About
Ruth is a mother of three, grandmother to eight adorable children from 13 years to 2 months. She is the mother by marriage to 3 young boys, sons of her husband, Greg. She is the president and founder of Ruth Graham & Friends and nor The Transparent Church. She authored and the best-selling book, In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart and award winning, Step Into the Bible. Her most recent book is Fear Not Tomorrw God is Already There. The middle child born to Evangelist Billy and Ruth Graham, Ruth says that being the daughter of Billy Graham is part of what she is but not who she is. She has had her own faith journey that has been messy. She has known heartache, depression, betrayal, rejection, stubborn willfulness, anxiety and fear. Through it all she has seen the faithfulness and grace of God. She says that she is qualified to speak to various groups because she is flawed - a sinner saved by grace. Her life verse is John 1:16, “Of His fullness have we all received, grace upon grace.” (NAS)
As a result of her life experience she has dedicated her life to reaching those people who have been marginalized or have to pretend they have it all together. Many of these people believe they have out sinned God’s love and grace for them and are in a place of sadness, hopelessness and despair. She brings a message of freedom and hope.
Ruth’s closest friends will tell you that she is not very comfortable in cyberspace but when asked about her new blog remarked “I know that we live in a time of great advances in technology but I still miss the rotary phone, excitedly picking up photos from the drug store, turning on the television with one button and corresponding via the USPS!
But she admits that she is excited to launch her new blog! ”I have met people from all over the world and we have not had an easy way to stay in touch with each other. This blog will be the place where you can get the most recent information on my travels, my ministry, my thoughts and me. I want it to be a place where we interact, support each other, pray for one another and share the outrageous grace of Jesus Christ.”
Whether Ruth is on the road or at home near Charlottesville, Virginia, her blog will keep you posted as to where she is, what she is doing and what she is mulling over. You won’t find easy or pat answers from her. She will introduce you to some remarkable people with interesting stories of their own faith journey – those with questions, doubts, and struggles - and you will meet others who understand the depth of God’s grace. Ruth said, “I am excited about our adventure together and I am looking forward to the unfolding of the journey.”
You are invited to join her.
What a blessing your most recent book “Fear Not Tomorrow, God is Already There”! It has encouraged me personally and I have shared it with many. Trusting God to help me keep my focus where it belongs — on Him not on my problems! Praying for you and your ministry — thank you for your openness and transparency — your life story is a source of encouragement to many.
Thank you for your kind comments about my book. I appreciate your taking the time to read it and tell me about it. That’s the fun part of writing a book! A book is like having a baby but it takes more than 9 months! Once it is delivered you think it is perfect but hold your breath until the “reviews” come in! So thank you for your affirmation. You made my day!
Hi, Ruth
I am living in Taiwan. Is it possible to have your email? I am struggling in my marriage. Just finishing your book “In every pew sits a broken heart”, i hope to contact with you. Thank you very much.
David
I am curretly reading your new book “Fear Not Tomorrow, God Is Already There and I am so blessed with the message you shared. I am a worry-wart and a bit of a control freak but your book reminded me that God is in control. I just have to let go and let God be God.
Thank you! That affirms my desire for the book! I want people to see that God is in control and we can trust Him absolutely. Thank you so much for reading the book and then taking the time to tell me what you thought.
Like you, I am a worrier and so I wrote the book for myself as much as anyone!
God bless you!
Life seems to have caught up with me. I understand that you have experienced many things in life and from what I have heard about you I believe I can identify with you. Is your life story found in the book “In Every Pew Sits A Broken Heart”. I want to read how you came from where I am now to where you are. You are an amazing work of God. I will be sure to attend your conference when you are in Brockville, Ontario, unless I find one that is closer.
Gerri Burcombe,
I am sorry “that life has caught up with you”. I know the heartache. I know the regret. I know the shame. But please remember that God is right beside you – He hasn’t let you outrun Him! You are not alone and He has unconditional love, grace, mercy and forgiveness that allows for new beginnings. You can begin again and He will use what you give to Him for his glory and purpose. I never imagined that He would use my “mess” to encourage others. And, yes, much of my story is in “In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart”.
I will look forward to seeing you at the conference in Brockeville. Pray for us as we plan that event.
God bless you.
hello
Hello Back!
Dear Ruth -
I have just started reading your book, Fear Not, God is Already There…WHAT AN ENCOURAGEMENT.
I too was born and raised in the church. My first husband was a Godly man who fell into temptation and had an affair with my best friend. I was devastated and decided to stay knitted to the Lord and pour my life into my career and part-time ministries. God blessed me over those 12+ years. Then, I met a baptist pastor who was a widower and we married after just 8 months of dating. From the first month on he was verbally (and sometimes physically) abusive, but I stuck it out for 5 hard years because I didn’t want to fail again.
It has been a few years and I still feel as though I have done the unpardonable sin, twice now. In both cases, there was infidelity, but the world, and the church, don’t care to look into the facts. Not wanting to hurt the church, I said nothing about the abuse or affairs. The church, ironically, supported him and never so much as called to check to check on me or our young son. My ex wants nothing to do with his son, and yet his church is fine with this (of course, I am sure he feeds them lies as well).
I still don’t understand how people that had known me all of my life, could just sit by and say nothing – no cards, no emails, no phone calls. I have learned that when people don’t know what to say, they say “Nothing”, which is much worse than saying the wrong thing. Hopefully, I have at least learned to tell and show others that I care, even when I don’t have the perfect words to convey such.
I have had to move near family to help with my son and am now looking for a good church. I must admit that my heart isn’t in this process, although I know that God wants me to be in fellowship with his people. If you happen to know of a good church in the NE Columbia, SC area, please let me know.
Thanks for reminding me that my hope is built ONLY on GOD and that he will again use this bruised reed!
Dear Joye,
Thank you for your kind words about my new book. That encourages me. And it is a dreary day here so you brightened it. A Lot!
I am so sorry for your heartache and pain. I’ve been there and done that! If you have not read my book, In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart, you will find that very helpful. Because of my experiences in the Church I started Ruth Graham & Friends – to equip churches and leadership how to handle those who are dealing with the messy side of life. None of us are immune but for some reason the Church finds it hard to acknowledge much less deal with effectively. The Church is getting better – with programs like Living Free and Celebrate Recovery – but still has a way to go. You are absolutely right that when people remain silent it is often read negatively. However, I have learned that they just simply don’t know what to say, feel awkward and don’t want to be involved.
Do not beat yourself up. As my father once told me, “We all live under grace and do the best we can.” Job 23:10 was an important verse for me. Take care of yourself – eat right, exercise. Join a group of people that enjoy what you enjoy – a book club, a knitting club, an investment club…surround yourself with affirming friends who love you and you enjoy. Find a good counselor with whom you can talk and who will give you wise understanding of yourself and godly counsel. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself.
I am not sure of a church in NE Columbia but I bet if you called Columbia International University someone there would be able to give you some good suggestions. Actually, I think I have a niece whose husband is a youth pastor in Columbia – it may be Greenville – but I’ll check for you.
God bless you.
Don’t get discouraged. “God is able to make all grace abound toward you so that in all things and at all times having everyhtnig that you need you will abound to every good work”!
Hi Joyce,
I just had to reply to your posting. I too have been married twice and one of those marriages was to a pastor. He left for a lady in the church and I understand how you feel. I didn’t receive one call from a church member or any other Christian for that matter. I couldn’t return to the church due to memories and hurts. As of now I still haven’t found a church to attend. I know I need a church and living in a rural area and the one church here is the church where we pastored. Standing in judgement of Christians can be more hurtful than the rejection of non-Christians.
I have lived for years wondering how people that knew me and those that I served in the church could leave me out in the cold to die. How sad. God will use all these hurts for His good. How can we minister to the hurting unless we too have been hurt? God will do a new thing and it shall spring forth, is a verse that I am standing on even now.
I pray that you find a church that will welcome you in and love you and your family unconditionally. I was blessed in reading your email. I realized that I am not alone and my problems are not unique. There are sisters suffering, like I have suffered.
God Bless You,
Gerri
Amen, Gerri!
We are not alone in our pain. Many have traveled the same path and God redeems it all for His glory! That’s the hope we have.
It is sad that we treat each other so poorly. Look how Jesus handled the woman at the well. She was a woman, she was a Samraitan woman and she had had 5 husbands and was now living with a man to whom she was not married. There were at least 4 strikes agianst her! Did He reject her? Ignore her? Gossip about her? No! He engaged her – and spoke into her deepest need. As far as we know He did not directly talk to her about her marriages…he wanted her heart. And she became the first woman evangelist! Her whole village was changed becasue of her. God uses our brokenness. He is comfortable with broken people.
My heart longs for the Church to be channels of grace not hoarders of grace.
Hello Everyone!
Ruth, I saw you being interviewed recently on a program. I want to get your new book! It is true — God’s already there.
I find comfort in the fact that Jesus said earlier in the scripture that ‘He had to go through Samaria.’ (He knew that woman was going to be at that well!) I just love that; God knows our hurts and how to do the required surgery on our hearts and minds to bring forth healing.
I identify with this woman and the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed of her bleeding disorder. After the Bible study, FREE ME TO LIVE, God brought me through the complete grieving proess after two abortions in the 1980′s. I remember the Christian counselor telling me that I could not have a “higher standard of forgiveness” than God’s — it’s idolatry! Thank you for your encouragement and prayers!
I hope and pray that you are well soon!
I so thank you for your honesty to keeping it real of what the journey is really all about. You have talked about wearing the mask of how alot of Christians are struggling in the world today. I have dealt with depression and my own issues but GOD is so good. What has helped me more than anything else was being honest with myself and with the LORD GOD alone. It is thru the WORD of GOD that my real healing began.
He has so changed my life not just beginning at my salvation of which he did but his continued work in my life by healing my hurting heart.
May the LORD richly bless you.
Thank you – making yourself vulnerable to others is not always easy but I do believe as we are honest we give others the opportunity to be honest adn that’s where real ministry takes place.
May God give you a wonderful Christmas and a new Year filled with His blessings!
Dear Ruth -
I am ashamed to say that I didn’t even check this website as I didn’t think you would actually respond to yet another wounded church goer (did I say “I am sorry?”). Thank you so much for your very personal reply. I have received much Godly counsel. Forgiveness is something that I am finding I need to ask for and give often. I have begun praying for blessings for my ex and others that were especially hurtful during that time and God is slowly wipping away those hurtful memories. And, I am happy to report that God is still on His throne and an on-time God – I found a wonderful church here that has great teaching and a Sunday school class that has been warm, authentic and caring. Proof again that if we simply do the right thing, the feelings will follow and He will bless. I do feel that church is paramount and the conduit that God will use to change the world. Conversely, I have seen first hand that satan wants to devour, destroy and divide God’s people. It is up to us to allow victory or accept defeat and I am encouraged that you, along with all of the women listening to you, are standing up for God’s people and helping us become victors!
And Gerri – I wish you lived close by and we could encourage one another! I want that, for all of us. It is important that the church call a spade a spade, to take time to look into the facts and apply appropriate church discipline (in an effort to restore always). The world is outraged when church leaders claim one thing and yet lead a very different and hypocritical life. The church, however, often accepts the circumstances and does little to right the wrong, because it is uncomfortable. The world needs to see to church taking care of their sheep, not just their leaders, even if it means getting messy. I will stay close to the church as I know that is the right thing, but quite frankly, the world was much more accepting, helpful and supportive of me during my greatest time of need. Perhaps you and I can be that accepting and helpful and supportive friend to someone the church seems to care little about, and change how we treat one another.
I know that the Lord will replace the years that the locust ate and He will shine in and through us in His time. Until then, may He richly bless you! Happy New Year to us all!
Dear Ruth,
This site has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. I am making my way slowly, with the Lord by my side, back to where God always intended me to be. I had bought myself your two books and one for my friend. In the end I gave the three books away at Christmas to people that had been looking for your books and hadn’t had a chance to get them yet. I have ordered once again these books and am looking forward to reading them. With the help of the Lord, and this site, I have come off of my depression pills that I have been on for years. It was a real battle and wasn’t sure sometimes if I could do it, but the strength I have discovered in reading the Bible was wonderful. There were times when all I could do was cry and ask God to help me and within minutes that cloud lifted and I would carry on for yet another little while. I lost my sister between Christmas and New Year’s and even through that God’s strength was sufficient and I didn’t have to go back on effexor xr, my depression pills. God is so good.
I have no church in this area where I can grow in the Lord and I would like you and those on here to please pray for me in regards to finding God’s will for my life. I am debating moving in the summer to Ontario where I can get into a good Bible-based church, which would mean moving my Mom as well. I need to know that I know that is what God would have me to do. If you would pray for guidance for me I would be most thankful.
Joye, you don’t know how much I wish you were nearby. When I read your posts on here I thought how great it would be to get to know you. I pray that you will have a great new year filled with the blessings of God and that you will continue to grow in Him.
Thank-you, Ruth, for reaching out to those of us that are hurting. I am still planning to attend the conference in Brockville this year. I have committed myself to reaching out as I have been reached out to in the year 2010. This will be a great year.
God bless you…………………Gerri
I will be excited to meet you this summer, Gerri.
Your responses have encouraged my heart. God is good.
And please don’t be afraid to go on medication if you need to. It is not “more spiritual” to be “med-free”. But praise God you are free now and my prayer is that you continue.
I know the memory of the loss of your sister is painful during the hoildays but when I think of my Mother enjoying Christmas from heaven’s perspective…I am filled with joy for her. We miss her – she loved Christmas and worked so hard to make it happy for all of us but now she is able to enjoy it with the King of Kings and one day soon we will all be gathered at the throne!
2010 is going to be a great year!
Hi Gerri –
I would love to get to know you and hopefully encourage one another. My email is lynnjoye@gmail.com if you’d like to chat. You can tell from your words that God is healing your heart and making you a deeper, more caring woman after His heart. I will be praying for a good church for you. I drive about 30 min to my church – it is worth the drive b/c of the people. They know little about my life, but their love for one another is evident and contagious. Thanks for your words of encouragement. Joye
How rewarding to see people connect with each other! That is an unexpected blessing of this newfangled technology!
God bless you both.
Thank you. I am away from home now but will get this when I get back to me desk. Thanks you you for sending me this resource. And I’ll pass it on.
God bless you.
Dear Ruth,
Last year right up through Christmas I thought life was finally going my way. I was happy for the first time in my life and I was excited about my future. Then things started to “fall” apart.
My husband and I are going through a divorce. We have been living seperate lives for years and for the majority of our marraige there was much emotional and verbal abuse directed at our four children and myself. We have been to four counselors over the 27 years of our marraige. He is on medication, sees a counselor on his own as well as a psychiatrist.
Needless to say, my self esteem was very low. With help from my own counselor I have grown into a stronger woman, and in the fall we agreed to a divorce. Through all this I had started going back to school, as God had led me to do. I also met a wonderful man who I truly believe was brought into my life through prayers (not mine) and I had a job I liked and was very good at doing. Well, at the beginning of the year, this wonderful man was taken out of my, and the following week I was laid off from my job. Needless to say I went into a depressed state. God told me I need to focus on Him and trust him…easier said then done at this point in my life!
It was this past Monday, I was watching James & Betty Robison and you were on talking about your book, “Fear Not Tomorrow, God is Already There”. God impressed upon me that He wanted me to go and purchase the book. So despite torrential downpours and a broken heart, off I went. There was one copy and I couldn’t wait to get home and begin reading it for I knew God had something there for me. WOW! I read, or should I say cried & prayed through the first four chapters! God has been doing a wonderful work in me since that day!
My life has not changed, the trials are still here, but my attitude and outlook have changed! When I start to get frightened I just ask God to help me with my unbelief, as trust has always been difficult for me due to many abuses starting in childhood. Men would use me, abuse me and in one way or another leave me, but I know God will never leave me or forsake me!
I am so grateful that God got me out of bed that morning to watch the program! I’m also thankful to you for writing the book in the first place! God is so good…and as he shows me His unconditional love, trust and respect for me I am learning to have those for him as well.
I do know God has allowed these things to be removed from my life in order for me to focus on Him and draw close to Him as well as to “be still and know He is God”. I still have very difficult moments but instead of trying to analyze things, or worry, or cry, I stop thank God for what I do have and then pray for what is causing me distress at that moment.
It’s a long walk, but I’m not walking it alone! Afterall, God is already in my tomorrow so it’s going to be a great day! Veronica
SO VERY GLAD to see this blog!!!!! What a gifted writer and all around person! Every blessing in all you are doing! Much love!
Ruth, I was looking through the Lifeway Bookstore and something came to me to look at your book. I looked over at it, wandered the shelf, and returned to your work. I was asking /God for what I needed, something from Him that I was to read and study. I never knew or looked at the author, but grabbed it. Not till starting the book with a prayer for heelng , a prayer for knowledge from the words. Words that would bring healing and growth through the dark empty walls I.m walking. Then your name came to me, who is this author, hmm Ruth Graham, then it hit, I found the connection. Shes, he’s, theyre the Grahams. Wow. God pointed me the right way. After starting the book it was made just for me. So now in th times im going through it is my refuse. I am dependent to finish and read again if needed. I thank Ruth for your sharing, many of your words have been my words just not acted on. My encouragement the there is the lite at the end of the tunnel I need to see the end. Some day we will meet and be able to tell you my travels whether on roads or venturing through my mind.
I find it encouraging that I am not alone in my pain and rejection and even Billy Graham’s daughter may understand my feelings. I want to read your story. My husband and I were married 27 yrs and he fell spiritually & is off with someone else.Having a strong Christian marriage and raising our 4 dear children was my passion and goal in life.I feel such shame, rejection, hurt, abandement and deep frustration that my children(they are now 19-24 yrs old) have a dad setting this example for them.He rarely sees them because he lives 10 hrs away but he does texting and calls occasionally.I am doing all I can to be there for them.I used to be mad at God for this happening but realize He gives us all a free will but am so disappointed that I am now divorced and my children don’t have much of a good dad anymore. I am moving on and am blessed with wonderful family and friends but sometimes I tire so much of the awful pain I seem to have to always carry.
Ruth,
I wanted to thank you for writing, “In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart.” I just started reading last Sunday, and finished this evening. I couldn’t put it down, as it spoke straight to my life. I am in the midst of a struggle that is hurting myself and my children. In trying to protect them, I feel empty inside and almost broken. Your insight made me renew my praise for the Lord, and reminded me that I can’t break if I am in Him. I committed to God to practice forgiveness, and wait on Him. I was filled with such peace after that. I know that God will deliver me in His due time. God bless you for sharing your own struggles. I look forward to reading more from you.
Stephanie Whorton
p.s I grew up with Noelle in Argyle and always thought you were the best mom!
Thank you for your kind comments about In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart. I am grateful that God used it to minister to you in your time of need. God is so faithful that way – to send us something or someone to encouarge us along the way. That is one way we know His presence. Another way of course is through His Word. God bless you on your faith walk – it isn’t always easy but we are not alone.
I’ll tell Noelle that you wrote – she is in Germany this week visiting friends. What was your maiden name?
Dear Ruth,
I met you when you were in Wichita several years ago at Central Christian Church. What an amazing weekend and your book “In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart” has been a tremendous help to me. I am anxious to read your new book.
I was so disappointed when the conference in Wichita this past weekend was cancelled.
Your testimony and life story has been such an inspiration to me. I have made some mistakes in my life that I regret and you gave me hope that God has forgiven me and that I can go on.
Your ministry helped me and I know there are so many more women that can benefit from it.
Blessings to you.
Your book In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart speaks my heart. I’ve been some of the places you have been: depression and fear. All around me at church there are women who hurt, seeking understanding and encouragment, even a real “Hello.”
Sadly the church often doesn’t see hurting women. Sometimes when another woman does notice, she has no comforting words. Occasionally her words are condemning. I know you’ve been there. So have I as have countless others.
Again, thanks for In Every Pew. I look forward to reading your new one. Your ministry helps hurting Christian women know it’s OK to be real. Isn’t this what our Jesus wants?
Blessings to you, Lucy
Hi Ruth,
I am finishing up your book “Fear Not Tomorrow-God is Already There”. It has been a tremendous blessing. I am in the midst of a separation and now my wife has found another. The Lord has promised me restoration though and I have dug in my heels, in His strength, to stand for my marriage, my kids, and my wife. Your willing openness to discuss your struggles has really spoken to me as I too have felt the need to openly express my struggles to show others what God is doing in my life. In addition, He is prompting me to reach out to those hurting and in need of hope, to share the Love He has shown me as well as the way out.
I pray blessings for you and your ministry for, in most cases, the church is no longer a place of comfort and to find rest. Far too often one is judged if they are undergoing difficulties despite the fact that Scripture assures us we will have them. It is encouraging to see that you are promoting healing and trusting in His restorative power! I look forward to when you will have a conference in the Atlanta area.
God Bless
This morning on my way home from church I heard an interview with you where you were talking about your youngest daughters delivery. And that the baby was transported to a children’s hospital. My sister had her baby girl five days ago, and even though she was full term they has to transport with baby to a neo-natal icu about an hour away from where we live. In your interview you shared how use used your “ABC’s” to help you through when nothing else seemed to work. I was wondering if there was any way to get a hold of that list on one of your websites or somewhere else I would find them so I could share them with my sister. God bless you and your ministry. In His Service, Jennifer
I got back from Brockvillle last night. We had a great event.
The ABC list can be found in the back of my book, Fear Not Tomorrow, God is Already There. It has been such a help to me over the years. I pray that it will comfort, strenghten and bless your sister.
I am sorry she is having to go through this and please let me know how the baby is doing.
God bless you.
Ruth
Ms. Graham,
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s accident. I will pray for you and your family. Remember that God is always with us and support’s us.
I wanted to say thank you for your inspiring, comforting and spiritual messages that you gave in Houston, PA in August. It was truly by God’s design that I was able to make the conference and the topic you discussed was similiar to issues albeit difference circumstances then I am going through. Your message has strengthened my relationship with God and inspired me to recognize that God does want peace, happiness and joy in my life. That weekend has made a tremendous impact in my life over the past months and has helped me continue to trust in God during my struggles. I was one of the first to the altar on Saturday afternoon and one of the last to leave the altar that afternoon. I can’t truly describe the impact and change your message had for me that day. God does amazing things and I have learned that God wants to help me when I’m broken and wants me to lean on him and ask others for help, which is not easy for me.
I have been hesitant to write, but finally decided I could not wait anymore and then I saw your updates about your husband and decided it was time.
I pray that this message will uplift you and your family in this time of struggles as you uplifted me in August. Please take care of your self as well, these circumstances impact each of us differently, but you will need god’s strength, guidance and grace as you move forward. Remember to give it all to him and don’t fight him, just let him take everything.
Take care and may God continue to bless, strengthen and heal your family.
Michelle
You have blessed me today. Thank you.
Ruth
I have just finished reading your book ‘In every pew sits a broken heart’. An inspiring life story of a honest lady prepared to expose personal trials and pain whilst journeying with God.
You have quickened my spirit to press on and not loose hope in times of adversity and that God is in control.
God knows who He can trust to endure heartbreaking experiences at times so He can be glorified.
You have been a great encourager by helping me to see God in ALL that we go through.
Your book will be going out to a number of friends already requesting to read it.
Thank you so much for writing this book you will probably never know how much power your testimony will have in effecting others for good.Praise God for what He has done in your life and is continuing to do.
When are you coming to Wales UK? You are welcome to stay at our home.
Ruth, I was a colleague of Greg’s in the ELCA. I am so sorry to hear about his accident and pray continually for his recovery. Please know the prayers of your brothers and sisters in Christ are with you all.
Hi Ruth, I was wondering if you could tell me how to get the list of the ABC’s Of God? You used that strategy to get your mind off the problem and magnify HIM. Saw you on TCT. Thank you for your time. Vicky
Dear Ruth,
I’ve had your book, ‘Broken Heart’ on my shelf at work for awhile but something compelled me to grab it yesterday and I read almost all of it. I am facing horrendous pain in my marriage, simliar to what you went through. My husband and I are separated, living apart and we started counseling for the first time. We don’t talk much so I don’t have any idea of what is going on with him; I am waiting on the Lord to direct my paths. It is so painful to be in this situation after being married 27 years!! My heart is so broken I know it’s the prayers of many and God’s miracle that I can even function. My husband has drifted from the Lord over the past 12 years and I would have never expected to face the things I am seeing right now. He is quite depressed and I pray he will will get help for that and turn to God fully. My 3 kids are a blessing to me, my daughter just married and my son will marry in June. I’m thankful they are walking with the Lord…. I am focusing on the good in my life. I liked in your book where you expressed that faith and pain and coexist! I have never heard it put that way and I think this is super comforting! We know and live in pain and loss yet we cling to scripture and the truths and promises of God. I so want the strong emotional pain to go away but I can know it can coexist with God’s strong presence in me. Thank you for the book…..Christine
Ruth,
I have read “In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart” and am now reading “Fear Not Tomorrow God Is Already There”. Both books are such a comfort. Like many I have also endured struggles but because of Almighty God, I know who I am, His daughter. We all need to be reminded that we are His children and being the loving Father that He is, we can be assured that no one can separate us. Like you I have been very blessed having a loving Daddy. I truly believe that there is a difference between fathers/dads and daddies. My Daddy was a very spiritual man. Both my mother and Daddy passed away in 2008, only 7 weeks between the two deaths. Now 2 1/2 years later, I miss him just as much. He was the true example of what the Bible tells us to be, Christlike. I read of the many great characters in the Bible and Daddy’s life can be told thru there stories as well. I know that you feel the same about your Daddy. The pain is still so great of him no longer being here with me. He had a gift of prophecy and was writing letters to churches as Paul did. I am so blessed to have the loving memories of him. My Mother was also a woman you might say was the example of the Proverbs 31 woman. So yes, I also know the heartache of no longer having parents in my life but to know that one day I will see them again is awesome. With all this being said, I was wondering how you explain to others what it is like to be the daughter of a very faithful, spiritual, loving Daddy.
My 19 year old daughter and I attended the Winsome Women retreat at the Grand Hotel on Mac. Island the last two days. We were really ministered to by the things that you shared. It has made a difference in our lives. Thank you for sharing your life and love for the Lord.
Ruth,
I wonder if you remember me. We were on a Holy Land tour led by Roy Gustafson back in 1965. Bonnie Barrows and another girlfriend of yours accompanied you. I was an annoying teenager who was traveling with my mother but trying to distance myself from her. I met Randy Stonehill on a couple of Christian cruises to Alaska that he performed on, so he is a friend on Facebook, and today he posted about his visit with you and provided a link to your blog. It’s always interesting to re-connect with people you’ve known earlier in life and I enjoyed reading your last few entries. Little did we know back then what paths the Lord had in store for us, and in many respects it’s better that we didn’t. In any case, I felt led to say hello. I think your ministry is very much needed in today’s world and will continue to be greatly blessed.
Ruth,
I can’t begin to tell you what your book “In Every Pew Sits A Broken Heart” has done for me. Our stories are almost the same. I was married for the second time, recently – as I said, our stories are very similar. The divorce will occur this Nov. Yes, God’s grace – for all the mistakes we make in our lives. It also taught me that when the bible says we are to be equally yoked – is the most important aspect about a relationship. Spiritual warfare is there everyday, without both spouses loving the Lord and HIs Word.
Dear Ms. Graham,
I have been reading the comments on this page and wish I could be as brave as some here to share my personal history. Unfortunately, I am not. I am young and quite reserved. May I contact you through e-mail? (I’ve been searching for an contact page, but haven’t seen it anywhere. Not sure if the e-mail address provided on your foundation’s page would reach you or a webmaster.) Thank you!
– Maria
As I read through your blog, I feel at home–you have a way of making one feel comfortable. I have been told by others that you are an advocate for those who are sitting in the church and are broken, lost, and hurting. I am anxious to read your book, “In Every Pew sits a Broken Heart”. Thank you for addressing the obvious because so many look past the obvious. My husband and I are publishing our first book soon–our story of recovery from sexual addiction, “Sexual Addiction: Strategies for Healing”. We were told by Cindy Lambert at Zondervan that you (and Greg) might be a resource for us since you speak so often on the topics that we are stepping into in our own ministry. We would consider it an honor if you would read our book and consider endorsing it. Thank you Ruth for all you do to help people who are hurting.
How happy I am to have discouvered your blog.
I too am a middle child and love my name Ruth.
Three years ago I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.Then I started on my most exciting journey of my life.
Do you have any on-line or correspondence courses?When are you coming to Vancouver?
May you have a blessed 2012. Ruth
Welcome! So glad you are in the family!
No, I don’t have on line courses…my book In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart has a study guide.
I love Vancouver (we’re talking WA right? not CAN?) ad hope to get back there this year. I’ll keep you posted.
My father is a member of Calvary Church in Orland Park, and was so excited when he heard that you were going to be there. He met your father in the 50s, when he was stationed in the Philippines, and still talks about it. I have to admit, I prayed that he wouldn’t be disappointed-sometimes reality doesn’t measure up to to the ideal.
I have to say, in this case it did. You signed an autograph for him (he was the gentleman who sat behind you and Pastor Howard) and chatted briefly. He enjoyed your talk very much.
As you may know, Calvary Church is in transition-they have been interviewing candidates for Pastor. My father created a bit of a stir with his study group prior to your visit when he advanced the (for them) radical notion of a woman Pastor-cries of “No way!” “Never!” “I’d never go to a church with a female Pastor!” from both sexes. After your visit, he reminded them of what they had said-apparently you made enough of an impression that they admitted that perhaps it wouldn’t be Purgatory, after all. The Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways.
May God bless you, and hold you in the palm of His hand.
Wow! That’s indeed a compliment.
I was just by the Nashville Crown Room last night but they no longer honor “priority pass”. But when I did check at the desk you were not there. Sorry to have missed you.