With a sense of quiet desperation, I pursued answers on my own but could never seem to hold the truth in my hand: it always seemed to slip through my fingers, leaving me frustrated and discouraged. There was no one to help, nowhere to turn. But in some way unknown to me, God had heard my cry. He had prepared a way and sent a messenger on his way to reach me.
Haerig, the Armenian word for “father”, you were the one. You wrote a book—on your knees you said—called Peace with God. My father one day gathered us in the living room of our home on the shores of Lake Geneva and tried to tell us of a drastic change that had occurred in his life and in his relationship with God. I didn’t quite understand what he was trying to tell us. I asked, “You always told us about God. What is different?” His answer stunned me. “I was searching,” he said, “but now I have found.”
“How?”
“I read this book, just translated in French, called Peace with God.”
“Can I borrow it, Dad?” I said.
Haerig, this was the first time you spoke to me, through your book. You gave me the words that would forever quench the thirst in my soul. You told me how to be born again, according to the scriptures.
That night, a fifteen-year-old boy knelt by his bed, alone with God and invited His Savior, Jesus Christ, to forgive his sins and live forever in his heart. Peace finally filled my soul. Thank you, Billy Graham.
Several years later, our relationship became more significant and more intimate. You and Ruth honored me by accepting my request for your daughter’s hand in marriage. And there followed many years of happy memories as you became a friend with a father’s heart to me. Your genuine commitment to Christ, your faithfulness to your call to proclaim the Gospel, and your love and kindness for the humblest person, as well as for the mighty and powerful of this world, inspired me time and again. You lived your faith, whether people saw it or not. As your son Franklin said one time, “There were not two people, one at home and one in public.” I have witnessed this for more than forty years and will never forget it.
Thank you, Billy Graham. You have been a father to me, the grandfather to my children, and a friend who is—and forever will be—closer than a brother. Above all, you have introduced me to our God and showed what it means to honor Him and walk with Him.
I love you and thank you,
Dr. Stephan Tchividjian (1939–2010),
father of seven of Billy Graham’s grandchildren
MY REMEMBERANCE OF BILL AND RUTH
I was Rev. Graham’s stylist for eleven years in Asheville, and I have the deepest respect for not only his spiritual dedication to his work but for his personal character as well. It was a treat to have him come in for an appointment, because he always shared wonderful stories of his life and his family. With Ruth also being a client for many years, I had the privilege of having them come in together a few times for their hair appointments. It was wonderful seeing them interact with one another, and even after many decades of marriage, the twinkle of love still sparkled in their eyes.
The one event that impressed me the most was the time Jim Bakker was removed from PTL. There was much ado in the news that day of Bakker’s removal … blame and accusation were flying everywhere, especially from some other evangelists. That same afternoon, Dr. Graham came in for his haircut, and of course the Bakker scandal was the topic of the day in the salon. I was quite interested in hearing Dr. Graham’s perspective on all the horrendous rumors. He looked at me and said, “All I blame Jim and Tammy for was not surrounding themselves with the right people. When people live their lives in the public eye, it’s imperative that they know how to handle themselves properly and have a credible and competent support staff. That’s where they went wrong.” I was more than impressed with his understanding and compassion for what the Bakkers were going through. I gained an even greater respect and admiration for Dr. Graham that day and realized that he indeed was a great man sent of God.
I was blessed in getting to know Ruth even better. It was a joy seeing her each week for eleven years, because she wasn’t just a client but also a dear, loving friend to me. She came in for an appointment the day one of my friends mysteriously disappeared, with foul play expected. Since the authorities had absolutely no leads or information to go on, we feared it would soon end up as a cold case. When Ruth saw my despair over Jaymie’s disappearance, she picked up the phone and spoke to an agent she knew at the FBI. Within four days, Jaymie’s body was found and the killer was captured. I always credit Ruth for being the catalyst in resolving the case and sparing Jaymie’s family and friends years of not knowing what had happened to her. Through Ruth, I also met Bunny, Anne, Gigi, and many of the grandchildren. I feel so very privileged in having known Ruth. She was a remarkable, loving, and gracious lady. I knew Dr. Graham was right when he said there would be great fanfare in heaven when she entered the pearly gates. I also know that when the time comes and he approaches the heavenly gates, Ruth will be there to greet him with her warm, beautiful smile and outstretched arms. Then they will once again have that loving sparkle and gleam in their eyes.
MEMORIES WITH MY GREAT-GRANDPARENTS
Ever since I can remember, the names Billy and Ruth Graham have meant something to me. God has so richly blessed me in being one of their many great-grandchildren. I am so very thankful that I have gotten to know him and knew her. I have made so many memories up on the mountaintop in their house. I always enjoy hearing stories about him and Ruth. I really love the ones about her! She was, and still is, one of my role models. I loved her so much and am so happy that she is with Christ and she is healthy. I am also very sad, but God blessed me with knowing her for twelve wonderful years. Though I barely remember when she could walk, I will always remember the times I spent with her. One day we were at their house on the mountain and she said we could have one of the many stuffed animal mice she kept on the rails of the stairway near her room, and of course we did. When I grow up to be a mother and a wife, I want to be like Ruth. I also have had many great visits with Billy (or, as we call him, Daddy Bill). Recently, we visited him in Jacksonville. I loved that time because nobody was there except our family and we had a great visit. I also love visiting him on the mountain. As long as I can remember, their freezer has always been full of ice cream! So when any of the great-grandkids go there, we always end up leaving full of ice cream. Most famous people that you meet are different than the everyday person, but when you spend time with my great-grandfather, you feel like you’re with a friend, not with somebody who is an evangelist known worldwide. I love Billy Graham as my great-grandfather, and I am so blessed that I have known him.
Hannah
DADDY BILL
In mid-September 1949, a young dairy farmer headlined what could be characterized as the greatest religious movement in the twentieth century. This man had a way of connecting with people. For over sixty years, he has preached the Gospel to more than 210 million people on six different continents, in eighty-five countries, and in all of America’s fifty states—more than any other man or woman in history. There was something different about him. He is a man who has stayed humble, before both God and man. His motives have always been right before God; they have never been self-serving.
As Dr. Charles T. Cook once said, “It would seem to be God’s purpose to choose a man … divinely gifted and empowered to interpret to his own generation their deepest needs, and to declare the remedy.” He has counseled and become a mentor to every American president since Harry Truman. His true faith in Jesus Christ is what has kept him humble.
This man is known to the world as Rev. Billy Graham, but to me he is Daddy Bill. My mother is Billy and Ruth Graham’s eldest child, and I am the youngest of seven and Billy and Ruth Graham’s sixteenth grandchild. The most admirable thing that comes to my mind is, first, my granddad’s humility. He truly believes that he is just a regular country preacher. He has told me on many occasions, “I am not a great preacher, and you know I don’t claim to be one. I hav
e heard great preaching many times and wished I was one of them. I am just an ordinary preacher communicating the Gospel the best way I know how.”
My grandfather has accomplished more than most of us will in a lifetime, and he seriously believes he is just an ordinary preacher. The Bible verse that always comes to mind when I think of Daddy Bill is Titus 3:2: “To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” It is almost as if he read that verse and put it into practice wholeheartedly.
I can remember a time when my grandfather was in South Florida for a board meeting and he was getting lonely. So he took out his black phone book and began to look for friends who lived in the area. He found a younger couple and decided to give them a ring to invite them for dinner at the hotel. I will never forget what he said when he called, it was truly unbelievable. He said, “Hello? Hey how are you? This is Billy, Billy Graham. Do you remember me?” I couldn’t believe that a man who has been listed number six in Time and Life magazines as the most respected man in the twentieth century was calling a couple he had not seen in a while and he truly thought that they might have forgotten who he was. Daddy Bill has reminded me what the whole journey of life is all about.
Daddy Bill has impacted my life most in showing me what it means to be truly humble, not to take myself too seriously, and to always remember that I am the creature created by the Creator. I am by no means satisfied at where I want to be spiritually, but I don’t believe there will ever be a time that we are where we should be spiritually; we will always have to grow closer to the Lord in order to have a relationship with Him. So I want to say thank you, Daddy Bill, for being the loving, most wonderful grandfather anyone could ever wish for. I love you with all my heart, and I am always praying for you.
Antony Tchividjian
HIS FAVORITE GRANDCHILD
When I think of Billy Graham, I think of all the pictures I’ve seen over the years. His tall stature, deep voice, and the passion that flows through his face and hands. He has met many dignitaries, presidents, celebrities, down to the poorest of the poor. He treats them all the same, with kindness, tenderness, and love. He has preached to millions and brought millions to Christ. He has chosen to talk the talk and walk the walk, and he has done it to perfection. Billy Graham is truly a man of God.
This is the public man, but I have had the privilege to know Billy Graham as Daddy Bill all my life. I have been able to get that rare glimpse of a private man. I have watched him tenderly love my grandmother. He has taught all of his children and grandchildren how a man should love his wife. Every night before bed, Daddy Bill calls all the visitors to the living room to have devotions. He reads from the Bible and then prays. This has taught me the importance of devotions with your family. Even at home, he lights up when he reads the Word of God. I will never forget him calling me his favorite grandchild. After all my downs in life, I was so happy that he saw me favorably. (Much to my dismay, I later found out that he tells all the grandchildren that they are his favorite.) My favorite memory is when he went for a walk and I joined him. This wise man sometimes wanted to talk, and other times we walked in silence, holding hands. I learned more about him in the silences.
As I watch him growing older, I realize how fragile he is. He finally has to admit that he can’t do the things he used to, and this makes me love him more. So, to my Daddy Bill, I love you and admire you more than you know. I can only hope to have a fraction of the faith you have.
Windsor Bauders
A GRANDSON’S TRIBUTE
After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
ACTS 21:19 ESV
Ever since I can remember, I have called my grandparents Daddy Bill and TaiTai. Regardless of their fame and notoriety throughout this world, they are first and foremost my grandparents, and for that I am so very grateful. My earliest memories of my grandparents are of spending summers and holidays with them in Montreat, North Carolina, traveling to various crusades around the country, their visits to our home in south Florida, and eating at Daddy Bill’s favorite restaurant … Morrison’s Cafeteria! During our visits to Montreat, TaiTai invited each sibling to take turns sleeping at their log cabin home that sits near the top of a beautiful mountain nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. During sleepovers I was spoiled by TaiTai, who gave me as much ice cream and soda as I could consume and allowed me to go to bed at whatever time I wished! Each night, before my grandparents would go to bed, we would gather in the kitchen area and get on our knees and pray together. Those nights of us on our knees praying to our heavenly Father are forever etched in my memory. What a blessing.
As I grew older, I learned that Daddy Bill and I share a common interest … the world of politics! We have had many interesting political conversations over the past many years. What always fascinates me is that he is friends with many of the subjects of our conversations. Something else that always stands out to me is that, while Daddy Bill enjoys discussing politics, he never becomes “political,” and he is always respectful, regardless of political affiliation.
I will never forget when he invited me to the 1980 Reagan inauguration. I was only twelve years old! Shortly after arriving at our Washington hotel, I noticed out my room window that a large number of limousines had pulled up to the rear of the hotel. Upon doing some investigation, I learned that President-elect Ronald Reagan had just arrived to give a speech. I immediately convinced my grandfather’s assistant to go with me to where the limousines were parked, so that I might be able to get a glimpse of Mr. Reagan as he left the hotel. I will never forget the moment when Reagan walked out and my grandfather’s assistant introduced him to me and informed him I was a grandson of Billy Graham’s. As soon as my grandfather’s name was mentioned, I saw a smile on Reagan’s face and he began to tell me how much he loved and admired Billy Graham. As a twelve-year-old kid, I was so impressed that the next president of the United States knew and loved my Daddy Bill!
Throughout the following years, I traveled with my grandfather to various other political events, such as the 1984 and 1988 presidential inaugurations. One incident I will never forget, and which has always been an encouragement to me, occurred during the 1988 Republican National Convention in New Orleans. One evening, a friend and I were looking for a car to borrow so we could drive around the city. As a twenty-year-old college sophomore, I was simply interested in getting out into the city to have some fun. Sadly, God was not a priority in my life at the time.
My grandfather’s assistant had rented a car when we arrived, and I decided to go to Daddy Bill’s hotel room to see if he would allow us to borrow the rental car. We arrived at his hotel at about nine p.m. Keep in mind, this was during the middle of a huge convention at which Billy Graham could have attended any number of political social gatherings … he probably could have had his pick of which ones to attend. Thus, I was a little surprised when he opened his hotel room door wearing his pajamas. As we entered the room, I noticed his Bible open on his bed. At that moment, God convicted my heart in a significant way. Here was Billy Graham, “America’s Preacher,” in New Orleans during a political convention attended by many influential and famous people, and he chose to spend his evening … sitting in his hotel room reading scripture while spending time with his heavenly Father. I left his room that evening forever impacted—and without the car keys!
Perhaps the greatest characteristic that stands out in my mind about both of my grandparents is their incredible humility, anointed to them by our Lord. The apostle Paul writes: “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14 ESV). This verse is given a very practical meaning to me when I think of Daddy Bill and TaiTai. I have been in the room when my grandfather has called and spoken to the president of the United States and then got up to pull the kitchen table chair out for the housekeeper, who was regular
ly invited to join them for dinner. This is just one small example of many. I have found that my grandparents are as sincerely interested and excited about having conversations with “everyday people,” such as taxi drivers, housekeepers, waitresses, etc., as they are with presidents, queens, and popes. The only matter for which Daddy Bill and TaiTai “boast” is the Gospel of Christ, and that is communicated to all persons equally, both in words and actions.
In many ways, Daddy Bill and TaiTai have been the “hands and feet of Christ” in my life—for which I give God the glory! Though the world knows and loves Billy and Ruth Graham, God has graciously allowed me to know Billy and Ruth Graham as Daddy Bill and TaiTai. Perhaps the greatest blessing is that there is absolutely no difference between the public life of Billy and Ruth Graham and the private lives of Daddy Bill and TaiTai. The authenticity of the Gospel lived out in the lives of my grandparents has been a gracious example given to me by our loving heavenly Father.
There are so many more blessed memories that I cannot share, due to the limited space provided. Memories of my wife and I spending weekends in Montreat with Daddy Bill and TaiTai while I was in law school, memories of my many afternoon visits with Daddy Bill when he visits the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, memories of my precious young children spending time with their great-grandparents during their summer breaks. I praise God for granting me such memories, and I am looking forward to many more with Daddy Bill and TaiTai.
Basyle “Boz” Tchividjian (grandson)
IT IS ALL ABOUT THE GOSPEL AND JESUS
Thank You, Billy Graham Page 4