Ruth Bell Graham

“Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team,” Billy Graham said in a statement. “No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support.

“I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, and especially for these last few years we’ve had in the mountains together. We’ve rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day. I will miss her terribly, and look forward even more to the day I can join her in Heaven.”
The Rev. Billy Graham
(Assoc. Press)

I am in awe of Ruth Bell Graham. I admire her devotion to the Lord, her strength, and her gentle spirit. What most struck me though was when I heard Rev. Graham say that Ruth was the greatest Christian he had ever known. In all of his travels, in all of his associations his wife was the greatest Christian he had ever known.

Most of us aren't married to worldwide evangelists, but would our husbands say that about us? It was said that she would become so lonely sometimes she would sleep with his tweed jacket for comfort. Her children said she was pretty much a single mother. She said she was called to this position even though initially she thought of being an unmarried missionary. The Graham's always believed they were a team. She would provide fresh ideas and Billy would write his messages. She named "The Hour of Decision". She was also instrumental in him writing "Peace with God".

How many of us see our lives as a calling? Do we support our husbands even if we are lonely sometimes and feel like single mothers? Do we provide fresh ideas and support and edify our men? Or do we nag and complain? Have we rekindled the love of our youth (Billy says it can be done). Ruth was never known to complain. When asked if she ever considered divorce however she said, "divorce no, murder yes". SO you see she had her struggles, but her son said her strength came from the scriptures.

In case you think her life was perfect, Here is an excerpt from her journal in 1957:

“Four full-blooded little Grahams,” the young mother wrote in her journal. “ I feel this a.m. it’s gotten quite beyond me. They fight, they yell, they answer back. Breakfast is dreadful ... Now they’ve gone off to school looking nice enough (for once) and with a good breakfast but with the scrappiest of family prayers ... Grumbling, interrupting, slurring one another, impudent to me. So now they’re off, I’m in bed with my Bible thinking it through—or rather, trying to.”Ruth Bell Graham wrote this while her husband Billy Graham was off crusading in New York City. (Newsweek beliefs, June 14, 2007)

To me this sounds alot like my mornings, except I don't go back to bed with my bible, maybe I should! I am encouraged that she felt like I do many mornings.


Mrs. Graham, I honor your life and pray that I too will be the greatest Christian my husband has ever known. I pray my children will see that my strength comes from the scriptures. I know your children had their struggles yet you said they were your pride and joy. They now are all serving the Lord. I pray that I will always SHOW my children unconditional love, always point them to Jesus and trust God's plan for their lives. The world has lost a strong woman of faith and integrity. I love how you were fiesty and strong willed, yet allowed your husband to lead. Heaven is rejoicing in your coming home. Thank you Mrs. Graham for setting an example that I hope every Christian woman will follow.