Today, on June 14th at 5:05PM, Ruth Graham went to be with the Lord. I was pretty moved by the news article in CNN and their depiction of her. Read it here.
I think her life is summed up well by the words of Billy Graham, “Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team. No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support. I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, and especially for these last few years we’ve had in the mountains together. We’ve rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day. I will miss her terribly, and look forward even more to the day I can join her in Heaven.”
Wow.
Her love for Billy Graham was evident when she was asked how she was able endure her husband’s frequent absences… she said, “I’d rather have a little of Bill than a lot of any other man.”
Wow.
You can read a brief version of her biography here.
As I ponder upon this moment, I can’t help but to think about Christina. It is my prayer that she will be by my side even in death. I am so thankful for her and her commitment to me. Truly humbled.
A phrase I say quite often is, “the person you marry will either make you or break you.” Hmm… how would have Billy Graham turned out if he didn’t have Ruth?
Billy Graham Statement on Selection of Burial Site (bold italics mine):
MONTREAT, N.C., June 13, 2007
We have held this decision privately and only decided to announce it now that she is close to going home to Heaven.
Ruth is my soul mate and best friend, and I cannot imagine living a single day without her by my side. I am more in love with her today than when we first met over 65 years ago as students at Wheaton College.
Ruth and I appreciate, more than we can express, the prayers and letters of encouragement we have received from people across the country and around the world. Our entire family has been home in recent days and it has meant so much to have them at our side during this time. We love each one of them dearly and thank God for them.”