Billy Graham Celebrates Life at 89

Evangelist, Billy Graham, turned 89 this month, and is still celebrating life, despite many trials and setbacks. He is grateful for his health, his family, and the assurance of being reunited in heaven, with the love of his life, Ruth Graham. Her loss brought tremendous grief to a man who has weathered many storms. His five children visit him frequently, and he is grateful for their attentiveness and support. Speaking of Ruth, he said, "At times, I feel as if a part of me has been ripped out, and in a sense that's what has happened, because Ruth was such an important part of my life. But my faith gives me great comfort, and I can't imagine going through something like this without the strength that only the Lord can provide." He stated that even though Ruth's death wasn't a surprise, due to her failing health, it was still a shock that he wasn't prepared for, and it hurt him very deeply. As always, he finds great comfort and hope in the promises of the Scriptures.

Theirs was a true love story. After more than six decades of marriage, their love continued to flourish, growing deeper day by day. "Ruth is my soul mate and best friend, and I cannot imagine living a single day without her by my side," Billy recently reflected. "I am more in love with her today than when we first met over 65 years ago as students at Wheaton College." He stated that he was drawn to her because of her faith and commitment to God, "Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team...My work throughout the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support." Whenever he was asked by reporters about the greatest Christian he had ever known, Billy always chose Ruth Graham.

When questioned about how he copes with Ruth's death, Graham explained that he is still learning to adjust to life without Ruth. He sometimes pulls out his favorite pictures of them together and states, "One way I cope is by thanking God everyday for the years we had together. They are over now-but God was good in giving us to each other, and I want to be grateful for those memories, and not suppress them." Graham said that often when people lose a spouse, they withdraw and lose interest in life, and he does not want to do that. He still enjoys keeping busy, though he doesn't travel as much as he used to. He delights in having his children, grandchildren, or friends drop by for a chat.

The old slogan "You Can't Keep A Good Man Down", was never truer, than when applied to Billy Graham. Three former Presidents-Bush, Clinton, and Carter, joined him in Charlotte, North Carolina recently, to dedicate the new Billy Graham Library, located on the grounds of the International Headquarters of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Thousands have already toured the facility, and it will be a legacy to future generations of the Gospel message that he has preached for over 60 years.

Billy is looking forward to spending the holidays with his family, and realizes that Ruth's absence will be profoundly felt. "I know in many ways this time of year will be especially difficult without Ruth, who maintained many of our family traditions. But I am thankful for the confidence we have in Heaven. It is for this reason, I will rejoice most in Christ's birth this Christmas," he said with assurance.

It is a message that Billy Graham has preached for a lifetime, and one that means more to him now than ever before.

Sources: http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2007/s07110024.htm
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070615/28005_Ruth_Graham:_Anchor_of_Faith.htm
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1651115,00.html