Ruth Bell Graham and Her Remarkable Words

Ruth Bell Graham, was born on June 10, 1920 at Qingjiang, Kiangsu, China as Ruth McCue Bell, but most people just know her as being the wife of Evangelist Billy Graham.

Her parents, Dr. and Mrs. L. Nelson Bell, were medical missionaries. Having spent her early school years in China and the majority of her high school years in North Korea, she graduated from a school in Montreat, North Carolina, while her parents were on furlough (A temporary leave of absence)

The suffering that she seen only strengthened her unshakable belief that all mankind needs to know about the savior.

In the fall of 1937, at the age of 17, she met Billy Graham, while she was attending Wheaton college, in Illinois. They married on August 13, 1943. Ruth became a ministers wife for a short time in Western Springs, Illinois. (A lot of people don't know that although Billy Graham was one of the world's most famous Baptist, while Ruth remained a Presbyterian until her death)

The Grahams then moved to Montreat, North Carolina, making this their permanent home.(this is not an extravagant home)

Between 1945 and 1958, they had five children. (Billy Graham was away on very extended evangelistic crusades) It was noted that Billy Graham gave his wife the credit for almost single handedly raising their children and being very supportive in his ministry

Their children were far from being "perfect". Two of their five children wandered away from God. She Prayed, watched and Waited until they returned. She speaks honestly of this in her writings. (Prodigals and Those Who Love Them) Is a must for any Mother going through troubled times with their children

What a lot of people don't know is, Ruth Graham had many talents, she was a poet, author, Painter, Philanthropist (someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being)

She authorized or co-authorized 14 books, also wrote many wonderful articles in newspapers and magazines

In 1959, she published her first book , Our Christmas Story. This was a children's book, filled with wonderful illustrations.

Ruth Graham's books

Our Christmas Story
Sitting by My Laughing Fire
It's My Turn
Legacy of a Pack Rat
Prodigals and Those Who Love Them
Clouds are the Dust of His Feet
One Wintry Night
Collected Poems
Prayers from a Mother's Heart
Footprints of a Pilgrim: The Life and Loves of Ruth Bell Graham
Never Let It End: Poems of a Lifelong Love

Her poems are filled with her love of God in many of her life's situations. Many of her poems were written for people or situations that she felt very deeply about. But they all glorify her love for the Lord.

This is one of my favorite poems that Mrs. Graham wrote that even though I have read this poem many times, still makes me teary when I read it.

As written by Ruth Bell Graham

And when I die
I hope my soul ascends
slowly, so that I
may watch the earth receding
out of sight,
its vastness growing smaller
as I rise,
savoring its recession
with delight.
Anticipating joy
in itself a joy.
And joy unspeakable
and full of glory
needs more
than "in the twinkling of an eye."
more than "in a moment."
Lord, who am I
to disagree?
It's only we
have much
to leave behind;
so much...Before.
These moments
of transition
will, for me, be
time
to adore.

taken from "Sitting by my laughing Fire," 1977

She also wrote with her oldest daughter Virginia Graham (Gigi)

Coffee and Conversation
Mothers Together
A Quiet Knowing

A Time for Remembering (revised as Ruth: A Portrait)- is her biography that was an early work of Patricia Cornwell

Ruth Bell Graham went home to be with the Lord at 5:05 p.m. EDT June 14, 2007, at her home with Billy Graham and their five children at her bedside.

"Ruth was my life partner and we were called by God as a team", "I am so greatful to the Lord that he gave me Ruth"- Quoted by Billy Graham at Ruth's funeral

"Mama was a lot of fun, but she believed the Bible, Lived the Bible and taught the Bible and believed that Jesus Christ died for our sins, that he is in Heaven and will come back some day"- Quoted by Franklin Graham at his Mothers funeral

She lived as the Bible instructed her, behind her husband.

For more information about how to purchase Ruth Grahams books go to www.billygraham.com
Or you can just read more about her life on www.wikipedia.org