To celebrate ones 90th birthday by receiving “tens of thousands” of birthday greetings from around the world is a testament to the effects of one man’s life work. William Franklin Graham, Jr. turned 90 years young on November 7, 2008. He continues to be known as ‘America’s Pastor.” He is known for ministering to our nation’s presidents from Eisenhower to George H.W. Bush. No matter the age, race, faith or lack of it, people know the name of Billy Graham. I recall sitting and watching him on television when visiting either set of my grandparents; occasionally, my own parents would tune into his shows in the 1960’s.
Rev Graham graduated from Florida Bible Institute in 1940 and was ministering locally at small churches, street corners, and local missions. His notoriety skyrocketed in 1949 following the conversion of the then renowned William Randolph Hearst. Graham’s evangelistic campaign scheduled for only 3 weeks, lasted seven weeks do to the publicity afforded him via newspaper media. Throughout the next decade, Rev Billy Graham ministered around the world leading to a radio and television audience that reached tens of millions.
I never understood the attraction nor the depth of what he represented until I experienced the changes that occurred in my own faith journey. Today my faith is strong and a significant part of my life, but not as a result of this pastoral leader. I am intrigued by his longevity and his amazing ability to continue to be an influential part of America’s spiritual consciousness.
References:
Bloom, H., Heroes and Icons, Billy Graham. Date retrieved February 5, 2009 at http://www.time.com/time/time100/heroes/profile/graham03.html.
Pifer-Bodie, J., November 6, 2008, William Graham. CNN. Date retrieved February 7, 2009 at http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/11/06/billy.graham.turns.90/index.html.
http://www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/bio.html. (November 11, 2004) Wheaton College. Date retrieved February 7, 2009
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I remember watching Billy Graham with my grandmother and her remarking on his charismatic manner. His excellent public speaking skills draw listeners in regardless of their religious affiliation. As an adult I find myself tuning into his sermons on occasion. He is a leader that has led by example unlike some of his counterparts. My grandmother was also a follower of Jimmy Swaggert, but he met his demise when he had relations with a prostitute. Billy Graham epitomized the saying “practice what you preach.”
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that Billy Graham is also heavily involved in politics. He has formed relationships with many past presidents. Many great leaders look to align themselves with those who hold political power in order to further their cause and Billy Graham has done just that. He has played an influential part in the lives of many people all over of the world and is a man that should be truly admired.
I believe Billy Graham is a leader because he has affected so many people's lives in the world. He has played a big part in the spiritual healing of many. Graham has alos instilled a sense of what is right with the public and urges everyone to resist the temptations of the world. He is a leader who gives people hope and belief in their lives.
ReplyDeleteRev. Billy Graham and Steve Jobs have both had remarkably long public careers. While they share many leadership traits, they, unlike so many other leaders, have passed the Leadership 101 pre-requisite. (Do not become involved in scandal.) It is difficult to imagine where the world of technology might be without Jobs. On a larger scale, it too is difficult to imagine where our nation might be spiritually without the presence of Graham. As advisor to Presidents (Eisenhower – George W. Bush), Graham symbolized something good about America.
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