Ruth Bell Graham > Quotes

“It is a foolish woman who expects her husband to be to her that which only Jesus Christ Himself can be: always ready to forgive, totally understanding, unendingly patient, invariably tender and loving, unfailing in every area, anticipating every need, and making more than adequate provision. Such expectations put a man under an impossible strain”
― Ruth Bell Graham

“A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.”
― Ruth Bell Graham

“Down through the years, I turned to the Bible and found in it all that I needed”
― Ruth Bell Graham

“Dear God, I prayed, all unafraid
(as we're inclined to do),
I do not need a handsome man
but let him be like You;
I do not need one big and strong
nor yet so very tall,
nor need he be some genius,
or wealthy, Lord, at all;
but let his head be high, dear God,
and let his eye be clear,
his shoulders straight, whate'er his state,
whate'er his earthly sphere;
and let his face have character,
a ruggedness if soul,
and let his whole life show, dear God,
a singleness of goal;
then when he comes
(as he will come)
with quiet eyes aglow,
I'll understand that he's the man
I prayed for long ago.”
― Ruth Bell Graham

“If I cannot give my children a perfect mother I can at least give them more of the one they've got--and make that one more loving. I will be available. I will take time to listen, time to play, time to be home when they arrive from school, time to counsel and encouerage.”
― Ruth Bell Graham

“Take all away. I am content to know
Such love is mine-for life is all too brief
To grieve for pleasures bringing only grief;
Give me but You; it is enough just so.”
― Ruth Bell Graham, Sitting by My Laughing Fire

“Death -
Death can be faced,
dealt with,
adjusted to,
outlived.
It's the
not knowing
that destroys
interminably...
This
being suspended
in suspense;
waiting - weightless,
How does one face
the faceless,
adjust to nothing?
Waiting implies
something to wait for.
Is there?
There is One.
One who knows...
I rest my soul on that.”
― Ruth Bell Graham

“Dad, I’m not at all sure I can follow you any longer in your simple Christian faith’ stated the clergyman’s son when he returned from the university for holidays with a fledgling scholar’s
assured arrogance. The father’s black eyes skewered his son, who was 'lost,' as C.S. Lewis put it
‘in the invincible ignorance of his intellect.’ ‘Son,’ the father said, ‘That is your freedom, your
terrible freedom.”
― Ruth Bell Graham

“Prodigals are not limited in gender, race, age or color. They do have one thing in common: They have left home, and they are missed.”
― Ruth Bell Graham

“If you have a prodigal—a son, daughter, husband or father, a mother or wife who is wandering spiritually—be persistent in prayer, but be patient. And be encouraged! Remember, God is not finished.”
― Ruth Bell Graham, Prodigals and Those Who Love Them: Words of Encouragement for Those Who Wait

“He washed the bleeding sin-wounds,
And poured in oil and wine;
He whispered to assure me,
“I’ve found thee, thou art Mine”:
I never heard a sweeter voice;
It made my aching heart rejoice!
Oh, the love that sought me!
Oh, the blood that bought me!
Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold,
Wondrous grace that brought me to the fold!”
― Ruth Bell Graham, Prodigals and Those Who Love Them: Words of Encouragement for Those Who Wait

“I will—
  Encourage.
  Keep communications open at all times.
  Permit person-to-person collect phone calls.
  Let them know they are loved and welcome at
    home, always.
Permit the children to disagree with me, provided
  they do it respectfully. (And I find occasionally
  they are right and I am wrong.)
Make a clear distinction between moral and
  nonmoral issues.
Encourage.”
― Ruth Bell Graham, Prodigals and Those Who Love Them: Words of Encouragement for Those Who Wait

“Unaware of my prayer a few weeks prior, my entire family watched in thanksgiving that Sunday as I grabbed my girlfriend by the hand and walked from the balcony all the way to the front of the church. My mom had led me to receive Christ when I was a young boy, although I don’t remember. During the months that followed my prayer in the apartment, I wondered whether I had really been saved prior to my recent prayer. And for a time I really believed it was at twenty-one that I first became a Christian, not as a young boy. After all, how could a Christian possibly live the way I had lived for six years? But then I began to understand the character of God. His faithfulness and commitment to His people goes way beyond my comprehension; and I had never stopped believing in Him during my time of rebellion. In fact, I remembered times during my rebellion when I had desperately called out to God, and was overwhelmed at His closeness to me. Had I lost my assurance during my rebellious years? Absolutely! But I never lost my salvation. My salvation had been secured when I prayed as a young boy, not because of my faithfulness, but because of God’s.”
― Ruth Bell Graham, Prodigals and Those Who Love Them: Words of Encouragement for Those Who Wait

“Go, go! Leave me alone. Live on as you are living. It is not possible that the son of such tears should be lost.”
― Ruth Bell Graham, Prodigals and Those Who Love Them: Words of Encouragement for Those Who Wait