Ruth Graham: Thanks for the Example June 14

Today the world lacks heroes and models.

The world lost one today. Ruth Graham, wife of Billy Graham, died today at 87. In sixty-four years of marriage, she was his rock and support, as well as a trusted partner. Together they were a model of marriage.

Here is what Billy said in a statement released through his spokesman, Larry Ross:

"Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team," Billy Graham said in a statement. "No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support.

Today the world lacks heroes and models.

The world lost one today. Ruth Graham, wife of Billy Graham, died today at 87. In sixty-four years of marriage, she was his rock and support, as well as a trusted partner. Together they were a model of marriage.

Here is what Billy said in a statement released through his spokesman, Larry Ross:

"Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team," Billy Graham said in a statement. "No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support.

"I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, and especially for these last few years we’ve had in the mountains together. We’ve rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day. I will miss her terribly, and look forward even more to the day I can join her in Heaven."

Marriage is about being one flesh before God, a life long commitment to be mutually supportive, something that rarely takes place today. But here is an example. When true soul unity is ripped apart in death, it is painful, but the note of gratitude Billy expresses makes it clear that such a marriage is also a blessing and a gift from God. How tragic it is that more people do not see how special the spouse is that God gives them. How rare it is for us to think of our spouse as a divine gift. How necessary it is for a healthy marriage that generates both mutual respect and caring for God and one another. Our prayers are with the Graham family as they experience this loss, but our joy is with them for the example they were and the hope that they share with all believers that this separation is only temporary. How wonderful that the reunion to come has no end.