Enjoyed a great day at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC.
A Man for the Times
This past week the media reported that Evangelist Billy Graham celebrated his 96th birthday quietly at home with family and friends. I grew up during the ’60’s watching Billy Graham’s crusades on television, loving everything about them, including the music led by Cliff Barrows, the inspirational speakers and the message.
Before Billy Graham would bring his message each night, George Beverly Shea usually sang an old gospel favorite such as The Old Rugged Cross, A Child of the King, or It’s No Secret What God Can Do. After Bev Shea’s performance, Billy Graham with a smile on his face would walk to the platform, taking time to connect with the audience through some funny joke or experience. Once he had a laugh, he’d get serious explaining the topic for the evening, followed by scripture reading.
My husband, Michael, and our two daughters, Kristin and Kelly were fortunate enough to hear Rev. Graham in Charlotte, NC during one of the last crusades he held in this area in 1996. I had the privilege of singing in the choir during one Sunday afternoon service and proudly still have my shirt with the Billy Graham logo on it.
I recently made a trip to the Billy Graham Library, enjoying a nostalgic tour through time of Billy Graham’s journey as a man of faith. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the library located just off of the Billy Graham Parkway in Charlotte, the holidays are a wonderful time. They even have carriage rides for the season.
Some people say Billy Graham’s message of God’s love and forgiveness is out of date. In reality, his message is current because God’s word is current. More than ever the world is starving for love and acceptance. Although Billy Graham is not able to lead the crusades as he did so many years ago, he’s still sharing the message through various media endeavors such as the recent one titled, Heaven. With the death of my husband in September, it touched my heart. I know it will yours, too.
Thank you Billy Graham for being a blessing to my family for three generations.
What ways have you been blessed by Billy Graham and his ministry? Leave a comment, message on Facebook, or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
