Since Bill and I retired we have been traveling by car to see our daughter Julie and her family in Florida. We have talked about stopping at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte NC on a leg of the journey. One thing or another has kept us from doing that, until this last trip. Finally,.....
On Sunday, Nov. 4, we left Chattanooga, home of the Head of the Hooch regatta, in which our oldest granddaughter rowed, and headed home, via Atlanta. Typically we head north, through the Appalachian Mountains, a colorful scenic ride this time of year. But we chose to avoid the area as Superstorm Sandy had dumped 24 inches of snow along the mountain range. For that reason we headed south to go north. Oh well,.........
We left Chattanooga early enough in the afternoon that we reached Charlotte NC by early evening. Little did I know this was Bill's plan all along!
After a good night's rest, we lazed over breakfast and then were two of the first early-birds at the Library.
What an amazing place! After walking through the double doors that are part of the expansive glass cross window/wall, we were transported to a gorgeous and comfortable barn.
All of the volunteers and staff were exceptionally friendly and informative. Several staff members asked where we were from, which started a conversation about how we came through the storm called Sandy. Two greeters actually took the time to pray with us for safety, healing and rebuilding of the entire area.
At the dedication of the Library on May 21, 2007, folks were surprised to find the focus of every display pointed to Jesus. Billy had opposed the building of a "Billy Graham" library until the organization agreed to an evangelical focus. The outcome is a perfect blend of the evangelist's life and our need for Jesus in our lives.
After the guided tour of the barn, lunch at the Dairy Bar and some time in Ruth's Attic Bookstore, we spent time in the garden at Ruth's grave site. Her simple epitaph "Construction complete, thank you for your patience." is thought provoking.
Then we visited the family farmhouse. Not a replica but the actual home that Billy's father built in 1927. This structure, moved brick by brick to this site, shows Billy's humble beginnings. He lived in this home until he was 17 years old, went off to college and then followed God's call on his life to become a preaching
evangelist.
I can remember before I was a believer I could not stand to listen to Mr. Graham's preaching. Now I can't get enough of it. Occasionally we'll watch a presentation of old tent meetings and every time the message speaks to my heart.
All of that to say this, GO!!! If you find yourself within a few hundred miles of Charlotte NC, stop by the library. It's a great 2 - 3 hour activity that's free of charge! The prices at the bookstore and dairy bar were reasonable.Their chicken salad and milkshakes were deeelish!!!
Billy celebrated his 94th birthday on November 7th. Go to My Hope with Billy Graham to see what is planned for his 95th, in 2013.
Blessings, Carole
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