Recently, the world lost a historical spiritual leader. On February 21, 2018, the great Billy Graham passed away at the age of 99 in his sleep at his home in North Carolina.
Many knew Graham and his many accomplishments, but few knew Chuck Templeton and Clifford Braun. All three men began their ministerial careers in the same era. Chuck Templeton was said to be one of the best pastors of his time. Somewhere along the
way, however, he stopped believing, questioned his faith, gave up on life and became an atheist. Before he died, Billy visited Chuck and prayed for him. No judgement, no condemnation, just a portrayal of unconditional love from one friend to the other. We don’t know the end result of that visit or what was said. All we know is Chuck died soon thereafter, a broken man who started his life strong and finished wrong.
Clifford Braun was labeled as one of the best evangelists in the country at a very young age. He later pulled away from the ministry, didn’t finish what he started and ultimately died of liver disease. While dying, it is said he wouldn’t even reach out to any of his friends for prayer or comfort.
Whether or not you ever heard of either one these gentlemen, one thing is for sure, both started strong and eventually gave up. The challenges of life got the best of them. After giving up, Billy Graham overshadowed them both and became known as “America’s Pastor” and the greatest evangelist this generation has ever known. He was a spiritual advisor to every American president since WWII. Both Johnson and Nixon, the two who probably sought him the most, offered him high positions in government — which he quickly and politely refused.
Graham personally preached to over 200 million people and hundreds of millions more via television and radio. His name appeared in top 10 most influential people in America for years. No single man has had or ever will have the influence on people’s Christian faith that Graham had.
C.S. Lewis once said, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the end.” No truer statement could be said. No one said life while on earth is easy or fair. On the other hand, if you feel like your life is over, think again. You were born to win but winning takes perseverance. Quitters never win and winners never quit. Don’t be another statistic. Regardless of what has happened in your life, yesterday is over. Today is a new day for the rest of your life. Decide that past wrongs or hurts will not keep you from fulfilling your destiny. You were equipped with everything it takes to complete your purpose. Most importantly, you are loved, you are forgiven and, you can be restored.
Should your life have taken a detour in the wrong direction, decide today to hit the reset button and get back on the right path. Refresh and reshape your life. Time will heal the past and, in the end, how you started and the mistakes you made along the way will be long forgotten in the minds of others. What you will be remembered for is how you finished the race.
RIP Billy Graham. Your legacy a testament of how to finish strong for generations to come.
About the author
Dr. Dallas Humble is a healthcare provider, business owner, professional consultant, author and founder of The Reshape Institute. Dr. Humble consults with individuals and organizations across the country to improve productivity, identify & mitigate injuries and promote wellness. For more information visit www.dallashumble.com.
