About
Ruth is a mother of three and grandmother to nine terrific kids from 3 to 17 years old. She is the president and founder of Ruth Graham & Friends and Ruth Graham Ministries. She authored 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 tomorrow God is Already There. The middle child born to Evangelist Billy and Ruth Bell 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 wilfulness, 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 feel they have to pretend to have it all together. Many of these people believe they have out sinned God’s love and grace for them, living 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 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!”
She is excited about her 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, my family 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 in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of 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 enjoying our journey together and I am looking forward to see how God works in our lives.”
Won’t you come along for the blessings?
Ruth Graham's Blog 
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 recently read an article on line about what I believe was one of your books. I did a cut and paste on a paragraph that really struck me and then I lost the link.
This is the paragraph. They have prayed for forgiveness and rededicated their lives to Jesus innumerable times, and yet they are stuck, feeling unforgiven and unworthy of His love. So they exercise their freedom of choice and do another “this will make me feel better” compulsive behavior
If you recognize it as yours I would dearly love to purchase the book.
I don’t recognize it as mine…but it could be. It may be my sister Anne Graham Lotz. But since it is good, I’ll take credit!! 🙂
So I am not sure which book…perhaps, In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart.
God bless you.
I appreciate your wordpress web template, where did you get a hold of it?
I don’t know…someone did it for me.
I recently read In Every Pew…, and simply had to tell you how much I was blessed by your story. After having been married for over a decade, I recently went through a difficult divorce. As a long time member of a very traditional church, I felt fear and condemnation (much of which was self-inflicted). I know that God used your words to bring encouragement, peace, and renewed hope in my life. Thank you.
I so love your transparency about your journey. What a blessing that is! Blessings to you and your family! GOD bless you.
Grace… God’s Grace… Looking forward to reading your blogs Miss Bunny:)
I grew up in the church many years ago and left as a rebellious teenager. I feel now I am a committed christian, but don’t attend church. I have raised two wonderful teenagers and pray for them everyday, because neither of them believe in God. My daughter has stated she is an aethiest. She has said all the evolution information totally contradicts God. She said she respects what I believe and she respects the christian values.
I struggle because I have let them down by not bringing them up in the church. But, i had felt because of my colourful past I wasn’t accepted within the church.
Christians I know don’t know that I pray everyday and talk to God alot. I still feel judged. How can I talk to my kids without turning them away from Christianity more?
I am off to class. But will contact you either later tonight or tomorrow.
Dear Ms. Graham. Thank you for this blog and information. I have been a Christian since I was 27 – accepted Jesus as my savior. Your notes and book has helped me immensely. I will soon be 60 and it seems like a light has turned on in my life because of you. I was married to my high school sweetheart for 27 years when he passed away. I can attest to two things – every friend and work related persons dropped me like a hot potato when I husband died. People I knew for 30 years didn’t call, write, nothing. I want to let your readers know (which I am sure they already know) that Jesus is the Rock. He will not leave you or forsake you. Thank you for your ministry and God Bless!
Dear Ruth, I have just found you. I am about a third of the way through your broken heart book. My husband of 21 years left me a year ago for a woman who I considered a friend. He walked out on me and my nearly 16 year old daughter, 12 year old son and 1 month old daughter. He is unrepentant. It is so hard to forgive someone who offends you daily by refusing to surrender, repent, sacrifice etc. I always knew him to be a Christ following man now there is a darkness, an emptiness about him. My heart is broken for him and what sin he has chosen. I am on a journey of truth and trusting God as I go. The journey includes my own sin and repentance which is hard too. I am surrounded by a loving household of faith who love all of us really well. The Bible verse you refer to over and again in the book (Isaiah 51:3) has kept me afloat over the course of the last year…in fact my baby’s name is Eden Hope. God gives me fresh grace for my husband everyday. I have yet to say that I forgive him though. Your book has inspired me to forgive. It is a process of course. Thank you for having the courage to write your story. Jennie
Thank you Ruth for being authentic in your relationship with others and God, of course. I am a missionary/preachers kid too, but unlike your Dad and mom we traveled as a singing Evangelistic family holding services, called Revivals back then, with them. We sang every night but Saturday for about 3 years straight, when I was 9 to 11, when we then moved to another country together as a missionary family.
I was always thankful for my life and felt blessed. As an adult now I am having a real hard time emotionally because my education was not too good and education was not emphasized or valued. My brother received a Bible degree, but I married young at 19, had a child and 5 year marriage ending with my husband having many affairs. After my finally learning and return home I became a hairdresser. I have remarried, now 34 years together, been blessed and tested. My sister finished high school, but no college, but many marriages, both good and ending, have left life really hard for her right now. My brother married over 40 years, but his final years have found life hard for he and his wife financially also. (The most talented, couple with integrety I have ever known. Llike you,always maintained a good relationship with my Lord and parents. Enough background.
About 8 years ago my parents only income of $2000.00 during retirement, (promised for life from last mega church where they were on staff 17 yrs, not to count 60 years of full time ministry together, 75 plus of my father in ministry)… ceased being given to them- NOT ANYTHING…..My Dad had always taught us not to trust in man
because we are ALL sinners, but I am having a VERY hard time with this.
Being the church that had promised the retirement, desolved many years ago from financial and adultery scandels/truth….I KNOW, even Enron people lost their retirement and there are MANY others who have expereinced having lay offs in old age etc etc, that
this can happen to anyone, but what I am having a hard time with is the fact that since this I have learned….MANY other missionary friends widow or widower parent have barely an income, like my parents.
Fortunately my parents, my Dad died 3 yrs ago, own their small home, though in bad repair and we help her a lot, AGAIN, I am having a hard time wondering why it appears no one is addressing this in the church. My mom attends a local church and they have helped some but somehow this all seems so wrong. I have mentioned to some close friends and no one seems to know what to say…..cause so wrong I guess…..but what do you DO. I guess I just do not feel I can be transparent really anymore. I HAVE never felt i couldnt be honest and transparent with my life.
My dad was a lot like your dad. Awesome man, with deep love for God, family and integrity. Like your Dad, he never cared how many came to Christ through any direct efforts, but was called to evangelism. His last days he would humbly shed tears of thankfulness for HOW ever many came to Christ in services, or matured in their walk with the Lord. I am NOT caught up in some ego about my Dad…..but the last church they ministered in crumbling has made things, I guess, very difficult because they ministered in many cities, another country, and the church was an independent mega church, ( So not there for my mom now.) Or maybe, even more NOT there for myself, brother and sister who felt part of their ministry….and were. We loved our childhood life, but were not prepared for “real” life, I guess, by our parents. ( Finally realized, like many kids….)
I guess financially I was raised poor, in terms of money, but never knew it for the quality of family and life until older. Spiritually, even my grandad and grandmother were ministers and were part of starting over 50 churches….Being stage kids we always looked good, were well fed and taken care of. The struggles seems to be not knowing how to connect emotionally now. Come on. Feeling not only that no one can understand but alone and angry that my parents were dumped. I know the body of christ, as a whole, didnt dump them, but I can not go sit in a church service, listen to people talk about missions and needing christ now with this knife of, I guess feeling rejected? Or NOT valued.
A church, last one attended, has a day of honoring veterns, and I suggested a day to honor people, ministers making a difference…..was like….” Ministers dont do things for recognition…” They did not get my point. Bible says we are to HONOR, value, those who serve….so its all tooo confusing.
I do not know what to do with my pain. Maybe if others with same pain could share, like grief of people who lost child….maybe its sharing the pain- not denying it that is the need. Its like when we ask the Lord to forgive our sins we get released.
Anyway, thanks for reading this, whoever you are. Whether Ruth or someone else. It is good to tell someone of something so wrong. Seems like there could be someone to address this need for Evangelist/Missionary families….maybe there is and I do not know. Love, and sincere thanks…a sincere, hurting child of the King,
First, let me thank you for the ministry you and your family have had in the lives of so many. God bless you for it.
Don’t worry about your education – most of the disciples were uneducated folks. That does not disqualify you.
You have addressed a very real problem within the Church. We wound each other. There is a new book out I can recommned: Why We Eat Our Own by Michael Cheshire.
We are supposed to be an example of grace and love to the world but they look at how we treat each other or how we “pretend” and say, “No thank you.” It grieves God’s heart – He weeps over your sorrow.
I am so sorry for your pain – your feelings of betrayal and abandonment. It is very difficult when we are wounded by those within the body of Christ. More so than those of the secular world – we aren’t necessarily supprised by that but when our “own” wound us it it paricularly painful. King David expressed it in all its agony in Psalm 56:12-14 and Psalm 41:9. I love David for his honesty – he lets it all hang out. He understood that kind of pain as he was betrayed by his own sons and the man he had served so well and so long. It wasn’t such a big deal when Goliath taunted him and came afer him with his sowrd but when Saul came after him, then Absalom, it was almost too much to bear. He ran for his life wondering what on earth God was doing. Haven’t we felt like that ourselves?
David calls on God for help. I love the picture he paints in 2 Samuel 22. His whimpers and cries are heard in the very throne room of heaven – all of God and heaven respond in a mighty way. The chapter ends with David’s praise and thanksgiving.
God hears us when we cry. He does act on our behalf – maybe not as we wish or want or expect. (Our expectations can get in our way.) But that does not mean He isn’t hearing us or acting on our behalf. He is! And we will see it – in the meantime, it helps to focus on God’s unchanging character. Even when we doubt, He is still almighty still awesome, still compassionate, still wise, still our refuge and strength, still our hope, still our help, still our vindicator… He is God and He is passionately concerned for you and your situation. He is with you in it. You are not alone.
It may not feel that way. Don’t allow yourself the root of bitterness. Yes, you will feel bitternness but don’t hang onto it for so long that it grows roots in your life. Don’t fall into self-pity or playing the victim role. Emotions will come – that is normal – God made us emotional beings. But we cannot allow them to rule us…”take every though captive to the obedience of Christ”. Memorize verses that are relevant to your situation or give you comfort concerning it so that when the emotions come you can remind yourself of God’s truth. This is a process and takes time but it is worth it.
As you walk in obedience to God and His word, He will bless your life.
I ask for 45 minutes of your time. If you are willing to review a children’s book, slated for publication this year, for a possible recommendation for the cover, please send your direct contact information to ellenofgillette1@aol.com. As an author, as a mother and grandmother, as someone who has dealt with personal pain, I think that you would enjoy “She-Bear in the Beautiful Garden,” the story of the fall of man through the unique perspective of the first mother bear. Thank you…obviously I would not expect a recommendation if you don;t like the book!
You honor me with your request but I am unable to do it at this time due to my schedule. I trust God will bless your book.
Ruth Graham
Hi Ruth, What a wonderful surprise to see your blog! I have read “In Every Row Sits a Broken Heart” and have passed it on to others! Thank you for your ministry and plan on ordering your other books. I believe you went to HDA with my Sister Sue Hart and I was in the class with Gigi (Phyllis Hart ’62). A lot of healing since then. How wonderful to embrace the God of compassion and love.
Hi Ruth,
A friend, Alyssa De Los Santos, from Oak Hills in San Antonio, was telling me that I should read your book, A Broken Heart in Every Pew, so I’m going to do that. I suffered a deep depression the end of 2012 and beginning of 2013, but God is healing me in amazing ways. One of those ways is through your nephew, Tullian’s sermons. I am finally starting to understand grace thanks to him. I even wrote about it on my blog – http://christinamariehernandez.wordpress.com/
Looking forward to reading your book and discovering more on your blog. Also, if you ever need design assistance for your blog, I’d be more than happy to help, that is one of my ministires, helping people get the word out about God’s grace through helping them with their blogs..and for free for now. Here is a sample of my friend Josie’s blog that I designed: http://yellowbrickidentity.com/
Hi Ruth Auntie, it’s nice to visit your blog…I am from Mizoram, in the North East corner of India..Your grandson Will Graham already visited my state and he had an awesome spiritual crusade which i am also attended..He was a very nice guy…and Auntie, May I ask you one thing?? I am a born-again christian, I used to attend Sunday School since my childhood….I don’t remember the moment when Jesus Christ come in me…but I know He still in me, guide me in every walk of my life…Is this kind of getting salvation possible? I’m a bit confused…
and one more thing…I will be very happy if you could send me ‘your photo with Uncle Graham’…which I will show to my mom….. at cruata10@gmail.com
thank you and God bless you and your family..
Good to hear from you. I am not Ruth Graham, Billy Graham’s wife – she is already in Heaven. I am their daughter. Will Graham is my nephew.
Yes, you are saved. My mother had the same feelings. She could not point to a moment when she gave her heart to Christ as many do. Like you, she just always loved Jesus.
Rest assured of Jesus’ love for you. Fera not, he holds you close to His heart.
Hello!
Dear Sister Ruth Graham!
Greetings and Blessings from Pakistan!
Today I’m share with you very dangerous news, report, information from Pakistan. I hoe in Christ after reading this very dangerous news, report, information as Brother/Sister and servant of Christ you are much worried this happens. I would be grateful, if you were to forward this reports onto all your best, friends, co-worker and all Missionaries, Evangelists, Pastors, Elders, Ministries, Churches, Organizations, Religious Denominations, Congregations and servant or minister of God in your country etc The news, report is given below:-
The Twin Suicide Bombing Attack in Anglican Church in Pakistan
Monday September 23, 2013 Peshawar Pakistan. At least 81 persons were killed and 146 sustained injuries when two suicide bombers targeted worshippers at the 130-year old All Saints’ Church in the inner city Kohati Gate locality here on Sunday. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government announced three days of mourning following the most deadly attack on the religious minorities so far in the history of the country. The attack was the second largest in Peshawar in terms of casualties. The largest was an explosion in Meena Bazaar on October 28, 2009, in which 137 persons lost their lives and some 200 were wounded. All the churches as well as the missionary schools in the country will remain closed in mourning for three days.
A number of political parties also announced three-day mourning over the tragedy. Sources said around 400 members of the Christian community were coming out of the church after attending the Sunday services when two suicide bombers, who had sneaked into the crowd of worshippers, blew themselves up in quick succession at around 11:50am. Eyewitnesses said there were horrible scenes after the two explosions as men, women and children were lying in pools of blood and crying for help. Many others were breathing their last in the laps of their loved ones. The maimed bodies of children were seen lying close to their siblings and parents all over the courtyard of the church building. The local traders, who couldn’t control their tears, placed their chaddars on the bodies of the slain worshippers. People were seen running around in panic while searching for their missing children, spouses and parents. Shopkeepers in the nearby markets closed their shops immediately after the blast and transported the wounded and the bodies in their vehicles to the Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), where a state of emergency was declared. They and other philanthropists donated coffin boxes for the dead. Moving scenes were witnessed at the site of the blast as well as the LRH where the wounded women and children were brought. Many among the injured were dying, others were in severe pain and their clothes were soaked in blood.
Many women and children fell unconscious after seeing the blood-stained bodies of their loved ones. They were crying inconsolably as their relatives tried to console them. We have counted over 60 bodies so far. The number of wounded is over 120,” the chief executive of the LRH Prof Dr Arshad Javed told reporters earlier in the day. The death toll kept rising until it reached 78. “The death toll has reached 78, including 34 women and seven children,” said an official. The FIR of the case was lodged in the Khan Raziq Police Station. The Federal and KP governments announced three-day mourning over the attack. Entire families were devastated with several dead and injured in the attacks. They had come together to pray at the church and were destined to die at the same time. Among those killed in the incident were a school headmaster, Naeem Nazir, his wife Mona Naeem, daughters Merab Naeem and Mary Naeem, his brother Nasir Nazir and a niece Angel. Zarin Sabir, a class 10 student, along with her cousin Samreen, also died in the attack.
Amir and his wife Razia, his children Shamoona and Jessy, and a niece Jia were also among those killed. Amir’s nephew Roshan was missing while Amir’s mother was wounded. A 12-year old boy Ihsan and his sister Neha died while their mother was wounded. Muneeza, a student of class five, was killed and her mother was injured. Others killed in the blast were identified as Riaz Washington, Joseph, Wajid and Khalid Fakhar. A school headmaster, Naveed Shirazi, and his eight-year old daughter Sania were also among those killed while his two sons were critically wounded. The principal of the Government High School No 4, William Ghulam, and his son Nohal, who was an MBBS final year student, were also killed. William’s wife was wounded and hospitalized, perhaps unaware that her husband and son were dead. Initially, it was reported that one bomber had targeted the church, built in 1883, and frequented by the poor members of the Christian community living in the congested inner city. However, later the investigators confirmed that two suicide bombers had attacked the church. Eyewitnesses were quoted as saying that one of the bombers wore trousers and a shirt, obviously to easily gain access to the church.
The newly elected Member of the National Assembly from Peshawar, Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, Senior Minister Sikander Sherpao, Information Minister Shah Farman, former minister and ANP leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain and others visited the scene of the blast as well as the LRH to console the victims of the incident. “It was a tragic incident. I am supervising the facilities being provided to the victims at the LRH,” provincial Health Minister Shaukat Yousafzai said. He too had rushed back from Islamabad and had to face an angry crowd of mourners staging a protest at the hospital. The minister defended the role of doctors and said they along with the paramedics were called from their homes to attend to the injured. He added that the doctors and other employees were taking their weekly Sunday off when the blast occurred. He said the LRH was able to cope with the situation when 78 bodies and over a hundred wounded were brought to the hospital.
The relatives of the victims staged a protest at the hospital and also on the Grand Trunk Road and caused traffic jams. They were protesting against the poor security arrangements at their places of worship and inadequate arrangements at the hospital’s emergency department to cope with the tragedy. The ANP and other political parties also announced three days of mourning. A large number of members of the Christian community as well as hundreds of Muslims rushed to the hospital to donate blood for the victims. Our Kohat correspondent adds: Jundul Hafsa, an affiliate organization of the outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has claimed responsibility for the attack on the church in Peshawar. Talking to The News from an undisclosed location, its spokesman Ahmedullah said that they had sent the suicide bombers to the church to avenge the killing of innocent people in US drone attacks. He said that they would continue killing ‘foreigners’ in Pakistan in retaliation to the US drone strikes. I will be hitting the streets of this world with this Pakistan Christian family’s prayer request now. I will try to get back to hitting the streets of this world with worldwide prayer request lists later today. This has just tore my heart out! What kind of minds do these Satan driven heathen terrorists have in their heads, to do something like this? It is very important sinners ask Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior, living in this time frame. We will meet those Pakistan Christians in heaven.
Please, prayer help cover these Pakistan Christians in prayer! Thank you for praying! Please cover their families in your prayers. I will share with you many Pakistani Christians families already facing persecution, victims, violence, raping, and problems through Muslims. Please pray to God giving freedom, prosperity, restoration, Pakistani Christian people, through financially, emotionally, and spiritually and God knowing our patient, diligent, honestly, sincerity, loyalty, hard working for God’s purpose in very darkness, dangerous part of the world in Pakistan. Please do keep these Pakistani Christians families in your daily prayers. We have opportunities to impact many thousands of lives this year. We really do value your prayer partnership. Please be blessed and share with all your friends. Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance as we move forwards in 2013 to impact many more lives for Jesus Christ. May God grant you a great harvest as you plant and water for Him!
Yours Sincerely in Christ!
Reverend Pervaiz Khokhar
Chairman
The Preaching Society & Social Welfare Services
Mohallah Rasool Pura Street No 7
Jhumra City 37700
Faisalabad,
PAKISTAN
Telephone: +92-41-8527541
Mobilephone: +92-300-7914561
E.Mail:pssws2012@gmail.com
E.Mail:pervaiz_khokhar2011@yahoo.com
I have learn several excellent stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting.
I wonder how so much attempt you set to create any such fantastic informative website.
Ruth, I’m very grateful & excited to learn about your ministry through your blog. Bravo to you for your courage, willingness to be transparent so that the rest of us can be also. Thanks for helping to show me the narrow gate to pursue a path of righteousness, vulnerability, honesty. I can love and accept myself so that it overflows onto others, by seeing your example.. To JESUS be the glory now and forevermore. Maranatha, Emmanuel, Amen!
Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is valuable and everything. But imagine if you
added some great visuals or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this site could certainly be one of the
greatest in its field. Awesome blog!
Ruth, we are frequent readers and first time commenters….Will you please blog regarding divorce/remarriage from the bible’s perspective? I am first time married and husband is divorced. We receive messages and visits from people basically advising us to divorce so that husband can return to previous wife with me remaining single. This is based upon Mark 10 in the bible.
Please contact me through my website and I will be able to respond privately to your question. Ruthgrahamministries.com
To divorce at this point so your husband can return to his wife…seems like a bad idea. Two wrongs don’t make a right. And I don’t know the reason for your husband’s divorce… There are many things I’d need to know before I gave an answer.
Bless you for the integrity you seek.
hello
I have a question ( and I really hope you could respond to it).
as Christians, could we safely assume that God is faithful, He would never allows us to get to a point in our lives where who would have to resort to suicide to get out.
the reason I asked is because I am someone who suffers depression, and I experience this feeling of hopelessness from time to time.
but what scares me was years ago I have heard this sermon ( I now wish I never did) where this pastor was talking about this Christian guy who suffered from depression, killed himself as result of being pushed off the edge by the news of his parents or something like that.
I have also heard of this other testimony about this devout Christian who took the same path as result of not able to deal with certain emotional pain he was dealing with.
and then there is the news of Rick Warren’s son committed suicide
whenever I heard those, I often ask myself , “what happened?” and more importantly ” what can I do differently so when I find myself in situation of hopelessness, I could find a way out so I wont have to do it?”
Suicide is a very serious thing. It has been in our news this week as Robin Williams took his own life.
God is faithful. There is no question about that. Faithfulness is a part of His character. However, we all have choice – HIs faithfulness does not overrule our free will to choose.
There are those that see no way out, they have lost all hope – in life, in God. They cannot see or feel the faithfulness, love, mercy of God at that moment. It is all darkness – no hint of light so they resort to something that they think will bring relief – they take their own life. It is a mental illness.
I do not believe, as many do, that if someone takes their own life they automatically go to hell. The unpardonable sin is the ultimate rejection of the Person and work of Jesus Christ. He came to seek and to save those that are lost.
I find great comfort in something my mother said long ago, “God did not call them home, but He welcomed them home.”
Ruth:
I would like you to speak on your depression by skype for 10 minutes on Saturday, October 11th at our fundraiser auction. I am Mike Rinkin, along with our Board, provides educational seminars to the faith community about mental illness. Our non-profit ministry is called Compassion Ministries. I have been doing this work for 20 years. I graduated from Fuller Seminary, Pasadena, California, and an ordained pastor.. I have a son with mental illness called bi-polar.
One of my ministries is Friend-to-Friend, which trains Christians to listen and encourage individuals who live with mental illness, and their family members
. As you know, many of these persons isolate themselves, are frightened and defeated because of how they have been treated. Another ministry we offer are support groups for consumers and family members that meet together. They hear from impartial members how they deal with mental health challenges on a daily basis. This opens up better communication and brings healing to all.
We are a very small ministry and are unable to pay for your time, but please pray about speaking by skype. I apologize for the short notice.
My email address is mt2540@comcast.net
Thanks
Mike
I am sorry to just now be picking up your request. It will not be possible for me to be with you October 10th as I will be traveling in the West. I applaud your work – don’t get discouraged in well-doing. Yours is an important ministry to wounded spirits. God bless you all that you are doing.
Ruth Graham
Dear Ruth.
I have been a great fan of your family for over 50 years. When I read your book, (In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart), I was amazed at how similar our life stories are. I have been a freelance writer (published in several Christian magazines and SS papers)) since 1980, and now have written my first book which tells much of my story, although it is a Bible Study. It is called Rescued By Mercy: A Personal Journey Through Isaiah. It tells how I felt like I was “robbed and plundered, trapped in holes…with no one to rescue” (Isa.42:22). I want this book to minister to others who have felt this way, to convince them God is a merciful God.and to draw them into intimacy with him. The book uses many scriptural cross-references as well as personal experiences and some fiction to illustrate scriptural truths. An agent is considering it, but he said it is nearly impossible to sell a book by a first-time book author who is not nationally known, unless I could get an endorsement by a well-known author. Would you please read this manuscript and consider giving an endorsement for It? I would be glad to pay you a reading fee. If so, please respond using either judithvanderwege@orangecitycomm.net or via my website, Spokesman-Ink.org. Thank you and God bless you.
Sincerely, Judith Vander Wege
Ruth,
I am sitting in UVA Medical Center on the fourteenth day of my little foster daughter’s hospital stay and I came across your blog. I have thought a lot about your family lately – remembering your mom, your dad and his keeping on, Franklin, Will and your blog and how you say in many ways that you don’t like change, especially if you like it the way it is now. I’m that way. I wrote two historical books and I saw and read a lot of the way it “used to be”. Even though there is change all around us, I am so glad that God does not change. He is our constant.
I want to say to you that my wife and I have four biological boys and we named our youngest Graham in honor of your dad. We had an opportunity to hear him speak at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. In the late 80s (?).
I hope you have a wonderful day today.
Dan Vaughn
Luray, VA
I attended the women’s conference at Oakridge Baptist Church this past weekend. I was blessed and inspired by your message and I was glad to have the opportunity to hear your story and message. I am spiritually void these days and I’m trying to get on track with my beliefs and my relationship with the Lord. It can be a very confusing journey. I do have a question that I should have asked during the conference. It is something that I struggle with in my own life. How do you extend grace and compassion without becoming a doormat? How do you extend grace and compassion to certain extremely difficult people but still stand your ground and be true to yourself in the process? Thank you again for the opportunity to hear you speak!!!
I am glad you were at the conference. It was a great morning!
You ask an important question! I will attempt to answer it here but, also create a blog about it.
Many people, me included, get bogged down trying to be “nice” and get run over in the process. Grace means “unmerited favor”, freely given. It is a gift to give not one to be grabbed or taken from us or another. We can be gracious to all we meet but when we allow ourselves to continually taken advantage of it become unhealthy and unGodly. It builds resentment.
First I would like to know if you have appropriate boundaries in place? I once read, “Grace without boundaries becomes a swamp.”
Do people often take advantage of you? Are you being abused? Emotionally? Verbally? Physically? If you are allowing that, you might ask yourself, “Why?” Is there something within you that keeps allowing it? It needs to be addressed.
Grace does not mean being a doormat – far from it. When boundaries are in place and respected then you are free to be gracious and kind and gentle. But it has to operate within boundaries. Then it is healthy and God-honoring.
I am sorry you feel spiritually void. We all go through those times. It is then we need to be in the scriptures – even if it is just a word or phrase to focus on during the day. Jesus is with you even if you do not feel Him. He loves you so very much.
Thank you so much for the response! It is a long story and a difficult situation regarding my son’s ex-wife and inlaws. I may not necessarily get taken advantage of all the time (I have come a long way baby lol!) but I still think I am way too nice. Some people, especially disordered ones (I know, we ALL have issues to some degree or another) will not respect boundaries no matter how many times you reestablish them. There is a child involved so I hold my tongue. A lot. I do that for my beautiful granddaughter’s sake. Then when you stand up for yourself, you are offensive and the bad guy. This is the kind of thing I am talking about. Or struggling with. As far as abuse goes, I am sure all of the above (except physically) but not to my face LOL!!! So what do I care? That’s not my problem. It may hurt to some extent, but it is their problem. You are awesome and thank you so much for your response. I am in the Word and getting back on track. I’m hoping to find a church soon I am comfortable in and am praying daily concerning this issue.
Hello. Our names are Madeline Quijada, Ana Cruz, and Jackeline Henriquez. We are seniors and are currently doing a National Hisory Day research project for our Advanced Placement Government and Politics class at Van Buren High School in Van Buren, Arkansas.
The topic of this year’s National History Day competition is “Leadership and Legacy” and we believe that Mr. Billy Graham would be an incredible person to do our research project on.
We would like to know if there is any chance we could set up an interview with Ruth Graham or any member of the Graham family in order to help us with our research. It can even be anyone who has worked with Mr. Billy Graham. The interview does not have to be a face-to-face interview. It can be done via phone, email, or even a skype.
Our questions would focus on the impact of television on Mr. Graham’s ministry.
We greatly appreciate any help you can provide as we strive to discover the “legacy” of Mr. Graham. We are providing our contact information along with that of our instructor. Again, thank you for any help you might provide. Have a great day.
Teddy McMurray
tmcmuray@vbsd.us
Madeline Quijada
madelinequijada@yahoo.com
Ana Cruz
cruz_ana_7@yahoo.com
Please contact me through my website. ruthgrahamministries.com
In the middle of reading Fear Not…..thank you for sharing your personal struggles. I am a mother of four girls. Married twice and am in a emotionally abusive marriage. The past eight years I have been waiting for God to move. I am involved in ministry and have felt trapped. I am finally starting to hear the Lord in so many ways. A broken family has so many complications I have been afraid to leave. I want to honor God with my life and have felt deeply sad regarding my husband. I do know there is freedom in Christ. I have read many of your interviews and saw one this evening. You had mentioned forgiveness vs. reconciliation. It spoke to my heart so clearly. Not many women touch openly about marriage and how to prayerfully navigate what God wants you to do. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind message.
I am so sorry for the heartache you are enduring.
You ARE honoring God and He will bless you as you trust Him – He will not steer you wrong! Trust Him. Sometimes we have to go against “conventional” thinking to follow God’s path. I believe He is beginning to move in your life.
God bless you.
Ruth
I am reading and listening/watching your videos for two nights now and still doing it for the next day and so far I learn more about your personal, family struggles , etc., Definitely inspiring , encouraging about your testimonies . As you know I grew up listening, watching your father Rev. Billy Graham since I was 17 years old and up until now I am still listening to his classics preaching. Plus I am following your brother’s preaching Franklin Graham – Samaritan Purse , I also had met Anne Graham Lotz in Convention Center Canada. So Now you are added to my lists for my spiritual growing daily. GOD bless you in JESUS CHRIST name . Take care always . Thank you .
Thank you.
Dear Ruth:
Exited to reach out to you!
My name is Kathy H. and I met you around 2007- 2008 at a hotel in Texas. You were promoting your book and I was there on a business trip. I hate eating dinner alone and often wonder if other people on business trips felt the same way. In light of this, I asked if we could share a table for dinner at the hotel restaurant. You obliged and we had a great conversation! You later sent me an autographed copy of your book, which I read and keep close by. I am sure you don’t remember me, as you meet so many people. But, you had an impact on me.
I am now the Director of a non-profit Ministry called Ministry Development Services. We are an ecumenical service whose mission is to strengthen, care and nurture the growth of ministry leadership, church professionals, congregations, and lay individuals through the process of career and life planning. We also work with youth and help them to identify their unique gifts and help with their discernment regarding going into ordination or using their vocation for ministry purposes. We also mentor and coach clergy in crisis. Church is the roots of our society and we try to keep the clergy healthy, so that their congregations will remain healthy.
To the point, we love the subjects that you speak on and feel that clergy would be a great audience. We are located in Charlotte, NC and with sincere and genuine hope, we are reaching out to you to invite you to be our guest speaker at a Discipleship and Dessert workshop we are wanting to facilitate. We would heavily market you and invite clergy from all over North Carolina and South Carolina to hear you speak. We hope that you would consider our humbling request and reach out to us. Our phone number is (704) 554-9222 and our website: http://www.MinistryDS.org, and we can also be found on Facebook and LinkedIn. Thank you for your time.
We pray for your consideration.
God’s Grace and Peace –
Kathy
I’ll contact you privately. Or my assistant will: Krista Darcas will.
Thank you.
hello, I am wondering if you have any advice for people who had bad experiences of being bullied within Church. one of the things I have learnt is that because the world we live in is fallen, every where we go, there is always some kind of pecking order, with people who have more power take advantage of those with less power…..
I personally find it really hard, especially when you are dealing with Christians who are not repentant about what they did, and will do it to you again if they got the chance…..
especially when it comes to forgiveness, forgiveness in those type of situations often feel like waiving the white flag, it is like saying ” I know I cant stop you because you have more power, you will always get to decide what the rules are, since I have no choice, I just have to let go time and time again”, in some ways, it feels like ultimate injustice, almost like you are watching a really bad movie, where you know the bad guys is always going to triumphant in the end, and you have zero choice but to accept it…….
I am away from home and have a full schedule for a while. Please be patient I wan to give you a thought full answer.
God bless you.
Yes, Isaiah, sadly, there are times we feel taken advantage of – even in the church. But remember Jesus said we are to forgive 70 x 7 – even for the same thing. Jesus was answering the disciple’s question by saying to forgive going the extra mile. It isn’t easy and it seems unfair. But God will enable you by His Holy Spirit and give you the grace.
However, I would caution you not to stay in an abusive relationship – even with a church. We have a God-given responsibility to take care of ourselves and our children.
We always have choice. Sometimes it is the choice to walk away.
God bless you.
Hi Ruth!
This is Amy Gobroski. I live in Darrington where you’ll be speaking on Thursday. I’m wondering if you can do me a favor. There’s a woman who lives a couple of blocks from where you’ll be speaking who is 102 years old, a lifetime hardcore servant of the Lord, and she’s on Hospice. She can’t come to see you, but when I told her you were coming to Darrington on Thursday her face lit up. She reads a lot of Christian inspiration and fiction so I know she would be super happy to meet you if you could squeeze in a visit. Thanks so much!
Amy
Thank you for your concern for you dear friend. I will do my best but I am not in charge of my schedule and it will be a full one. If I do not get to see her give her a big hug for me.
Wow, thanks so much for even trying! I will give her a hug and pass on your message if you can’t make it. I’m really looking forward to Thursday. Safe travels.
See you then!
Hello Ruth,
I am so honored to share with you that I teach a 20th Century history class to a group of homeschooled, high school students. One of the required readings is Just As I Am. We read each chapter alongside a study of historical events from each decade, and each President, of that era. What a fantastic way to study history ……through the eyes of a hero of faith! We are nearing the end of this study. Our last class is May 13th, at which time we will watch the tribute to your mother…..”Celebrating Ruth Bell Graham.” We are not too far from the Shennandoah Valley and so I thought I’d take the leap of faith and ask if there is any possibility of having you come for a short visit with us? We are located in Culpeper, Va. Thank you for your consideration.
God bless~ Darlene
How I’d love to! I have a major report to give the next day on my trip to India.
I think your idea Of studying history in tha context is an excellent idea.
Remind me closer to the day to see if it could possibly work.
Ruth
Thank you, Miss Ruth. I certainly will. We would love to hear highlights of your trip to India, too, if it would help you to practice on us!
Blessings~
Thank you so much for visiting our beloved Ella. She went to heaven this morning. I want you to know she LOVED your visit. She smiled and talked about it for a week. You really made her happy at the end of her life.
Oh wow! Heaven is brighter to day.
I am sorry for your loss but happy for her gain!
God bless you and all those that ministered to her.
Saw you today in Waynesboro. What a small world; I saw you in San Angelo, Texas and never knew you lived here! So glad to be your “neighbor”! I think you and I have had some of of the same experiences but we have survived! I’m two years older than you, so I know the feeling of missing things of the past! Glad your daddy is doing well. We do think of him and want to be kept updated. I think I could talk to you forever!! Much love to you!
Hi ruth. I saw on beliefnet that if i sent u a message and shared in a safe place ud respond. Im 42 have ms and lyme disease. I have a 13 yr old son who wants to be a preacher and 12 yr old daughter. Im in an abusive marriage and would like to share details with u. Am thinking of seperation. Am scared for my kids emotions and confused. Plz respond asap. Tnx
Contact me through my website: Ruthgrahammministries.org
I am sorry for your distress. However, I am not a professional counselor…but I am happy willing to listen.
Awe..tnx..thats so sweet!
Is the devotional book, Fear Not Tomorrow, God Is Already There, available through an App that can be read on an iPhone?
No. It isn’t. I am sorry but perhaps the publisher will consider it.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Ruth
The devotional book, Fear Not Tomorrow…..has been a comfort and an inspiration to me. A close friend gave it to me in 2010. I have since then given copies to several people. Have also shared the original book, same title, with many friends. Thank you for allowing God to use your life and your pain to encourage others. Blessings to you!
We love volunteering with your grandson Walker. He’s a great kid and we walked the beach with him today. Our prayers are with him.
Yes, he is very special to me. I know he has had a great time with you all.
Hi Ruth, I am an Aussie from down under! Fear Not Tomorrow is a wonderful book! Thank you for writing it! I have been sharing portions with a Christian Sister. She is hoping to buy a copy. It is funny how I picked this book up, it was in a bargain basket on sale, it has been such a blessing. I am an under liner, so you should see your book. I even match the colour pencil with the cover. Lol! I am going to buy you other book regarding sitting in church. Being a divorcee, I find it hard to find my place. But will not let this deter me.
May God bless this New Year mightily for us both.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Lynette Mesic.
You âme my day! Thank you for the encouragement! I was in Australia a couple of years ago – and loved it.
Have a blessed New Year!
Ruth
Hi Ruth, I am an Aussie from down under! Fear Not Tomorrow is a wonderful book! Thank you for writing it! I have been sharing portions with a Christian Sister. She is hoping to buy a copy. It is funny how I picked this book up, it was in a bargain basket on sale, it has been such a blessing. I am an under liner, so you should see your book. I even match the colour pencil with the cover. Lol! I am going to buy you other book regarding sitting in church. Being a divorcee, I find it hard to find my place. But will not let this deter me.
May God bless this New Year mightily for us both.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Lynette Mesic.