Ruth Bell Graham: A Legacy of Multi-Generational Faithfulness

At her funeral last year, Ruth Bell Graham’s daughter said these words: “I don’t believe Mother has adequately been recognized and honored for
what she had done; because, without her, Daddy’s ministry would not have
been possible. How does one live with one of the world’s most famous men?

When I think of a woman who embodied much of what I would want to be as a wife and mother, I think of Ruth Bell Graham.

Ruth was born in China to missionary parents. She came to Christ at a young age and was full of zeal to reach the lost. Could Ruth’s mother have imagined the plans God had for her daughter? Ruth believed she would never marry and would stay in China as a missionary. Instead, the Lord led her to marry Billy Graham, who would become the greatest evangelist of the 20th century.

Ruth’s life was not an easy one. Billy’s work as an evangelist took him to all corners of the earth. Ruth faithfully served at home, out of the spotlight, raising their five children. Often Billy would be gone for weeks or months on end.  Many wives in Ruth’s circumstance might have become bitter.  But Ruth always seemed to think of Billy, how she might bless him and minister to him. She was not consumed with getting her husband to serve her needs. She was passionate about ministering to him as he served others.

Ruth faithfully prayed for her children, and loved them unconditionally. Two of the five Graham children were prodigals in their youth. Franklin Graham, who is now president of Samaritan’s Purse and a worldwide evangelist in his own right, credits his parent’s love with bringing him back to the Lord. Every one of the Graham’s five children is walking with the Lord and serving in public ministry today.  Franklin’s son Will follows in his father’s and grandfathers’ footsteps as he preaches the Gospel at crusades around the world.

At her funeral, Ruth’s daughter said these words: “I don’t believe Mother has adequately been recognized and honored for what she had done because, without her, Daddy’s ministry would not have been possible. How does one live with one of the world’s most famous men?

“God began training my mother for this position years ago in China. Her 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.”

I wish I knew more about Ruth’s own mother. Did she live to see the fruit of her own faithfulness to the Lord as it was revealed in the character and life of her daughter, and ultimately in her grandchildren and great grandchildren?  Both Ruth and her mother spent their lives serving their families, and we see in their legacy a testimony of multi-generational faithfulness.

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31: 28-31

This article was also published on Mentoring Moments for Christian Women and it has been linked to Visionary Womanhood.

 

Comments

  1. Molly,

    Thanks for this wisdom! Once again, you have touched on areas in which I struggle! Ruth’s quote made me cry instantly. I long to be free from such behavior. I agree that it is inexcusable! And yet…sometimes it seems that I can’t break free from it!

    Your earlier post on the tongue hit home, as well. These are tough things, and too often I don’t have someone telling me to my face what I really need to hear.

    The Lord has been gracious to me this week in enabling me to see sooner than I usually do the kind of unacceptable behavior I’m demonstrating. Yelling, losing patience, whatever. I wish I weren’t doing it at all, but at least He has helped me to quit sooner, to seek forgiveness sooner and to stop it. That’s progress.

    I’d appreciate your prayers about this. I have had it impressed upon me lately the importance of living each day in light of the truth that it really might be my last. How would I want my children and husband to remember me? It can sound trite, and yet it is a fact. Only the Lord knows how many days He’s ordained for my life. And I would be wise to focus on eternal things, dwell on what is true, right, honorable, pure, lovely, etc…. And work hard, asking the Holy Spirit to work self-control into my heart that I might not crush these dear children of mine.

    Sorry for the long comment…I’ve been checking in on you, but not commenting much. We were away most of the summer, and are finally starting to get back into some sort of routine! Thanks for taking the time to share this wisdom. You are a blessing.

    Much love in Christ,
    Jodie

  2. Lovely blog/article! Have you read “Foreign Devil in China” – about her father (& mother)? Incredible story. Agreed that she followed her mother’s faithfulness in enabling Billy Graham to witness to so many people and still have a family to come home to and be refreshed himself.

    Very cool thoughts for the day.

  3. Thank you so much for this post. What a blessing from God to have modern Prov. 31 women to “mentor” us towards attitudes and behaviors that honor God.

    Julie in WA

  4. I loved this post! I don’t think I’ve run into your blog before but I found this article through the Visionary Woman link-up. I want with all my heart to remember that my life is not so much about me but about directing the paths of generations after me.

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