It is with sadness that I heard that the Queen Mother
is dead. She was a fine lady and gave to the English
Monarchy a quality that seems to be in rather short
supply. I found a short statement in Billy Graham's
book, "JUST AS I AM" that I believe says it all.
"I believe one reason for the Queen's spiritual interest
was the warm faith of her mother, Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The first time we were
with her at Clarence House, her residence in London.
She had invited Ruth (Mrs. Graham) and me for coffee,
and when we arrived she greeted us warmly and
introduced us to Princess Margaret. We were about
an hour, and within five minutes we felt relaxed
because they were both so gracious.
The Queen Mother also impressed me with her
sensitivity. I recall how nervous I was the first time
I preached at Windsor, and afterward we went to
the Queen Mother's lodge for a little reception. I was
talking to her and Princess Margaret when we were
offered drinks. The Queen Mother saw me hesitate
slightly and immediately said, "I think I will have
tomato juice." I said I would have the same. I believe
she had sensed that I probably would not take alcohol
and acted instantly to avoid any discomfort on my part.
But more than anything, the Queen Mother always
impressed me with her quiet but firm faith. The last
time I preached at Windsor, as I walked in I saw her
sitting over to my right, with others in the royal family.
She deliberately caught my eye and gestured slightly
to let me know she was supporting me and praying
for me."
From Chapter 38 A Half-Century of Friends
is dead. She was a fine lady and gave to the English
Monarchy a quality that seems to be in rather short
supply. I found a short statement in Billy Graham's
book, "JUST AS I AM" that I believe says it all.
"I believe one reason for the Queen's spiritual interest
was the warm faith of her mother, Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The first time we were
with her at Clarence House, her residence in London.
She had invited Ruth (Mrs. Graham) and me for coffee,
and when we arrived she greeted us warmly and
introduced us to Princess Margaret. We were about
an hour, and within five minutes we felt relaxed
because they were both so gracious.
The Queen Mother also impressed me with her
sensitivity. I recall how nervous I was the first time
I preached at Windsor, and afterward we went to
the Queen Mother's lodge for a little reception. I was
talking to her and Princess Margaret when we were
offered drinks. The Queen Mother saw me hesitate
slightly and immediately said, "I think I will have
tomato juice." I said I would have the same. I believe
she had sensed that I probably would not take alcohol
and acted instantly to avoid any discomfort on my part.
But more than anything, the Queen Mother always
impressed me with her quiet but firm faith. The last
time I preached at Windsor, as I walked in I saw her
sitting over to my right, with others in the royal family.
She deliberately caught my eye and gestured slightly
to let me know she was supporting me and praying
for me."
From Chapter 38 A Half-Century of Friends
