Billy Graham and Ruth Bell were married on August 13, 1943. They were married for 63 years before Ruth passed in June of 2007. Their love story was rooted in their commitment to God and is evident by the words they both shared about each other.

In Billy Graham’s autobiography, Just As I Am, he shared much about the constant support and counsel Ruth provided him. But he also shared the sweetness of their meeting and courtship.

“Saturday nights I dedicate to prayer and study, in preparation for the Lord’s day.

What kind of romance could a college man have with a woman who said a thing like that? Dating Ruth Bell had to be creative. And I did my best.

In more ways than one, she was one of the belles of Wheaton campus. This I learned during my first term from a fellow I met at the Lane home, Johnny Streater. … He told me about a girl in the junior class—one of the most beautiful and dedicated Christian girls he had ever met. Sounded like my type. I paid attention. One day we were hanging around … in front of Williston Hall… when Johnny let out a whoop. ‘Billy, here’s the girl I was telling you about,’ he said. ‘It’s Ruth Bell.’”

I straightened up, and there she was. Standing there, looking right at me, was a slender, hazel-eyed movie starlet! I said something polite, but was flustered and embarrassed. It took a month to muster the courage to ask her out for a date.

That Sunday afternoon was cold and snowy. With Ruth Bell sitting beside me in Pierce Chapel, I did not pay much attention to the music. Afterward we walked over to the Lane house for a cup of tea, and we had a chance to talk. I just could not believe that anyone could be so spiritual and beautiful at one and the same time. …

Two things I felt sure of: first, that Ruth was bound to get married someday; and second, that I was the man she would marry.”

Not only was Billy’s approach to dating Ruth creative, Ruth herself was full of many creative talents. In her book, Sitting By My Laughing Fire, Ruth shared this poem about her love for her husband:

I looked into your face and knew
that you were true;
those clear, deep eyes awoke in me
a trust in you.

I’d dreamt of shoulders broad and straight,
one built to lead;
I met you once and knew that you
were all I need.

You did not have to say a word
to make me feel
that will, completely in control,
was made of steel.

I’d dreamt of dashing love and bold,
life wild with zest;
but when with you my heart was stilled
to perfect rest.

And how? I could not understand,
it seemed so odd:
till on my heart it quietly dawned
—love is of God!

You can learn more about Billy and Ruth Bell Graham’s ministry and family in The Journey of Faith. Plan your visit today.