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June 14, 2007
Anne Graham Lotz on her mother's death
"She taught me by her example that Jesus is everything."
Statement by Anne Graham Lotz in regard to the death of her mother, Ruth Bell Graham:
My Mother’s legacy in my life runs very deep … and wide. When I think of my Mother, I think of…
… her sparkling eyes--she just loved life. She was full of fun, opinions, and a zest for living that was evident until her last breath.
…her arms always outstretched to welcome me into her presence with unconditional love.
…her quips and quotes, such as:
Anne, make the most of all that comes, and the least of all that goes.
A good marriage is made up of two good forgivers.
Every cat knows some things need to be covered.
It takes two to make a fight.
God called you not to make your husband good, but to make him happy.
You can’t teach your kids to like spinach if every time they see you eating yours, you gag.
But two things stand out above all the rest. My Mother was in love with Jesus…and that love was contagious. She wasn’t caught up in religion or tradition or rituals-- she was caught up in a personal relationship with Jesus.
And she developed that relationship through hours spent reading and studying her Bible, hours spent on her knees in prayer.
Growing up, my bedroom was situated directly over hers. It didn’t matter what time I went to bed at night--I could see the light from her window reflected on the trees outside and I knew she was up. If I slipped down to her room, I would find her on her knees in prayer beside her bed. Regardless of what time I got up in the morning, I would find her at her big flat top desk, reading her Bible.
She taught me by her example that Jesus is everything. He was the wellspring of her love and joy and peace that overflowed into our home. His presence was enough to ease the pain of her loneliness without Daddy. His power was enough to get her through the day, for all practical purposes, as a single parent.
I have no doubt that the reason I love Jesus and I love my Bible is because she did…and she planted those seeds in my heart long ago.
I have been asked what I will miss most about my Mother. The answer is simple: Everything!
If I could have seen the other side of the Pearly Gates when she entered, I believe I would have seen millions of angels standing to applaud Jesus … giving Him all the glory and praise for the life of Ruth Bell Graham.
Comments
I am inspired by Anne Graham Lotz's comments about her mother. I owe Ruth Graham a great debt of gratitude: I came to faith in Jesus through Billy Graham's ministry and am now in full-time ministry myself.
I appreciate now, more than ever, this great woman of God, who faithfully stood by her husband, prayed for him and encouraged him...humanly speaking, she had a role in my salvation.
I was just listening to this song by Darlene Zschech, called "At the Cross": "And when the earth fades...falls from my eyes...and You stand before me...I know You love me, I know You love me..."
How well that song expresses what Ruth experienced more than ever, just a few short hours ago...
Posted By: Brad Abley | June 14, 2007 7:23 PM
Ruth Bell Graham did not die today she graduated to glory.
I will always be thankful that Mrs. Graham willingly allowed Billy to travel the globe and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Because of the BGEA my late twin sister and mother both accepted Jesus. My twin then lead me to the Lord almost thirty years ago. I am sure Mrs.Graham must be reaping the rewards of the BGEA in heaven.
Jesus must be saying to her, Well done good and faithful servant..
Posted By: Sherry Nevius | June 14, 2007 8:13 PM
I am deeply saddened over the news that Ruth Bell Graham has passed away, yet know in my heart that she is rejoicing in heaven at this very moment. Anne's remarks about missing "everything" are poignant and express the love she has for her mother. May God continue to bless Billy Graham and his family. My sincerest sympathy at this most difficult of times.
Posted By: valerie bretz | June 14, 2007 8:59 PM
What an awesome gift that God gave us when he gave us Ruth Bell Graham. Every mother knows the self sacrifice that Ruth gave to her husband and family and to all of us who were blessed by their ministry. I am sure that the heavens are proclaiming her entrance. What a blessing she was and will continue to be through her children and grandchildren. God bless the Graham family.
Posted By: Donna Dewhirst | June 15, 2007 11:36 AM
She set an example for every wife, mother, homemaker. Her relationship with Her Lord Jesus Christ was evident in the life that she lived. It comes through in the lives of her children. What a blessing she has been to the world, yet she was first a wife and a mother, a homemaker, and always a soldier of Jesus Christ. In reading her books, I have been blessed by her wit, humor, her deep abiding faith in God our Father. The world has lost, heaven has gained. What a glorious homecoming she must be celebrating. I pray for her dear family to feel the peace and comfort and joy that comes from our Father. May God bless each one of you.
Posted By: Faye Downs | June 16, 2007 6:45 AM
I was saddened to hear of Mrs. Graham's death. I have always admired the entire Graham family and the contributions they have made to our Christian faith. Many will be in heaven as a result. I lost my mother two weeks ago to cancer. I never realized how much I would miss her. I am relieved to know she, like Mrs. Graham are at rest with Jesus at their sides. What a comfort it is to know this.
Posted By: Rick Hurst | June 17, 2007 10:10 PM
I think when the story is fully told by God, Ruth Graham'stestimony will be greater than Billy Graham's.
Posted By: Scott | June 19, 2007 1:59 PM
I think when the story is fully told by God, Ruth Graham'stestimony will be greater than Billy Graham's.
Posted By: Scott | June 19, 2007 1:59 PM
What an inspiration Billy Graham and his wife has been to us especially from AFRICA with their constant messange of hope and
healing.
I thank God for the life MR&MRS Graham had on this earthly life
and happy she has gone to be with The Father.Mr Graham may you find
peace and comfott in knowing the sons and the daughters of the King the world all over are offering their prayers before the Throne of
GRACE.
Posted By: PATRICK KIRUTHI | June 22, 2007 3:45 PM
I believe this writing will help Lisa. It is such a conforting piece, and reminds me of Carrie.
May God Bless and Comfort you in your grieving.
Love, Joan K-Cooper
Posted By: Lorraine | June 27, 2007 11:35 PM
The life and testimony of Mrs Ruth Graham has influenced many across the globe.Personally I have benefitted much by just watching her consistency ,resilience and steely resolve to serve the Master and be faithful in small and big things.The impact she has made is truly effective because of the power of a life lived behind all that she said. Her contribution to the Kingdom of God is certainly great and to see the legacy being passed down is the greatest testimony.May every seed she has sown bud & blossom in the years to come. Presently I have given up my secular job and am waiting on the Lord to show me how to invest my life for His kingdom.The saints who have gone on before have proved that its the best thing one can do.
In His Love
Shirley Jacob
Dubai, U.A.E
Posted By: Shirley Jacob | August 23, 2007 11:22 AM
When I think of Mrs. Graham I think of a wonderful example of what a Godly woman is all about. She was a great example and a great encouragement to me. I remember so many times reading her articles in the Decision Magazine and how she comforted me. My Mother suffered with Alzemheimers and I can not begin to tell you the times she gave me hope and strength to go on as I watched my mother suffer. She was a great example of how we are to live the christian life.
And to the Graham family I want to thank you for sharing your Mom with me. My life has been forever changed/
Linda Knight, Lakeland, Tn.
Posted By: LInda Knight | December 2, 2007 12:38 PM
Anne Graham Lotz is head over heels inlove with her Lord and Savior, Jesus. She just had Just Give Me Jesus seminar in the Philippines where I attended and I was moved by her passion and dedication and commitment to share Jesus throughout the world. No wonder she made that comment towards her mom, for Ruth Bell Graham has raised a committed follower of Jesus.
Posted By: Ana | February 6, 2008 2:50 AM
I'm reminded of the hymn, "To God Be The Glory. Great things He has done." Jesus drew the Graham Family to Himself. They didn't endorse a religion, they endorsed the greatest sacrifice ever offered the human race through the Son of God. They have lived out their faith for all of us to see; so many sacrifices but look at the result. Yes, to God be the glory.
Posted By: Alice White | July 29, 2008 8:50 PM