What does it mean to be the “yes grandma” while still holding firmly to the faith and values you want to pass down? This week, Chrys and Shellie welcome someone especially close to home: Dr. Joneal Kirby, Chrys’ sister. Joneal has worn about a million hats over the years: wife, mom, grandmother, teacher, principal, school counselor, private counselor and therapist, ministry leader, and more. Each role has given her a unique perspective on relationships, families, and the influence one generation can have on the next. But today, we’re talking about one of her favorite roles: Grandma. Joneal shares what it means to be the “yes grandma,” the grandmother who makes room for fun, adventure, and a few extra treats, while also being willing to set boundaries and model what following Jesus looks like. Because being a loving grandmother doesn’t mean saying yes to everything. It means creating a relationship where our grandchildren know they are deeply loved while also showing them, through our words and our lives, what matters most. Joneal also shares the story behind Heartfelt Ministries, the women’s ministry she created 26 years ago to bring women closer to one another and closer to God. Through all her years of teaching, counseling, leading, mothering, and grandmothering, Joneal says what matters most is beautifully simple: She wants her grandchildren to know that Jesus loves them. In This Episode, We Talk About ● What it means to be the “yes grandma” ● Why saying yes doesn’t mean abandoning boundaries ● The unique influence grandparents have in a child’s life ● Modeling faith instead of simply talking about it ● Balancing fun, freedom, and godly principles ● How our grandchildren learn about Jesus by watching the way we live ● Why relationships are at the heart of passing down faith ● Joneal’s years of experience working with children and families ● The story behind Heartfelt Ministries ● What 26 years of bringing women together has taught Joneal ● The one thing she most wants her grandchildren to know Key Takeaway: Be the grandma who says yes to fun, yes to time together, yes to listening, and yes to making memories. But most importantly, be the grandma whose life continually says yes to Jesus. Scripture Connection: “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” - Psalm 145:4 About Our Guest: Dr. Joneal Kirby is an author, counselor, educator, speaker, wife, mother, grandmother, and the founder of Heartfelt Ministries. Throughout her career, she has served children, women, and families as a teacher, school principal, school counselor, private counselor, and ministry leader. For 26 years, Heartfelt Ministries has encouraged women to build meaningful relationships across generations while growing closer to God. And yes, she also happens to be Chrys’ sister, so expect a few family stories along the way! Listener Reflection: What kind of grandmother do you want your grandchildren to remember? Are you creating a relationship where they know they can come to you, laugh with you, ask hard questions, and feel completely loved while also seeing Jesus reflected in the way you live? Maybe being the “yes grandma” starts with deciding what we’re saying yes to most. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What is something you always say YES to when your grandchildren ask? Ice cream before dinner? One more story? A sleepover? Staying up a little too late? Share yours with us, and send this episode to another grandma who wants to have fun with her grandchildren while leaving them a legacy of faith. Subscribe to Rocking It with Chrys & Shellie, the grandmas you didn’t know you needed, so you can join us for more honest conversations about faith, family, relationships, and what really matters.
