Someone who loves Jesus
I had the amazing opportunity to have lunch this week with Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of the famous evangelist Billy Graham. While my kids don’t even know who Billy Graham is, every Boomer in the world knows exactly who he is and what he stands for. What you may not know is his daughter Anne has clearly inherited his gift for preaching and his deep love for God.
We got to visit because I’m writing an article about her for a magazine. One of my favorite parts of my job is writing on assignment as a freelancer for several publications. My job allows me to meet a variety of interesting people, to hear their stories, to learn from them, and to share their stories with my readers.
Anne is a striking woman--tall and beautiful, with a warm smile and a North Carolina accent that reminds you a bit of her father. She’s also a strong, resolved, intelligent woman, yet very gentle. Being with her, I thought, this is someone who really loves Jesus. She’s humble, simple–and for her, everything she does and is seems to be focused on loving God. She says it is her “magnificient obsession” to know God intimately. I would say that she’s not just talking–that is what I see in her.
Have any of you read any of her best-selling books, or heard her speak? She’s an amazing communicator. I’d love to hear stories from you about how she, or her family, have touched your life.
Posted: June 26th, 2008 under Authors & Speakers, Career, Faith, Fun.
Comments: 10
Comments
Comment from Jan @ Bold & Free
Time: June 26, 2008, 10:45 am
I love Ruth. What a woman of God- you can see it all over her.
I also love the fact that her hair color is natural and so very lovely.
Comment from Tracy
Time: June 26, 2008, 12:21 pm
What an awesome opportunity for you!
I heard her speak at a “Just Give Me Jesus” conference several years ago in Atlanta. Even in a packed conference center - with THOUSANDS of woman - we experienced how much she loves the Lord. I still hear her anguished cry as she encouraged each of us to make it a cry of our own - “Just Give Me Je-sus!” Powerful and life-changing.
I’ll look forward to reading your article - be sure to let us know when and where it’s published.
Comment from dianne
Time: June 26, 2008, 12:58 pm
What a neat opportunity. You can see the resemblance to her father in her smile.
Comment from Keri Wyatt Kent
Time: June 26, 2008, 2:02 pm
She’s a very cool woman of God. she resembles her father in so many ways: that strong jaw, big smile, her voice, and … I don’t know, a sort of humble confidence she has. You can tell she is authentic, she really loves God. I’ve been reading her books to ‘research’ the article but I heartily recommend them to anyone.
Comment from Allison
Time: June 26, 2008, 4:02 pm
I love Anne’s “Magnificant Obsession” reference. That says it all, doesn’t it? Thanks, Keri, for sharing this with us.
Comment from Keri Wyatt Kent
Time: June 26, 2008, 6:41 pm
She has a book coming out next year with that title, “the Magnificent Obsession,” which is about the life of Abraham. I’ve talked to her about it and have CDs of her talk on it–can’t wait for the book. (which is with Zondervan–who I’m excited to say is publishing my next book as well!)
Comment from Susan R.
Time: June 27, 2008, 8:34 am
It was actually Ruth Graham that touched me. I read her book “Prodigals and Those who Love Them”. When my daughter was a teenager she totally rebelled against everything and one day I read that book and it helped me realize that sometimes all you can do is love someone and pray for them, especially if you’ve exhausted every other avenue.
Comment from Dotsie
Time: June 30, 2008, 8:07 am
Thanks so much for introducing me to her. Where have I been? I didn’t know aobut her. I attended on eof her dad’s gatherings in Baltimore just a couple summers ago. It may have been one of his last rallies that he did. I was touched by him and his son so it must be an amazing family.
Keri, in what magazine will the article appear?
Comment from Keri Wyatt Kent
Time: July 1, 2008, 6:05 pm
the whole family is amazing, I’ve had the opportunity to talk to several of the Graham children, and they are all incredible. I’m doing this article for Christianity Today–it’s not going to be published until late fall, if then.
Yeah, Billy retired only recently due to the fact that he will be 90 this year and his hearing and eyesight are not 100 percent. But he’s an amazing person, too. I love talking to the Graham kids because even to a stranger they refer to Billy (in that southern way) as “Daddy.” It’s so sweet!
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Comment from Cheryl Barker
Time: June 26, 2008, 10:21 am
Keri, our Bible study group has done a couple of Anne’s Bible studies — The Vision of His Glory (Revelation) & God’s Story (Genesis). As I remember, the studies had videos to go along with them — what a powerful speaker she is! One of the phrases she used over and over was “just give me Jesus” (she also has a book by that name now). I thoroughly enjoyed her teaching and studies and would recommend them to anyone.