Billy Graham and Humility

The funeral of Billy Graham was this past Friday. He has impacted many lives, including kings and presidents around the world. Since Graham’s death, there have been many stories about his crusades, his character and his leadership. Dr. Graham was a great man and a humble man. 

He preached to nearly 200 nations and to more than 200 million people. He went on to become pastor to presidents and future presidents. Yet Grahams’ greatness came from knowing that he nor any person alive was able to rule their life. He knew his need. Even the words that he would be remembered for most “The Bible says” demonstrated that he wasn’t speaking on his own, but the authority of the scriptures.

One story that touched my heart deeply was the story behind his casket. Graham’s casket was built inside a small prison woodworking shop, near America’s largest maximum-security penitentiary, Louisiana State Penitentiary, also called “Angola.” Three inmates built the casket. Two of them were sentenced to life for murder and one serving 30 years for armed robbery. The Graham family was touched by the simple dignity of these caskets and the inmates’ care in building them. Billy Graham’s casket was $215. The three builder’s names were burnt into the wood. There’s so much about this story that mirrors Billy Graham’s life!

To think a man of such stature would have a casket made by inmates. How beautiful! Even in his death, Billy Graham lived a life of humility. Perhaps, as we seek to grow in character and leadership, we would learn from Graham about humility. Rick Warren, a Baptist pastor, looked to Graham as a mentor and role model. Warren said “As I grew older, it was really his character more than even his preaching that became a model for me, his integrity, his humility, his generosity. I wanted these things in my life." One more quote from Rick Warren is significant: “He taught me to avoid the flatterers, ignore the critics, ignore the cheers and the jeers on the sideline, just keep focused on your purpose. That humility allowed Graham to learn from anybody. Warren adopted this mindset.

We celebrate the life of Billy Graham today. He embodied humility. Humility is such a beautiful thing and you know it when you see it. It is the opposite of pride. As you start this day, meditate on these Scriptures. May we follow in Billy Graham’s steps and live a life of humility.

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 18:3-4

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.