tamaralgage1's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book. I listened to this book which was read by Billy Graham. He has a wonderful voice and I highly recommend.
In his autobiography, we can see comparison to questions that plague his generation vs. today. Just as in his time, we find the blurred lines of religion and politics. As such, we are told we must support this politician and hate another based on religious belief. This is further defined in a belief we must support Police, BLM, LGBTQ, 2nd Amendment, Pro/Anti-Abortion Rights, etc. Billy Graham talks about the divides that were visible in his moment in history and how he addressed the demands. It was simple … God was his only demand and he made every attempt to avoid being drawn to support one side or anther in an argument. His one and only message was the word of god in addressing any subject.
Billy Graham lived between Nov 1918 to Feb 1918. This book provides many of the lessons learned to love one another; demonstrate kindness and compassion; and live in faith. Regardless of age, he would experience the questions and demands of youth; he would experience choices when he was not famous; he would demonstrate the grace of fame; and face the challenges anyone does that lives a long life.
If you are a Christian (regardless of faith), this is a must read. If you struggle with people calling themselves Christian, this is a must read. Finally if you are atheist or practice many of the world's other religions, this is a must read. This book and this life helps the reader understand what kindness and compassion of the Christian faith should look like.
In his autobiography, we can see comparison to questions that plague his generation vs. today. Just as in his time, we find the blurred lines of religion and politics. As such, we are told we must support this politician and hate another based on religious belief. This is further defined in a belief we must support Police, BLM, LGBTQ, 2nd Amendment, Pro/Anti-Abortion Rights, etc. Billy Graham talks about the divides that were visible in his moment in history and how he addressed the demands. It was simple … God was his only demand and he made every attempt to avoid being drawn to support one side or anther in an argument. His one and only message was the word of god in addressing any subject.
Billy Graham lived between Nov 1918 to Feb 1918. This book provides many of the lessons learned to love one another; demonstrate kindness and compassion; and live in faith. Regardless of age, he would experience the questions and demands of youth; he would experience choices when he was not famous; he would demonstrate the grace of fame; and face the challenges anyone does that lives a long life.
If you are a Christian (regardless of faith), this is a must read. If you struggle with people calling themselves Christian, this is a must read. Finally if you are atheist or practice many of the world's other religions, this is a must read. This book and this life helps the reader understand what kindness and compassion of the Christian faith should look like.
davehershey's review against another edition
5.0
I found Billy's store very encouraging and challenging. His humility comes through in this long story. He preached the Gospel on every continent; most amazing were the doors open to preach in the Soviet Union, China and North Korea. Reading of his friendships with every president since Eisenhower was wonderful because he demonstrated the love of Christ to these powerful people. Billy's interaction with these presidents serves as a lesson for all of us for he did not get involved in politics, he prayed with and for them regardless of whether he agreed with them or not, and he genuinely liked them. His love for all people comes out and it is easy to see how he truly enjoyed being around all sorts of people from the most powerful to the least, from Christian to atheist and everyone in between. At times the story seemed too stuffed with names and places, but what can be expected in recounting over a half-century of work. The final part of the book where he discusses his friends and family was a great conclusion as it took the focus away from Graham the celebrity and put it on Graham the family man and friend.
hiljajeffery's review against another edition
4.0
When I bought this book, I didn't realise it was over 700 pages long! It's taken me a while to get through it, but there's been a lot of gold in there. Some chapters were so thought-provoking that they led to extended thinking and journalling.
ferrisscottr's review against another edition
5.0
You might find it odd that an atheist would read the autobiography of Billy Graham but actually this is a re-read, I've read it twice before and really enjoyed it each time.
No matter how much our beliefs might differ there is no denying the importance of Billy Graham on the last 100 years and I find him to be worthy of the title "Most Respected American" (which he has been named many many times over the years).
One book can't cover nearly everything that he has done and seen over his 80 year career but I find this book to be a good starting point.
I wouldn't recommend it for everyone but for quite a few this would be a great read (I actually listened to the audio book on a couple really long training runs).
No matter how much our beliefs might differ there is no denying the importance of Billy Graham on the last 100 years and I find him to be worthy of the title "Most Respected American" (which he has been named many many times over the years).
One book can't cover nearly everything that he has done and seen over his 80 year career but I find this book to be a good starting point.
I wouldn't recommend it for everyone but for quite a few this would be a great read (I actually listened to the audio book on a couple really long training runs).
henryarmitage's review against another edition
3.0
This is a weighty tome.
Mostly this is the story of a North Carolina farm boy, as he puts it,
who was used mightily by the Lord in bringing probably hundreds of thousands
to salvation.
I could have done without the chapters about his friendships with US
presidents from Johnson to Clinton.
I don't think I ever saw Billy preach but when I brought up one of his
messages on Youtube his style immediately seemed familiar. Apparently
every imitation, or mockery, of preaching I have seen was drawing
inspiration from Dr Graham.
Hey, God, we could sure use another outpouring of your Spirit like the ones
documented in these pages today.
Mostly this is the story of a North Carolina farm boy, as he puts it,
who was used mightily by the Lord in bringing probably hundreds of thousands
to salvation.
I could have done without the chapters about his friendships with US
presidents from Johnson to Clinton.
I don't think I ever saw Billy preach but when I brought up one of his
messages on Youtube his style immediately seemed familiar. Apparently
every imitation, or mockery, of preaching I have seen was drawing
inspiration from Dr Graham.
Hey, God, we could sure use another outpouring of your Spirit like the ones
documented in these pages today.
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