Dr. Billy Graham and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

What do you think about when you think of Dr. Billy Graham? I think of the pulpit. I think of a Bible held tightly in a hand and a crowd that seems to stretch for miles and a fire for the gospel. I think of Franklin Graham, his son, and crusades around the world. But thanks to a recent trip to see Dr. Graham, I have a new story to think about.

Decades ago, when there was a racial tension that is hard to imagine in this country, Dr. Graham did what he believed was the right thing to do. He proclaimed that none of his crusades would ever be segregated. He swore that he would always welcome men and women of all backgrounds to his crusades. And he received death threats as a result.

It didn’t change his stance. It didn’t change his decision. It didn’t change the joy he experienced traveling with Dr. King in Brazil. Can you imagine that ticket? Dr. King and Dr. Graham touring Brazil together?

I am thankful for the boldness of both men. Thankful that God still gives brave hearts and big messages to his people. And above all, I am hopeful that we can continue to make difficult decisions when we all have the chance to do the right thing in our lives.

This post is categorized Lead and tagged billy graham, Lead, MLK