"Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God." - Rev. Billy Graham
Today, after many long years of walking alongside God on Earth, Billy Graham was called to his true home in heaven. The response to his death has been quick and overwhelming. Christians across the globe have taken to social media to express their grief in his passing, while rejoicing over his life and work. Several presidents have already paid tribute to the late reverend, while Christian leaders have released statements memorializing Graham’s many years of ministry.
For my part, Graham’s death has left me with strange sense of spiritual self-awareness. Graham was well past the age of sixty when I was born, but his work still played a central role in my life. I can remember visiting the Billy Graham Center with my parents in Wheaton, IL, where my young mind first began to contemplate the mystery and wonder of God. In high school and college I frequently studied his work as an aid to my own developing faith. I can remember the swell of pride I felt when I learned he’d torn down barriers at one of his crusades in defiance of segregation, and I can remember the sting of shame after reading his comments about Jews alongside Richard Nixon. Though I never once saw Graham in person, his beautiful and complicated life nonetheless helped shape my Christian journey. For that, I will always be grateful.
But what about you? How did Billy Graham’s life and ministry affect your Christian walk? Were you moved by God at one of his famous crusades? Did something he wrote take root in your heart? I would encourage you to share your story in the comments below. Tell others what the life of this remarkable disciple meant to you.
WATCH: Kathie Lee Reacts To The Death Of Billy Graham
Watch a Live Stream of Billy Graham's preaching from the Billy Graham Evangelical Association.
Visit the BGEA's memorial page for Billy Graham to leave a condolence message.
*Published 2/21/2018