Last week, a man who has dedicated his life to serving the Lord, went home to Heaven. Billy Graham devoted his life to spreading the Good News, teaching the Gospel, and leading countless souls to salvation. I feel blessed to have lived during his lifetime, and I know that I will continue to learn from him long after his passing. We all will because the mark he made on this world is one that will have lasting effects.
Billy Graham is known as America’s pastor. He counseled every president since President Harry Truman, but, always humble, he was adamant that he was an instrument of God. The Billy Graham Crusades broadcasted on television from 1947 to his retirement in 2005. I was lucky enough to attend one of those Crusades when Mr. Graham came to Nashville. And just this past fall, my parents visited the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they saw his and his wife Ruth’s home, a large library with some of their belongings, and both of their final resting places.
Both Ruth and Billy are buried in pine plywood caskets in the Prayer Garden at the Library. What a final statement. These simple caskets were made by prisoners at the Angola State Penitentiary in Louisiana. The Grahams poured into this penitentiary after finding out prisoners were making these caskets because without them, cardboard boxes were the only other option. Now, after the Graham’s oversaw the building of a chapel at the jail, many prisoners have been converted to Christians.
I read several touching articles this week, written in honor of Billy Graham. I wanted to share those here.
Bob Russell, retired minister of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, wrote a touching tribute to Billy Graham on his blog last Sunday. Click here to read it.
Guideposts, a Christian publication and magazine, posted eleven inspiring quotes from Billy Graham. I receive Guideposts newsletter via email every Monday morning. Reading Billy Graham’s quotes this past Monday was an especially inspiring way to begin the week. Click here to read these quotes.
Billy Graham’s website posted a piece describing him being honored in the U.S. Capitol this week. He is the fourth citizen to be honored in the Capitol. Click here to read more about this and to read what Billy Graham had to say about his role in spiritual counseling.
With Easter approaching, I think it appropriate to include how Billy Graham encouraged people to prepare for the holiday. Click here to read his devotions for Easter.
And finally, whatever you do, watch this video. This is the last bit of footage the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association recorded of Billy. In this video, he talks about the promise of Heaven and his sense of peace. It’s amazing to me how a man can, even in his later years, exude such command in speech, respect in stature, and humbleness in demeanor all at the same time. How thankful we are for Billy Graham who has helped us be encouraged, learn more about the Lord, and feel strengthened to persevere.
“My home is in Heaven. I’m just traveling through this world.”
Billy Graham