Sunday, January 25, 2009

The Wit and Wisdom of Billy Graham ...


I have always been awestruck by Mr. Billy Graham. Although at 90, age has taken its toll on Mr. Graham physically, a spokesperson says "the lion still has a roar."

Today, Billy Graham spends most of his time in the remote western North Carolina mountain home where he and his wife, Ruth, raised their five children. "There are a lot of miles on that body," his daughter Ruth said. "His world has become smaller."

It has been a difficult time for Graham. In summer 2007, his wife, Ruth, died after being bedridden for many years. The grief is still constant for Graham.

Graham's family and associates say that his mind is sharp despite his age, and that for a man who is 90, he's in good physical shape. Graham exercises with a physical therapist on a regular basis and still swims and takes walks when he can. However, the fragilities of old age are also a reality. Graham uses a walker to get around. His hearing is failing. Macular degeneration is stealing his eyesight.

Yet despite these obstacles, Graham continues his ministry. With the help of an assistant, Graham is writing another book about growing older. "I have discovered that just because we grow weaker physically as we age, it doesn't mean that we must grow weaker spiritually," Graham said. "In fact, we ought to be growing stronger spiritually, because our eyes ought to be on eternity and Heaven -- on the things that really matter."

Graham's children say that despite his remarkable life, he is a humble man who doesn't dwell on the past. "My father doesn't look backwards," his daughter Ruth said. "He really does see that God was the one who did it, and he just happened to be in the room."



As we begin a new week, I'd like to share a few of my favorite quotes from Mr. Graham, and hope they will be a source of inspiration to you on this Sunday morning ...

A child who is allowed to be disrespectful to his parents will not have true respect for anyone.

A real Christian is a person who can give his pet parrot to the town gossip.

Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has.

Courage is contagious.

When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.

God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with.

God is more interested in your future and your relationships than you are.

I've read the last page of the Bible. It's all going to turn out all right.

It is not the body's posture, but the heart's attitude that counts when we pray.

Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children.

Prayer is simply a two-way conversation between you and God.

Tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears shed for others are a sign of strength.

The framers of our Constitution meant we were to have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.

The only time my prayers are never answered is on the golf course.

14 comments:

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Thanks so much for sharing this, Janie. I adore this man. When he comes to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for treatment, they have to keep it hush-hush because prayer warriors crowd the halls outside his room to pray for him. They could easily shut down the normal functioning of the hospital. His ministry is incredible. His integrity unreproachable. He just wants to live long enough to see the Lord's return, and he might well make it! If he doesn't, then I want to see a replay of his homegoing to Heaven. I think there are a lot of people who would love to see that.

Thanks again for sharing. Sending much love your way...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Unknown said...

Hi Janie,

I love these quotes and the post on Billy Graham.

His life has touched so many others! I didn't know he was writing a book about aging. I will have to check on that!

Have a great day,
Diane

nikkicrumpet said...

I love the one about the parrot. Makes you stop and think...his quotes were wonderful I really enjoyed them.

Judy said...

I, too, love Billy Graham. As a matter of fact, he is related to me on my mother's side and I see a remarkable family resemblence with he and my uncles and grandfather (all deceased now). The blue eyes are what are so strikeingly familiar.

I posted a story about him sometime last year that you may or may not have read. I'll have to see when I posted it and let you know.

Thank you for this lovely reminder of the wisdom of Mr. Graham!

Judy

Lori said...

Thank you for this post. I just love Billy Graham. I got to see him years ago at the Tampa Stadium. It was electrifying. He is truly a man of God.

Barb said...

Great quotes....Barb

Tonja said...

He has always been a 'hero' to me! I loved to hear him speak...and no one could preach it like he could.

I so enjoyed reading this info today. Thanks for sharing!

Stacey said...

Thank you for the great quotes. I watched a biography show recently about Ruth Graham. She was very amazing too!

Sue said...

What a wonderful tribute to a godly man. Mr Graham has always been such a great influence in my life. My heartfelt wishes go with him.
Blessings,
Sue

ksarra said...

Thanks for this moving post. I, too, love the words of faith and beautiful Christian example Dr. Graham has shown. I'm reading a book of his now. I love the quote about reading the last page of the Bible!

Cottage Rose said...

I too Love Billy Graham. He is so inspiring, his love for the Lord is shinning though, you can see it in his face in his smile and in his eyes. I aspire to be like that when I am 90...

Great post....

Hugs;
Alaura

StitchinByTheLake said...

What a wonderful post - I love this man and his wisdom. I especially love the parrot quote. :) blessings, marlene

Kitty Scraps said...

What a beautiful post! I love Mr Graham and was unfamiliar with some of his quotes. Thanks for sharing!

Picket said...

Hey Jamie...what a beautiful tribute to such a wonderful man who has made such a mark on this earth for God..thanks for coming by girl and for the sweet comments...hope all is well on your side of the mountain..have a great week!