Matt 23:1-4 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat. So you must obey them (10 commandments). But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and place them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.”

Today, March 2, 2018, at noon, I will be watching the funeral of Dr. Billy Graham, on Fox News. What would I have ever done without him in my life? His story of the love of Christ, took me from legalism to peace and relationship. I was 15 the first time that I truly listened and processed his message.

I am a very nondenominational Catholic. I worship with many of my non-Catholic Friends frequently.

Catholicism in the 50’s early 60’s(prior to Vatican II), was a lot about rules and regulations. Praise God, I had my Godly mother, who spread the true love of Jesus.

As a worrisome child, due to the chaos within my family, my mom ignited my spirit to THE TRUTH. We often talked about our faith and the reality of the love of Jesus.

On a summer’s eve in 1965, we went to the back bedroom and lay on the bed. She said, “There’s a program I want you to watch with me. This man teaches the truth about Jesus and His love, not the man made rules and regulations of religious denominations. You’ve seen me watch him before. However, since the positive changes in the Catholic Church, you’re old enough to really process God’s truth. I love Billy Graham. You will too. He is Jesus in the now. Don’t believe all of the legalism that the nuns throw at you.”

As the program began, I viewed thousands of people in a huge arena setting. Cliff Barrows was the announcer, and George Beverly Shea the phenomenal singer, sang “How Great Thou Art.”

Once Billy began to speak, I was totally drawn in. I was mesmerized. His power, skill, wisdom, and gentleness broke down barriers of legalism. He allowed me to see the truth of faith, not man made rules. He didn’t carry on about confession in a scary box, purgatory, and what ifs.

As Billy gave the altar call, the choir began to sing, ”Just As I Am.” He stressed in his message, to come just as you are, in all of your sin, because Jesus is waiting for you with open arms.”

After twelve years of nuns, I was somewhat of a rebel throughout college. In order to graduate from Wilmington College, I had to take either a philosophy course or Intro to Bible. The Bible…that was religion being stuffed down my throat! Man! Oh! Man! Was I ever young and ignorant!

It was important for me to marry a Christian man. I kissed a lot of frogs throughout college. It did not surprise me, that when I met my husband, I was in the relationship for the long run.

After we married and began our life together, our faith became very important to both of us.

Every time that Billy Graham was on the tube, there I was, enthralled. It wasn’t until I had a significant illness, that I began to seek Christ through his Word. Trust me friends, I couldn’t get enough. Then God began to use me in ways that I never expected.

HEAVENLY FATHER……

Thank you, for the life, love, and wisdom of Billy Graham. May all who preach the Word of God model him, and gather in many souls for your glory.

Amen.

Sue Cutler

Fearless Faith