Billy Graham Library

Memorial Day was H-O-T so we did something fun indoors as a family and went to the Billy Graham Library. I had no idea what I was missing, having waited so long to finally go and check it out!

First of all, it's FREE which is wonderful for our single-income family.

Second of all, it's FIRST CLASS all the way - from the moment we drove up to get a parking pass we were greeted with Southern Hospitality at its finest. The volunteers and staff were so wonderful and welcoming!

Finally, and most importantly, this place exalts Jesus Christ. I'll bet it was surreal for Billy to walk through this place and see how God used him in such a mighty way to impact the kingdom of God by preaching the Word to so many generations!

A person cannot leave this place without hearing the Gospel presented many times and in many ways. Kevin took Dylan through the tour while I had to feed Jocelyn (then I met up with them later) and he was amazed how Dylan sat and watched the movies and presentations intently - not only that he was asking questions and pointing out "Billy".

When I found them about 1/3 of the way through the tour, Kevin was tearing up! It's not often a believer feels "at home" in the world - I often feel like I'm warring with the media, popular culture, presentations and displays at most museums and libraries, well, because I am! Followers of Christ are constantly in battle (and if we aren't, we have to question how closely we are walking with the Lord). But in the Billy Graham Library, things felt so real - more than any other museum I've been to - I think because the focus was on the only thing that really matters in life... our relationship with Jesus Christ. The focus really wasn't on Billy - of course this is a monument to his life, but everytime he was interviewed he was talking about Jesus! Even when he talked about his wife, he said "she is the best Christian I know - better than me." There is really nothing I didn't love about this place.

Here is a picture of Billy Graham's mama standing in front of their home on Park Road - this house is on the library property and it has been moved and rebuilt twice! (brick-by-brick with original hardwood flooring, 80% original windows, the bricks and hardwood planks are numbered!) It was fun to see the kitchen with original kitchen cabinets and period appliances added. Something tells me it wasn't as pristine when Billy and his siblings were occupying the family home!

Ruth Bell Graham is buried here, and of course a place is reserved beside her for Billy. I never knew Ruth was born in China to medical missionaries. She was quite a lady - someone to really look up to and emulate. On her headstone is a chinese symbol meaning "Righteousness".

When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!