Ruth Bell Graham near death

[elanor]

Ruth Bell Graham is going home:

http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770613037

Her sweet spirit came across so clearly in her poetry, which I love. I shall miss her voice. May God give her a peaceful passage and comfort all who love her.

 

[cyberfugue]

I pray for their family during this emotional time.

 

[soblessed53]

Never knew a thing about her except she was Billy Graham's wife,but the family will certainly be hurting.

 

[HumbleMan]

That is such sad news, but she will get her reward and heaven will have a sweet new voice.

 

[Ginny]

wow...just to think....she will literally be meeting Jesus very soon...looking into the eyes of the Son of God....


just...wow.

 

[elanor]

Never knew a thing about her except she was Billy Graham's wife,but the family will certainly be hurting.

Oh, she's such a wonderful poet! Here's one of my favorites. I have it memorized because I love it so much. The scenario comes from the incident where Peter cut off the ear of the servant, Malchus. I think of this almost every time I see a Christian treating a non-Christian unkindly.

I knew a Malchus once,
Severely wounded
By a Peter’s sword:
crazed by anger,
dazed by pain,
he thrust aside
with awful pride
that Gentle Hand
Whose touch alone
could make him
whole again.
“Have Jesus touch me?
Hell!” he hissed,
“’twas His disciple
swung the sword,
aiming for my neck
and missed;
I want no part
of Peter’s Lord!”

Strong Savior Christ
so oft repelled,
for rash disciples
blamed.

Poor wounded fools,
by pride compelled
to go on living
— maimed.

--Ruth Bell Graham

 

[MsAnne]

Thank you elanor for your thread and lovely posts. I will praying for her and her family.

 

[elanor]

Thank you elanor for your thread and lovely posts. I will praying for her and her family.

You're most welcome, MsAnne. Ruth Bell Graham has really touched my life, and I feel like I hear my own heart in her poems. I rejoice that she will be with the Lord she loves so much. But this world will be a little less bright when she is away.

Here's another great favorite of mine:

Dear God,
Let me soar in the face of the wind,
Up, up like the lark so strong and so sure,
Through the cold or the storm
With wings to endure.
Let the silver rain wash the dust from my wings
Let me soar as he soars.
Let me sing as he sings.
Let it lift me all joyful and carefree and swift.
Let it buffet and drive me,
But God, let it lift!

--Ruth Bell Graham


And this line from one of her poems for parents struggling with their children:

Remind them, gently, Lord that You have trouble with Your children, too.