Yesterday, God brought home a great man of faith. Evangelical Preacher, Billy Graham passed at the age of 99 at his home at Montreat, N.C. What a wonderful life of love and legacy. He is survived by his wife Ruth, and their 5 children Franklin, Virginia (“Gigi”), Anne, Ruth and Nelson (“Ned”). How proud Billy and Ruth are of their children, who to this day, carry on their father's legacy of love, faith, and hope in the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
A man of character, Billy Graham never wanted his ministry to be accused of being financially motivated. When asked why he chose to only receive a modest salary from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Billy replied,“Why, I could make a quarter of a million dollars a year in this field or in Hollywood if I wanted to. The offers I’ve had from Hollywood studios are amazing. But I just laughed. I told them I was staying with God.”
Have you ever contemplated your own legacy and how you are having an impact on those people around you? Have you created a legacy built on love or one on hurt and harm? In a time when school shootings, crime, and hatred is the headline of the day, it is a welcome change to remember a man who loved God with all his heart, mind, and soul, and who God received saying, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Billy was a blessing yesterday, and his legacy remains a hope for a better tomorrow. I can't wait to hear Jesus say, "Come and share your master's happiness," and know that I have run the good race. Run the race God planned for you and be blessed. Rest in peace, Billy. You'll be greatly missed.