This week marks both the birthday of Ruth Bell Graham (June 10, 1920) and the anniversary of her passing on June 14, 2007. As we remember Ruth, and honor her life well-lived, we hope you will take a moment to read this reflection from her grandson, Will Graham, from his book Redeemed.

Ruth Graham by Will Graham

My grandmother, Ruth Graham, was many things. She was an accomplished poet and author. She was a practical joker who loved to laugh, her bright eyes dancing as she sought mischief. She was fiercely generous and gracious, sheltering the needy and making everyone feel welcomed and loved. In fact, she could make a princess and a panhandler feel at home in the same room.

In my grandparents’ house was a room that was my grandmother’s sanctuary. It was where she would write, pray, and study. She had multiple translations of the Bible laid out on a desk, each with extra-large margins so she could jot notes as she pored through God’s Word.

On the walls above the desk hung family photos and a simple wreath of Jerusalem thorns, much like the one that was forced onto Jesus’ head during His crucifixion.

This room was also where my grandmother would bravely face her final days on earth, struggling against the debilitating pain that was a constant and unwelcome companion. She never grumbled about her struggles, though you would occasionally see her wince as the suffering overwhelmed her. Rather, she would look up at the crown of thorns on the wall and say, “If my Savior could endure so much for me, I have nothing to complain about.”

I have to admit, I wish that pain and suffering weren’t a part of life. Life would be so much easier, wouldn’t it? Some days it is very hard to accept the harsh realities of the world—the hurt, uncertainty, sin, and suffering.

However, it’s important to note two things:

First, Christ—as well as the early disciples and believers throughout history—faced suffering. This suffering was not just the kind associated with old age and the broken vessels that are our human bodies. No, they faced great suffering for taking a stand for the faith. Many have endured deep pain that only ended when their time on earth was done and they were finally able to partake in glory.

Second, regardless of the struggles we face as we call upon the Lord and put our eternal hope in Him, the trials and pain of this world are but a fleeting shadow in the scope of eternity with our Savior.

As Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (8:18).

No matter what life throws at you today, find joy in the Lord and in His eternal promises!