"Billy Graham in Quotes"

TITLE: Billy Graham in Quotes
AUTHOR: Franklin Graham with Donna Lee Toney
PUBLISHER: Nashville, TN: Thomas-Nelson, 2011, (448 pages).

This massive collection of quotes is a treasure chest of wisdom and wit from one of America's most revered preachers and one of the most recognizable evangelical figures in this century. It covers topics from A to Z (Y to be exact). It touches on a wide variety of subjects, ranging from abortion to addiction; Christian living to missions; personal character and political leadership; young and old; and many more topics. All of these quotes grow out of a firm and steadfast conviction: The Bible as the authoritative Word for all of life.

Thoughtfully arranged, the authors of this collection of quotes, namely Franklin Graham the son, Donna Lee Toney, a colleague of Billy Graham, have teamed up to organize many of the classic quotes culled from the great evangelist's many talks, books, writings, meetings, speeches, rallies, and lectures.  Five things grabbed my attention. First, there is that reliance on the Bible as the starting point. That is why, every topic starts with a Bible passage as an anchor for the entire chapter. The quotes are then arranged more in accordance with the Bible verse rather than the title of the chapter. Second, it takes someone with a close knowledge of the man himself to quote Graham within the right context. A book of such nature cannot be easily done from a distance. So often, quotes can be taken easily out of context which risks misrepresentation. Just deciding on which material to pull the quote out from is already a huge task. Third, one cannot help but notice the conviction in each quote. Graham is ready to call a spade a spade without reservation or qualification. For example, he calls Satan point blank as a "crafty and clever camouflager." He fingers out the problem of marriages that lie in people "absorbed only in their own pleasures and desires." He warns us against pride in one of the simplest ways possible:

"Pride comes from looking only at ourselves;
meekness comes through looking at God."

Four, Graham speaks in a manner that convicts hearts. The quotes themselves are weighty and readers will find many moments in which they have to let Graham's convictions challenge the reader: "What about you?"

Five, this book alone brings together the best of Graham all in one book. It reminds us once again why Billy Graham is so renowned, respected, and revered by many people, both Christians as well as non-Christians.

 It is tempting for any reader to just open this book, look at the topic of interest, and then choose the first quote that grabs our attention. My advice is: slow down. Pray and ponder. Reflect and wonder on the Scripture verse at the beginning of each topic. Then slowly peruse the quotes one by one, thoughtfully, critically, and openly. I recommend this book highly for preachers and teachers to use as resource material; the busy reader for a quick meditative quote; and the Christian for building up conviction in the Word of God, and commission to share that Word with the world for God.

Wow!

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

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