within that hour their real-estate person pulled up to the door with his trunk full of groceries.  He said he had felt prompted to buy them food, but didn’t know why.

Through the years, Gerry and Shirley say – “God provided.” 

They have so many stories of how their faith in God shaped their life.  (It would take a book to write down all the experiences of faith.)  Listening to their stories, I was humbled.  And in awe.  The hardships and troubles they’ve experienced boggles the mind – yet their pure and childlike faith in God’s love and grace is a testimony of a life filled with a greater purpose and meaning than the troubles themselves. Their motto towards everyone is – “We love ya, and ya can’t do nothin’ about it!”.

In 2009 Shirley and Gerald celebrated their  50th wedding anniversary. 

They were surrounded by their children and grandchildren and the congregation they served.  During the special anniversary celebration, Gerald had a gift for his bride.  The minister paused in the blessing, and from his jacket pocket, Gerry took out…

a gold medal.

For years, he’d been telling everyone that Shirley deserved a gold medal for being married to him.  He valued her sacrifices.  So he followed through.  Just like an Olympic winner, he presented his love with a medal.