Recently, we were in Charlotte, North Carolina where we visited the Billy Graham library and placed flowers on Ruth Bell Graham’s grave. As most of you know, Ruth and Billy Graham were valley-walking friends with Jim when he went through some very tough trials.
Billy Graham visited Jim in prison several times, and Franklin sponsored him when he was released. The very first week Jim was released from prison, Ruth made it possible for Jim to attend her church and sat with him in a very public display of love and support.
To say that the Graham family has been a friend to us is an understatement.
The Bible says that the spiritual people restore others when they have fallen: “Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1 ASV
Jim and I attended Ruth Bell Graham’s 80th birthday celebration and the program that evening presented her life through music and drama, using her own writings, and it was very moving. PBS was there filming a documentary on her life.
That evening, when Jim introduced us, Ruth Graham reached up from her wheel chair and cradled my face in her hands.
“You’re so beautiful,” she said. “God hand-picked you for Jim.”
I was so touched by her words, I nearly cried. I managed to thank her for what she had done for my husband and for being such a great example of a woman of God.
Ruth Graham had much to be proud of in her accomplishments in life, but instead of pride, Ruth exhibited the ultimate humility by recognizing her life as a work in progress all the way to her home-going, her meekness engraved in her self-chosen epitaph:
“End of construction – thank you for your patience.”