I was a mess this afternoon after watching the live webcast of the dedication of The Billy Graham Library. Three former presidents of the United States (Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, and Bill Clinton) all showed up to honor him. When three former presidents show up to a dedication of a library, it tells you a lot about a person’s life – a life lived well. Can you imagine the dignitaries and world leaders who will be at his funeral?
After the webcast, I was just sitting in my chair and reflecting on my own life.
There is something innate in all of us that want to leave a legacy and live a life of significance. When I look at Billy Graham’s life, one word comes to my mind – faithful. He was faithful to the Gospel… he was faithful to his calling… he was faithful to his wife…. he was faithful to his family.
All the speeches and kind words that were shared, reaffirmed the quality of life he lived. He was surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was truly inspiring.
What inspired me the most was his humility, as he mentioned that in the library there is too much of “Billy Graham.” Initially, I was like – uh, hello… this IS THE Billy Graham Library. But with a sincerity of an 88 year old, you could tell that deep inside he still wonders why God chose him out of so many people in the world.
He even recognized and gave credit to two of his long time colleagues, Cliff Barrows and George Beverly Shea and many of his lifetime prayer and financial supporters.
I think I am going to make a trip out to there to Charlotte for my personal retreat time or with my family to inspire the kids to do great things with their lives.
“My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which, I believe, comes through knowing Christ.” [Billy Graham]