![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchristianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_logo.gif
){kind=logo}
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchristianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_ctplus.gif "CT Plus")
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_shopping.gif "Shopping")
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchristianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_magazines.gif "Magazines")
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchristianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_more.gif "More")
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchristianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_free.gif "Free")
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchristianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_help.gif "Help")
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchristianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fheader_sunrise.gif)
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.christianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fspacer.gif)
"For her, self-sacrifice was a way of life."
The Graham children have much to say about their mother. We've already posted one item from Anne Graham Lotz. The Charlotte Observer has items from Franklin and Ruth. These quotes, distributed by Graham's spokesman and publicist, differ slightly in style and substance, but not in sentiment:
Gigi Graham, eldest daughter
“Mother stood waiting outside the doorway…We would back away and watch as Daddy took Mother in his arms, kissing her warmly and firmly, knowing it would be some time before he would hold her again.
“Then Daddy was whisked away in the car, around the curves and down the steep mountain drive. We listened to the retreating sound of the engine and waited for the final “toot†of the horn as he reached the gate. Another plane to catch, another city, another Crusade, another period of weeks before we would be together as a family once more.
“I turned to look at Mother, sensing her feeling of loss and loneliness. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears, but there was a beautiful smile on her face as she said, “OK, let’s clean the attic! Then we’ll have Lao Niang and Lao I up for supper!†(That’s Chinese for maternal grandmother and grandfather.)
“Not once did my mother make us feel that by staying behind she was sacrificing her life for us children. By her sweet, positive example, her consistently unselfish spirit, and her total reliance upon the Person of Jesus Christ, we were kept from becoming bitter or resentful. Instead, we learned to look for ways to keep busy and prepare for Daddy’s homecoming.â€
Anne Graham Lotz, second daughter
“I would go down to my mother’s room early in the morning. Her light would be on, and I would find her at her big, flat-top desk. She would be reading and studying her Bible, with about 14 different translations spread out around her.
“When I would go down to her room late at night, I would see the light on underneath the door and I’d go in, and she would be on her knees in prayer.
“As I look back on my childhood, I cannot remember any impression whatsoever that my mother was ever lonely. She may have been lonely, but I never saw it.
“I believe that our heavenly Father, our Savior, saved my mother from loneliness because of her daily walk with the Lord Jesus, He was the love of her life. I saw that in her life. It was her love for the Lord Jesus, with whom she walks every day, that made me want to love Him and walk with Him like that.â€
Ruth Graham, namesake daughter
“I cannot recall my earliest memory of my mother, but I am quite sure it is associated with joy. I now understand that her joy did not stem from perfect or ideal circumstances, but from a deep, abiding love affair with the Lord Jesus.
“Life was not easy for mother. With five children to raise; a home to run; a husband rarely at home and usually far away; and the world watching for any flaws and expecting her to be perfect, she experienced her share of sorrows, burdens, injustice, confusion, pressure, and hurt. However, I would not say I ever saw mother display anger or doubt.
“Mother’s parents exercised a profound effect upon the development of her character and laid the foundations for who she was. What she witnessed in her family home, she practiced for herself – dependence on God in every circumstance, love for His Word, concern for others above self and an indomitable spirit – displayed with a smile. For her, self-sacrifice was a way of life.
“How does one live with one of the world’s most famous men? God prepared my mother for this position years ago in China. Although she was never ‘trained’ for her role, Mother maintained her perspective and had the heart of an evangelist.
“Though often her gift was overshadowed by that of my father’s, hers was exercised more effectively on behalf of individuals. At her deepest core was the desire for individuals to know Christ in a personal and intimate way. My mother talked to individuals, loving them one-by-one, showing her love and concern for them as people.
“It was far from easy. But she had a tender and yielded heart. Her happiness and fulfillment did not depend on her circumstances. She was a lovely, beautiful and wise woman because early in life, she made Christ her home, her purpose, her center, her confidant and her vision.â€
Franklin Graham, eldest son
“My mama loved the scriptures, she was a student of the scriptures, but she also had a great sense of humor. She loved to play jokes on people and she played them on daddy, she played them on daddy’s staff, and she always, right up until the day she went to heaven, had a twinkle in her eye—a mischievous twinkle that was almost like she was sitting there thinking about what she could do to get one up on you. Mama was just always a lot of fun.â€
“For my mother, right was right and wrong was wrong, she never compromised on anything. She stood strong for what was biblically correct and accurate. She would help my father prepare his messages, listening with an attentive ear, and if she saw something that wasn’t right or heard something that she felt wasn’t as strong as it could be, she was a voice to strengthen this or eliminate that. Every person needs that kind of input in their life and she was that to my father. My father would not have been what he is today if it wasn’t for my mother. Ruth Graham was that rock in my father’s life.â€
Ned Graham, youngest son
“That mountain home was Mother’s nest. Back in her bedroom, she had her own study desk—a big, wide, flatboard table that she had gotten from an old mountain cabin and restored. She had it pushed up against the wall, and stacked on top were her study Bibles, commentaries and concordance. I can remember as a boy getting up early and going into her room, where she would be sipping coffee while quietly studying.
“As I grew older, my parents were pretty good about giving me liberty to come and go as I pleased. But my mother, like most mothers, had her own way of getting her point across. She always sat up and waited until I got home—no matter what time it was. It really bugged me, because it made me feel guilty. I don’t know how many times I tried to slip in late. There she would be, dressed in her robe, sitting in her rocker with a book or a Bible on her lap. “Thank God you’re all right,†she’d say.
“You don’t need to wait up for me,†I’d say sheepishly. Mama would just smile, say goodnight and go to her room. As intent as I was on showing my independence and partying late if I wanted to, after awhile Mama’s night watchman routine got to me, although these confrontations weren’t mean or bitter.
“Mother has always offered so much love and she always enjoyed learning about something new.â€
Posted by Ted Olsen on June 14, 2007 8:33PM
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christianitytoday.com%2Fglobal%2Fimg%2Fspacer.gif)
Comments
To the Graham : thanks God for your Mom, I never meet her but one day I will do, I always admire her as a lady, as a wife as a mother and of course my sister in Jesus. I will never forggett her.
I love Dr. Billy Graham and also I love the kids. may God touch your life this difficult days when she is not anymore there, but I am pretty sure she will live for ever in yours hearts and in my heart too.
Good bless you,
Dr. Rafael Rock Amengual Senior Pastor
Primera Iglesia Bautista ( SBC )
Alamogordo. New Mexico.
Posted by: Dr. Rafael Rockn Amengual at June 15, 2007
May God bless you all as you go thru this difficult time but
oh the wonderful memories you do have . Thanks be to God for
the wonderful example of your mother and all of your family.
Posted by: Carolyn Wood at June 15, 2007
I was reading the article on Ms. Ruth Graham. She reminds me of my mother and grandmother. Great women of God with wisdom, just reading about Ms. Graham I so loved her loyalty, humbleness and much love for the Lord. May God Bless the entire Graham family and keep you in peace and love.
Reading about Ms. Graham is like reading about one of the awesome woman of God in the Bible. Ms. Graham had such a great character and heart. I hope I am able to be such a wonderful mother to my children.
Danielle C. Powell
Posted by: Danielle Powell at June 15, 2007
To the Graham Family: My husband James and I want too let you know that all of you are in our prayers. We Thank God for all of you!!! I have seen and followed your dad Dr. Billy Graham, newspaper articles and television, What a man of God he is.. I just recently had a chance to see your Dear Mother and the strength and Godly woman that God blessed all of you with.!!! I know without a doubt, even tho I have never met her, that she belonged to God and walked very close to Him!!!! What a blessed family..!! What a Mother and Father!!! We now see and hear God's blessings on your oldest son, Franklin.. We know that it is in all of you as a Family!!!! You are loved so very much.!! A beautiful Mother, that will be missed, but the joy now, is that she is with Jesus in Heaven!!!! Praise God.!!! Blessed memories of your Dear Mother stayed in all of your Hearts!!! God bless you and keep you all..!! James & Jane Walker P.S. Please let us see the funeral services on television. We want to share it with you!! Thank you..
Posted by: Jane Eleanor Walker at June 15, 2007
It is rare in this life that you find a women so deeply devoted, and so faithful to her Savior, her husband, her family and to those of us in the community of faith who watched her life as a living testiment of God's wonderful and miraculous grace. Certainly Heaven is so much sweeter for her presence, and we stand at a loss here on earth. We will be praying for the Graham family during this homegoing season.
Posted by: Barbara Bloom at June 15, 2007
I have long admired Ann and believed that there had to be someone behind who this woman had become, other than the Lord Jesus. I thank God for the woman your mother, Ruth, was because it takes a very strong woman to hold onto those beliefs that would put aside what the world sees as "success", for the sake of her family and her husband. She was a model for every woman and your lives were made rich because of your mother's life and dedication to God and all of you.
Posted by: Carmella Simmons at June 15, 2007
As I've read the many articles by Ruth and grew up listening to Billy Graham these past 50+ years, I feel like I know them personally -- like old friends. What a wonderful tribute to Ruth for the many years she served in the background, making Billy and
the Graham family what they are today. May God's sustaining love
and comfort surround each one of the Graham's, during this time of sadness as well as celebration as Ruth is now with our loving Lord,
free from pain.
Posted by: Lois Carlson at June 15, 2007
TO THE FAMILY OF BILL GRAHAM,
WE THANK GOD FOR THE CELEBRATION OF A LIFE WELL SPENT IN THE LORD.
MAMA IS NOW RESTING IN THE BOSSOM OF OUR LORD JESUS.
GOD WILL GRANT THE FAMILY OF GRAHAM THE GRACE TO BEAR HER ABSENCE.
MAMA'S LIFE AND TIME HAS BEEN A PILLAR OF STRENGHT TO ALL THAT KNOW HER BOTH IN PERSON AND IN THE PRINT MEDIA.
WE CELEBRATE HER LIFE AND WE GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY.
BESSY.
Posted by: Akabiro-ibe at June 15, 2007
I admired Ann Graham Lotz. I met her in Dubai retreat last May 2007.
And I was really bless in that retreat through her speaking.I read one of her books and how she was bless with a mother like Ruth.I thank the Lord for Ruth for her passion for Christ and being an
inspiration to all the Christian woman in the world.Sharing in your sorrow although words cannot begin to ease the sorrow of your loss.
Please know that you are in the prayers of so many who cares.
Ps. 119:76
Annie Beeren
Tonnaerstraat 9
5622 KX Eindhoven
The Netherlands
Posted by: Annie Beeren at June 15, 2007
I would like to join Christians all over the world in expressing my gratitude for the life of Ruth Bell Graham. It was some years ago when I rather reluctantly decided to read one of her books. I thought that there would be nothing I could relate to, afterall she was married to Billy Graham! I was sure her life was perfect, and all her children were angels. I was delighted to learn how down to earth she was and that her children were not always well behaved little angels! She had her share of challenges, trials and tribulations just as we all do! She was a wonderful example of what a woman can be when she is wholeheartedly devoted to our Lord!
May God bless you in your (temporary) hour of seperation from your loved one, certain of the blessed hope of eternal life in Christ Blessings, Carmena Fleury Chicago Ill
Posted by: Carmena Fleury at June 15, 2007
I sorry to hear but difinitely you will meet her in heaven. Greatest mum you had. I know one of the greatest evanglist Dr Graham will be missing his wife and I know how lonely he will be. Please children to stand behind him and take of him until God calls him back home and he have to finish his race in earth. GOD BLESS EVERYONE OF YOU. May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and The Love Of God be With you and Your family forever and ever Amen
The Ronny Pavdai's
Posted by: KS Ronny pAVDAI at June 15, 2007
Ruth Graham has given an example of what a Minister's wife can be like. Onetime there was an Evangelist whose Daughter committed suicide. Groping for answers, they were greatly helped when I told them Ruth Graham said, "God says, She came uninvited but she is still welcome." I couldn't tell you how many times over the years I have looked at that simple black and white photo of Billy and Ruth having a picnic and thanked God for their simple love and goodness.
I hope one of the Dughters writes a book about their Mother.
Surely Proverbs 31:10-31 was written to describe the likes of Ruth Bell Graham. "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
May God Bless Billy Graham and The Family. Thank you for sharing her with us. We pray for the continued outreach of this remarkable Family. Barry Reed of New Zealand.
Posted by: Barry Reed at June 15, 2007
EXcellent article. Their comments on their father and mother inspired us a lot. I also believe both are in heaven now. Benjamin
Posted by: Benjamin at June 16, 2007
What a Blessed Woman the Grahams had for a wife and mother.
What an example of the power of God's matchless grace.
May the precious seeds Ruth sowed in her lifetime continue to yield abounding and abiding fruits.
Evang Billy, make the Lord stand by you and keep you till you meet your Lord and Ruth.
To all the children, may the Lord make you mightier in word and deed than mum and dad.
Posted by: Adewale Osinaike at June 16, 2007
I am so sorry to hear of Ruth's Passing. I do not know why I haven't heard earlier. Haven't been watching musch TV. I admired her greatly. She reminded me so much of my grandmother. She had the ame strong faith in the Lord and was a no-nonsense kind of person. There was ,however, no doubt about her love for her children and Jesus. What a blessed reunion we will all have one day!!
Posted by: Wanda Murray at June 19, 2007
I am so sorry to hear of Ruth's Passing. I do not know why I haven't heard earlier. Haven't been watching musch TV. I admired her greatly. She reminded me so much of my grandmother. She had the ame strong faith in the Lord and was a no-nonsense kind of person. There was ,however, no doubt about her love for her children and Jesus. What a blessed reunion we will all have one day!!
Posted by: Wanda Murray at June 19, 2007
Ruth Graham was one of my 'heroes.' Along with Corrie Ten Boom and Mother Teresa. Women need strong, Godly, women to look up to and to learn by their examples. I know they were human...and were not perfect... but they loved and served the Lord with all of their hearts, whether they were at home, or in the spotlight. Thank you Graham family for sharing your Mother with all of us. We need Godly examples.
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy at June 20, 2007
Many years ago I read a book on the life of Mrs. Graham. It gave me incredible encouragement then & has many times since. I, too, have been a pastor's wife, a mother and now a travelling missionary's wife. There have been challenges along the way. From reading Mrs. Graham's story & hearing the stories of their family, I have taken great courage & found my strength, too, is in the Lord.
Posted by: Yvonne Downey at June 20, 2007
Thank you children for sharing your mother with us. Each of you should write a book of your own version about mom. Just like Matthew, Mark, John and Luke. I will be the first to get a copy. Thank you for your love for God. Continue being strong. I am sure mom is going ahead to prepare a place for all of you. Thank you for touching and blessing our lives.
Ane Poasa Aga of Samoa and Hawaii
Posted by: Ane Aga at June 27, 2007
i was able to watch the funeral for ruth graham on tbn and i wrote them and thanked them for carrying it - her funeral was a celebration of her life - and at the end they played a video by michael english which was appropriate at the end of the service - i believe she is the christian woman that is described in proverbs - everything written there describes ruth bell graham and isnt it appropriate that the scripture says her children rise up and call her blessed and certainly ruth graham's children have done that
Posted by: jan sterling at August 1, 2007
Dear The Graham Family,
My hearts to you as you try to go on after everything is done. I loss my father and mother is in retirement home called the village and often tells me they watch you on television and we still do and
you have really helped my family for years. I just rededicated myself to Lord because your ministry and love shared thru the years. I have been inspired by your wife's and mother's ministry to women as she was the perfect Prov.31 women and I do know that she was an example to all of us. See, I even got blessed at 62 by her ministry to us single women.She touched my heart. I do love Saturday
progrqms and especially with going to those foreign countries and seeing the millions hearing you preach to many people.
I must go to work now and cut up paper in a shelter workshop where
I also make money and share with people a little less than I am but they still love me and I do them. Vicki Hummelstein
Posted by: vicki at August 29, 2007
The profound and exemplary life of dear Mrs.Ruth Graham has captivated my life and she is a great role model for me to follow as a loving mother to my children. Her distinguished lifestyle and temperaments is awesome. I am amazed to understand that she always cheerfully took care of the home with all the responsibilities and never murmured even when she had to do it all alone. Her most quiet prayerful spirit proved to be the greatest backbone for Dr.Billy Graham's ministry. I have witnessed Dr.Billy Graham's crusade in South India in Chennai, Tamil Nadu at Marina Beach, during the year 1978 where I committed my life to the Lord. God bless the Graham's family abundantly.
Posted by: Elizabeth Dominic at November 16, 2007
I’m very interested in topics like that, but this one sounds especially truthful, and I really trust the source where it came from. Sooner or later it was going to come out and it finally did!
Posted by: Adam Snider at April 6, 2008
Post a comment