 |
In Honor of Ruth Bell Graham
We are grateful for the outpouring of support and comfort offered by visitors to this Web site. Below are some of your thoughts and memories.
“What a beautiful role model Mrs. Graham has been for all of us who love our husbands and family. The world will miss her sparkling presence, and I will miss her poetic writings.”
—Valerie
“Years ago, when my son was in rebellion after the sudden death of his father, I read Ruth’s book, Prodigals and Those Who Love Them. I also gave my son a copy of Franklin’s book, Rebel with a Cause. Both books gave me hope, and when my son would call me from work in the wee hours of the morning, I would wake up and listen to him talk about Franklin’s book and how much he was identifying with it. I am so thankful to God and to the Graham family for being transparent to the world and sharing their strong faith in a God who sees, cares, and listens. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all.”
“As a struggling stay-at-home mother of three, I find Mrs. Graham’s writings and life to be such an inspiration for me and for other mothers everywhere.”
“What an inspiration Ruth Graham was to women all over the world. Our prayers are for her family. She is home with God now.”
“The ministries of the Graham family have impacted me from childhood; as a child and teenager in South Africa, touched by Billy Graham’s proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; as a writer and lover of the written word, Ruth Bell Graham’s poetry resonating in my heart; as a pastor’s daughter, appreciating the testimony and mission of Franklin Graham; and as a woman in ministry deeply passionate for God’s Word, valuing the powerful and refreshing exposition of His Word through Anne Graham Lotz. I thank God for this rich deposit in our generation, and pray that it will continue to produce a bursting forth of Kingdom fruit in the next. My deep, heartfelt prayer support is with the Graham family for a deep consciousness of the Lord’s enveloping presence. ‘We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure’ (Heb. 6:19); ‘So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal’ (2 Cor.4:18).”
“Ruth wrote many treasured words of wisdom to the world. My favorite ones come from the book, Prodigals and Those Who Love Them—such a great reminder that we all stand before our Lord at the same level and we must never lose hope for our children or for our world. I pray that Ruth’s legacy of faith will continue to be an example to all future generations!”
“Wednesday, June 13, 2007, my husband and I got the privilege to visit the Billy Graham Library, and what a treat it was. We spent almost four hours there and got a complimentary ice cream at the end. That night as we traveled home to the university area of Charlotte, N.C., they announced that Ruth had lapsed into a coma. So glad we went... I was so inspired I even got to witness to a young man about his salvation on my shopping trip after leaving the Library. Thank you, Billy and Ruth Graham, for your service to our Lord Jesus Christ. May fond, precious memories help to fill the void. May our Lord bless you and make His face to shine on you and give you peace.”
“I want to send my deepest sympathy to the Graham family. My great Aunt gave us a book of poems that Ruth wrote: Sitting by My Laughing Fire. When my 20-year-old brother died in 1982, some of her poems helped me in my grief. Thank you, Ruth. Even though I never met her, I always thought Ruth was my ideal Christian woman. She was beautiful in many special ways. God bless her soul in heaven.”
—Jane
“Thank you for sharing your faith with us. My eight-year-old son sat with me and watched the funeral on the web, and I kept thinking, ‘My son is watching a family of God.’ What an encouragement to me and my family to watch generations of believers come together to celebrate a life lived for Christ. God continue to guide and bless the Graham family. You are in our prayers.”
—Dan and Heidi
“I had just contacted someone from Samaritan’s Purse this week regarding a brochure that Franklin Graham wrote, titled ‘Running from God.’ The Samaritan’s Purse contact recommended I read Mrs. Graham’s book about prodigals. I am sure she is smiling from heaven about how well all her children have turned out. What a difference prayer can make! I thank God for godly women like Ruth Graham. I have been inspired greatly by her column on the back of Decision magazine. My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Graham and his family.”
“As a subscriber to Decision magazine for many years, I have enjoyed the back cover ‘Especially for You from Ruth Bell Graham.’ It is what I read when walking back from the mailbox when each issue arrives. Her words have been an inspiration and encouragement to me. It is now that we truly experience the hope of Christ and what a comfort it is to know that she now experiencing her victory in Him. Praise God for her life and service to Him. She has touched so many with her Godly example of truly living out her faith. I know the God of all comfort will be with the family at this time.”
“Writing from Africa (Malawi), all I can say is ‘Lord Jesus thank you for a life lived for you.’ She’s gone before us only to encourage us.”
“Rev. Graham and Ruth have been an inspiration to my husband and I for many years. As missionaries and college students, we have had the privilege to attend the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Schools of Evangelism through the generosity of the BGEA. We will always be grateful for that opportunity. Although I have never personally met Ruth, she has been a mentor to me as I look at her exemplary life. She is a fitting example of what Scripture describes as a faithful wife and servant of Jesus Christ. We extend our sympathy to Rev. Graham and the entire family and yet rejoice with you that she is now with her precious Lord and Savior.”
—Pastor Dave and Diana
“A big chapter in God’s great work on this earth has closed with the passing of Ruth Graham. What a faithful job she did! I read her poem ‘Five I Have’ from the book, Footprints of a Pilgrim, on the day I found out I was expecting our first child. Tears streamed down my face as I realized the awesome task that lay before me in becoming a mother. I read the poem over and over in the following years, being encouraged that I too could rely on Jesus and trust my children to his care as Ruth did. May God bless all of the family with his comfort and strength.”
“I will miss Ruth. I was in prison and would get your magazine and loved to read the stories on the back. I know that her stories and God got me through that hard time in my life. My heart is sad at the loss of a wonderful person. I only pray that in my marriage I could have the joy, love, and fun as she and Billy had together. Thank you, Ruth, for all that you have done for all of us. May God hold you tight to his chest and say ‘Welcome home, Ruth.’ We will miss you.”
—Hoagie
“On behalf of the Union of Christian Evangelical Baptist Churches of Moldova, I would like to express condolences to Rev. Graham and his whole family. It has been a tremendous blessing for us to work with the BGEA in these years. We were especially blessed by the Festival of Hope in 2005. We know that Ruth had a big part in this ministry, too. We pray and ask God to comfort the family. We believe Ruth is home with her Lord and Savior where all His children will gather on that glorious day!”
—Bishop Ghiletchi
“Dr. Graham and family, my prayers are with you all during this time. I’m from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, and the ministry of the Billy Graham organization has been a blessing to my life and ministry; but the life and example of Mrs. Graham is and will be an inspiration and example to my life as a pastor’s wife, a mother, and as a daughter of God. Thank you for sharing your lives with us, thank you for living an openly Christ-centered life, and thank you for your love for the Lord. Thank you for your sacrifices. God bless you and keep you in his arms. With profound gratitude and hoping to have the privilege of meeting you face to face.”
—Geyce
“I regularly read material from the BGEA and feel my Christian walk is renewed and uplifted. I only wish I could have known Ruth and the Graham family face to face in this life. What beautiful tributes to a beautiful lady who no longer needs any help, has walked on golden streets, and is rejoicing at the feet of her Lord. May God Bless you all.”
“We praise God for the life and ministry of Mrs. Ruth Graham. My wife and I named our second daughter after her. We got to visit the Montreat Presbyterian Church while on vacation a few years ago and met her sister, Virginia. We have, I believe, copies of all of her books and they have ministered to us deeply. Especially her books of poetry and Prodigals, which we have given to others as a ministry tool. May Dr. Graham and all the family truly experience the reality of II Corinthians 1:3-4 in the coming days, looking forward to that day when ‘He who opened to us the Gate to Grace will open to us the Gate to Glory!’”
—Rev. LaDon
“I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to Dr. Graham and his family, I am so sorry for their loss. Ruth Graham seemed like such a sweet woman, I know that at this time, she is laughing with Jesus. Although I never met them, I just spent a week at The Cove and then went on to the Billy Graham Library for a visit—such beautiful places—they must have been inspired by beautiful people! Thank you for letting me express my thoughts. May God bless the entire family.”
—Eileen
“My deepest sympathy. Mrs. Graham was an outstanding example of what a follower of Christ should be. Job well done, good and faithful servant. Mrs. Graham was dearly loved by my father (who is with the Lord) and myself. How missed she will be by all believers everywhere. My heart to Mr. Graham and family. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away’ (Revelation 21:4). May God bless and hold you in the palm of His hand.”
—Gail
“God’s Word in the book of Proverbs says it best: ‘A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. …Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. …She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.’ We will see you in Heaven, Ruth.”
—Patricia
“I am 15 years old, and I would just like to say sorry for your loss, but I am sure we can say we will see our dear sister in Christ as the Lord descends on that cloud of Glory. In the song, ‘It Is Well With My Soul,’ in the third stanza it says, ‘And Lord haste the day when my faith shall be sight / the clouds be rolled back as a scroll / The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, / Even so, it is well with my soul.’ So let us not so much grieve the loss of our dear sister Ruth Bell Graham, but celebrate the life she had knowing our Lord Jesus Christ.”
—Brody
“I cannot fathom a world in which she is not present. I have been comforted, inspired, and helped over the years by her passion for the lost (around the world, and especially for China); her dignity and grace as a wife and mother in the spotlight; and her ongoing legacy of books and poetry. One Wintry Night remains a treasured volume in our home. Sitting by my Laughing Fire and Legacy of a Pack Rat have moved me, challenged me, and brought me laughter and tears. I feel as though I’ve lost a friend. I am praying for Billy and the entire family. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.”
—Donna-Jean
“Ruth was an inspiration to me both as a mother and a wife. The stories of her parenting style will always influence how I treat my daughter. The stories of her unfailing love and commitment to Billy will always influence the kind of wife that I want to become. Mostly, her love for God and her genuine, assured faith in Him and His word will impact my walk with the Lord always. Blessings to the Graham family in this difficult, yet bittersweet time.”
—Julia
“I stand in respect of someone who gave her life in service of the Lord with such grace and class. I celebrate such an inspiration and a blessing to her generation and many yet unborn.”
—Joseph
“As a volunteer with the 2007 Greater Hampton Roads Franklin Graham Festival, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy in the loss of your wife and mother, Ruth Graham. Because of her selflessness, her strong faith in God, and her devotion to her husband’s ministry, many people today have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. I rejoice that she no longer suffers pain, but is in the loving arms of her Jesus. God bless.”
—Shirley
“As a pastor’s wife, I have watched Ruth Graham through the years. What a blessing she has been ... I have learned much even though I did not meet her here in this life. Thank you, Ruth, for your gracefulness and much, much more. My prayers are with the rest of your family.”
—Shelley
“Growing up in Montreat, just down the hill from the Grahams, I was always somewhat in awe of our famous neighbor. But Ruth was our neighbor too, and as I entered my teen years she really reached out to make all of us who were the youth of the church feel at home in her home. With the passage of time, she remained a faithful friend, a generous supporter of our ministry to children in crisis, and a constant source of encouragement. Her example of intellectual curiosity grounded in biblical faith, her appreciation for beauty coupled with the ability to appreciate rustic charm (and rustic people) will always exert a great influence on me. Ruth’s friendship was one of the kindest gifts God has given me. I will always be grateful!”
—Jim
“I will always remember the day I went to the first Billy Graham Crusade in Cleveland, for I was a lost, abused 14 year old, and when I caught a glimpse of Billy and Ruth together on the stage in the middle of the stadium you could see she was the one who stood by him through all of it, in their lives, their love for God and each other. And when it came time to come forth I just looked at Ruth and it seemed to me she was saying it was ok, God Loves you and he will heal your pain, and at that moment it felt like a hand took mine and led me down to the field. I mourn her loss, and pray for her family at this time that God’s love and strength be with them now and always.”
—Irene
“To the Graham family: on behalf of Heather, my wife, and my two children, Laura and Christen, I want to extend to you our prayers and sympathy with the homegoing of Mrs. Graham. I, personally, have been blessed by Mrs. Graham when I read the book by Franklin, Rebel With a Cause. I was inspired on how she loved her son, had a sense of humor, yet prayed for God’s best and that he would be God’s best. She is now with the Lord, free of pain, which I pray gives you comfort. I pray that God will give you grace and peace ‘beyond all understanding’ at this time. May God bless you.”
—Ron
|
