Ruth Bell Graham: A True Role Model

Ruth Bell Graham, wife of Evangelist Billy Graham, went home today at 5:05 pm to be with Jesus! I remember the amazing impact Ruth Bell Graham had on me personally while in high school through one of her 13 published books entitled, "A Time For Remembering." My heart was so stirred as I read of her strong committment and love for the Lord in which she readily embraced throughout her youth and college years. I grew up about 15 miles from where the Grahams lived. I remember visiting the radio station in Black Mountain, NC decorated by Ruth Bell Graham...you could see her down home, classy, mountain touch on everything from handmade quilts to dark brown, wooden rocking chairs.

When she first met her husband, Billy Graham, Ruth didn't think their relationship would work out due to the strong calling she felt toward the people of China. Later she realized that she was to marry Billy Graham and embrace her role as a wife and later on a mother. God's plan for Ruth went far beyond China as she traveled with her husband to many places as well as prayed for him wherever she could not go. Ruth Bell Graham represents exactly what a Christian woman was created to be...a helper. Although God has a unique plan for everyone, He has specifically created women to help others...what a remarkable task when activated by the Spirit of God!

Although my heart aches that this beautiful, godly, and unique woman's earthly presence is no longer with us, I know she is the happiest she has ever been in the very presence of the Lord. I praise the Lord for the impact this woman has had and continues to have on my life and pray that I and other women can be like her.