President of Samaritan's Purse and son of acclaimed evangelist Billy Graham, Franklin Graham offers his life story, from his childhood through his rebellious teenage years to his ministry of today.
Hardcover
,
304 pages
Published
November 1st 1995
by Thomas Nelson Inc
(first published January 1st 1995)
Franklin Graham's autobiography Rebel With a Cause tells the story of his prodigal years eventually leading him to embrace his calling, is a book you every parent of a prodigal should read.
I read this book several years ago so my recall of particular portions are a bit sketchy. Still, I remember reading of the first hand account of Franklin Graham's early years and the many mistakes made along the way.
Graham speaks lovingly and with endearment of the mountains of North Carolina, his childhood ho
Franklin Graham's autobiography Rebel With a Cause tells the story of his prodigal years eventually leading him to embrace his calling, is a book you every parent of a prodigal should read.
I read this book several years ago so my recall of particular portions are a bit sketchy. Still, I remember reading of the first hand account of Franklin Graham's early years and the many mistakes made along the way.
Graham speaks lovingly and with endearment of the mountains of North Carolina, his childhood home. He vividly describes the area almost with awe. Living near the mountains of North Carolina, I could easily relate and understand why he choose to stay in this beautiful area.
Ruth Graham, Franklin Graham's mother, is portrayed a both wise and understanding. With Billy Graham travel schedule, Ruth was the constant in Franklin Graham's life and the episodes of discipline portrayed in this book are lessons every mother can learn from.
If I learned anything from this book, it is this - Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." was proven in the life of Franklin Graham. This is a lesson every mother of a prodigal or wayward child can take comfort from.
I recommend it highly and urge all parents of incorrigible kids (aren't they all) to read.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project
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This was an engrossing book. The only thing I regretted was that it didn't cover quite a few recent years and changes in the Samaritan's Purse ministry. Franklin's account of his early childhood hijinx and his mother's sometimes creative discipline were hilarious. It was fascinating to see how the Lord took Franklin's interests and personality and used them (after his conversion) to raise up a true leader to continue and expand the work of Samaritan's Purse. Franklin's deep compassion for those
This was an engrossing book. The only thing I regretted was that it didn't cover quite a few recent years and changes in the Samaritan's Purse ministry. Franklin's account of his early childhood hijinx and his mother's sometimes creative discipline were hilarious. It was fascinating to see how the Lord took Franklin's interests and personality and used them (after his conversion) to raise up a true leader to continue and expand the work of Samaritan's Purse. Franklin's deep compassion for those in need, whether victims of war, famine, natural disasters, etc. is amazing, and I really admire his willingness to go to the areas of great need and check out for himself what can be done to help meet the peoples' needs. I heartily applaud his insistence on also meeting the spiritual needs of aid recipients by making sure they hear the gospel. I highly recommend this book.
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Great book about Franklin, the Graham family in general and mostly about Samaritans Purse and their work around the world. It was wonderful to read about what God did behind the scenes in setting things up. Things you would never hear on the news.
This was a great book to read.
Such an interesting biography to learn about the life of Rev. Billy Graham's Son and all the things he done in his life; and some that was sometimes sinful and wrong. To finally where he got tired of being sick and tired of being sick and tired. I loved reading and learning how he finally gave his life over to the Lord.
I recommend this book to everyone.
After I read this book I started following Franklin and BGEA more closely than I had before.
I'm Thankful I ran ac
This was a great book to read.
Such an interesting biography to learn about the life of Rev. Billy Graham's Son and all the things he done in his life; and some that was sometimes sinful and wrong. To finally where he got tired of being sick and tired of being sick and tired. I loved reading and learning how he finally gave his life over to the Lord.
I recommend this book to everyone.
After I read this book I started following Franklin and BGEA more closely than I had before.
I'm Thankful I ran across this book. Just hearing somebody else's story really helped me to make my decision to follow Christ myself.
Thank you, Franklin!
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Franklin embraces a purpose for his life after struggles as the son of the famous Billy Graham. I like his no-nonsense and clear style of storytelling. This is a book of short stories that chronicle his life's journey and help us understand how he performs his current role as the head of Samaritan's Purse. Franklin has an unusual ability to admit how his traits can be used just as easily for good or bad results. Franklin admitted how his trait of strong rebellion caused an addiction to cigarette
Franklin embraces a purpose for his life after struggles as the son of the famous Billy Graham. I like his no-nonsense and clear style of storytelling. This is a book of short stories that chronicle his life's journey and help us understand how he performs his current role as the head of Samaritan's Purse. Franklin has an unusual ability to admit how his traits can be used just as easily for good or bad results. Franklin admitted how his trait of strong rebellion caused an addiction to cigarettes as a young man and troubles in school, but now how the same trait helps him to rebel against timidity and excuses that block other organizations from helping in dangerous situations of desperate human suffering. I loved the story of how the Red Cross was unwilling to enter Rwanda during their civil war and how they also blocked anyone serving for religious reasons from helping nearby refugee camps. That really made Franklin mad! He had a good sized staff of doctors and nurses and medical supplied to offer a huge camp of over 200,000 refugees, which only had one Red Cross nurse. The Red Cross attitude was horribly selfish and not seeking to help the refugees at all - just keep our religious organizations no matter the suffering they could alleviate. So Franklin decided to go to Rwanda, where they were admitted and allowed to serve the victims of war, which ultimately led to permanent ministries that still exist today. This was not without great risk. And someone without a strong rebellious attitude would have been too timid to even try. This book will challenge readers to a better faith in God's power and to take risks to help people in need.
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Franklin is an honest and simple writer. He just “says it like it is.” From childhood to the present, Franklin lets us into “his world” – his struggles, his shortcomings, his disappointments – and his greatest joys. This book could be divided into two sections: one – the adolescent and early adulthood SEARCH for identity and purpose, and two – fulfilled life vision through the ministry of Samaritans Purse (a missionary organization that provides provisional and medical aid in areas of the world
Franklin is an honest and simple writer. He just “says it like it is.” From childhood to the present, Franklin lets us into “his world” – his struggles, his shortcomings, his disappointments – and his greatest joys. This book could be divided into two sections: one – the adolescent and early adulthood SEARCH for identity and purpose, and two – fulfilled life vision through the ministry of Samaritans Purse (a missionary organization that provides provisional and medical aid in areas of the world where “many would fear to tread.”) Franklin takes us on many journeys to the farthest corners of the world – war-torn, “closed” to the Gospel, with fleeing refugees – nothing deters this man. Franklin makes it a practice to always visit a location before sending any of his personnel to meet the need – therefore, he is often the first on the scene. He is a man of purpose and zeal – trusting in God at every turn. Readers will be inspired and amazed and motivated to be a part of World Missions. Highly recommended for every personal library.
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I found this book just fascinating. I gained a lot of insight into Fraklin's life. Most of us know him as the "Operation Christmas Child Shoebox" guy, but man, there is SO MUCH more to his story! He has lived an unconventional, risk-taking, crazy awesome life--astride his harley with .62 Cal Revolver in hand (or something like that). I definitely took back some good words of wisdom, and a boatload of laughs (and gasps). I very much appreciate Franklin's honest, down to earth style, and love how
I found this book just fascinating. I gained a lot of insight into Fraklin's life. Most of us know him as the "Operation Christmas Child Shoebox" guy, but man, there is SO MUCH more to his story! He has lived an unconventional, risk-taking, crazy awesome life--astride his harley with .62 Cal Revolver in hand (or something like that). I definitely took back some good words of wisdom, and a boatload of laughs (and gasps). I very much appreciate Franklin's honest, down to earth style, and love how he narrates the stories in such a way that I feel like I'm right there. I especially love the section on Bob Pierce's "God room" teaching. I had to share it with a friend of mine. So good.
Whether you consider yourself religious or not, give it a read. You will undoubtedly enjoy it and be intrigued to learn a bit more about the son of Billy Graham. And I know you'll take back some nuggets of wisdom too.
Great book showing how God can use absolutely anyone and anything to bring about His plan. Cool stuff.
P.S. I will add that I received this book complimentary after giving a small donation to Samaritan's Purse. Not a bad idea if you want to get a great free book...
WoW!!! What a book! What insight. I so enjoyed this book and my eyes and heart were opened more. It truly wasn't what I expected. I loved hearing how God turned the Rebel around. I so loved hearing how he came to his own, on his own. I really enjoyed hearing of the work he has done already. It gave more and more insight to Samaritan's Purse. Yet there was still all the love and graciousness of the South in there. I was hooked on page 2. I had been wanting for many years to read this book, but ne
WoW!!! What a book! What insight. I so enjoyed this book and my eyes and heart were opened more. It truly wasn't what I expected. I loved hearing how God turned the Rebel around. I so loved hearing how he came to his own, on his own. I really enjoyed hearing of the work he has done already. It gave more and more insight to Samaritan's Purse. Yet there was still all the love and graciousness of the South in there. I was hooked on page 2. I had been wanting for many years to read this book, but never made myself. My sister in law who has a 5 year, already a Rebel, asked for the book for Christmas. Since I was visiting for a week I borrowed it to read. We both have laughed that we could see her in the future climbing the roof to get in to my nephews room, and she stated...Yes, but I don't think I'd have as much patience with him as Mrs. Graham did...I would have broke in that window and pulled him out by the neck. I responded with...I was waiting on that too.
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I love how this author told his story without going into too many details of others personal stories. As I don't read very often anymore the thought that I want to read this one again surprises me. Interesting with adventures and stories showing how even when in his spiritual immaturity God was able to work through him and along the way show how important prayer is. Easy reading and loved getting a glimpse into the family of his parents, Billy and Ruth Graham.
This autobiography is the story of Franklin Graham's life. While I do not think he is a great writer, the stories that he tells of growing up as the son of Billy Graham and how he found his own way in life were very interesting. I especially enjoyed hearing about how he came to care for the underserved in so many areas of the world. It was good to hear how Samaritan;s Purse was begun and what they are doing today. That is his mission organization that gives away nine million showboxes to childre
This autobiography is the story of Franklin Graham's life. While I do not think he is a great writer, the stories that he tells of growing up as the son of Billy Graham and how he found his own way in life were very interesting. I especially enjoyed hearing about how he came to care for the underserved in so many areas of the world. It was good to hear how Samaritan;s Purse was begun and what they are doing today. That is his mission organization that gives away nine million showboxes to children every year, provides worldwide disaster relief, and sponsors post residents for two years to expose them to medical missions in hopes they might commit their lives to fulltime medical missionary service. Our son Malin, his wife Sara and their family are part of the post residency program in Kenya for two years. This was a fast read.
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Franklin Graham ringt um seine eigene Identität. Von Kindheit an steht er im Schatten seines berühmten Vaters Billy Graham. Die Erwartungen des Umfeldes sind hoch und sein Lebensweg scheint vorgezeichnet zu sein. Doch Franklin wehrt sich dagegen. Er ist ein rebellisches Kind, das sich mehr für Rauchen, Trinken und Schießen interessiert als für die Bibel. Getrieben von Abenteuerlust bereist er arme Länder um den Menschen dort zu helfen. Dabei erkennt er schließlich, dass Gott einen eigenen Plan f
Franklin Graham ringt um seine eigene Identität. Von Kindheit an steht er im Schatten seines berühmten Vaters Billy Graham. Die Erwartungen des Umfeldes sind hoch und sein Lebensweg scheint vorgezeichnet zu sein. Doch Franklin wehrt sich dagegen. Er ist ein rebellisches Kind, das sich mehr für Rauchen, Trinken und Schießen interessiert als für die Bibel. Getrieben von Abenteuerlust bereist er arme Länder um den Menschen dort zu helfen. Dabei erkennt er schließlich, dass Gott einen eigenen Plan für sein Leben hat. Er engagiert sich in Mission und Hilfsdiensten und erfährt Gottes Wirken auf wunderbare Weise.Was Franklin in all den Ländern, die er bereist, begegnet, ist total interessant. Nebenbei erfährt man viel über die politischen Geschehnisse und Strukturen der letzten Jahrzehnte.
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This is the first autobiography I have read in a long time, and although it was written a few years back, I found it quite appropriate for me today. It's a simple, easy to read account of Franklin Graham's amazing life. It held my interest to the end. The beginnings of this man's life certainly was not rosey for a famous evangelist's son, which makes it even more interesting. God used many to help mold and shape him for his remarkable work, and with ever-loving parents who stood by him no matter
This is the first autobiography I have read in a long time, and although it was written a few years back, I found it quite appropriate for me today. It's a simple, easy to read account of Franklin Graham's amazing life. It held my interest to the end. The beginnings of this man's life certainly was not rosey for a famous evangelist's son, which makes it even more interesting. God used many to help mold and shape him for his remarkable work, and with ever-loving parents who stood by him no matter what. I was also amazed at the many times God preserved Franklin in very dangerous situations, encouraging my faith in a great God who has our lives and the lives of our children safe in His hands.
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After reading _The Golden Compass,_ I felt the need for some real-life religion! This was a very interesting book, not "preachy" at all, and with short, easy-to-read chapters and sections. It left me renewed in my faith and in admiration of Franklin's.
Love the idea of "God room"- it is forever etched in my brain. The idea of do what you can, trust God, that other space is "God room"- wait and see what He does.
Franklin Graham describes his life as the son of the famous evangelist, Billy Graham. Including his years of rebelling against his Christian upbringing and having a famous father and all the expectations those involve. He ends with his current charity work through his independent organization and how he resisted outside influences to have him take over Billy Graham Ministries as he was confident it wouldn't be a good fit for him or for the organization.
I read this book a long time ago, but I remember enjoying it. Franklin Graham had everything lined up. He was the "son of a preacher man"--he should have been an awesome Christian automatically, right? But he wasn't. and he didn't want to be. until God changed him. but even that's interesting. The story of how he became the man behind Samaritan's Purse disaster relief organization, loving and serving God, is pretty interesting. He's no sissy for God.
As I finished the story fo Franklin's journey from rebellious child to rebellious Christian leader, I was left thinking... "What does this mean for me?" Seriously, the book left me questioning what I am doing with all the prep work God has put into my life. What does God want to do with the rest of my life? I wish I knew and I thank Franklin for raising the question and making me uneasy in my own skin. Now, if I could find some answers...
Recommends it for:
anyone; both Christians and others would enjoy this book.
Recommended to William by:
Franklin Graham
Get to know the man who is the driving force behind Samaritan's Purse.
What's it like to be the son of a famous evangelist? How could you ever meet everyone's expectations? Franklin had to be himself, and he had very wise parents who allowed him to work through the process of learning who he was supposed to be, and becoming that person.
God's perfect timing of events is very evident throughout this book.
Recommended to Brandon by:
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
This was my second book that I read from Mr. Graham. While I'm admittedly not a fan of his method of teaching scripture (nor his interpretation of it), Graham has done a great job with this book in describing his own journey of faith. Growing up as the son of the president's pastor was rocky for Franklin, but this book shows the importance of faith and the power of God's love.
Up to page 137, this is a folksy autobiography with a good mix of humor, boyhood angst, and glimpses into growing up as a Graham. Soon after this point, the book becomes a mixture of wonderful big hearted acts and annoying arrogance. I suspect Franklin will continue to be a bold public figure for many more years.
This book was a good autobiography. I knew nothing about Franklin, except that his organization sponsored the shoe box donations for Christmas. His life story made for an interesting read. However, I didn't get anything out of it spiritually. That was a disappointment.
Recommended to Jax by:
I heard about it on a radio ad, and got it shipped to me free...
Absolutely phenomenal! This guy has such a wonderful writing style as well. I was laughing through most of this book at some of the adventures this man has had! Amazing book. You can see why he really is a man of God. Samaratins Purse is blessed to have a founder like this one!
Franklin tells his early life story and gives real insight into the Graham family that isn't like the larger than life image that is generally known. It is a book that could inspire someone who is caught in a series of bad choices. I felt it was well written and captivating.
A good description of someone who is doing a huge amount to help the hurting people of the world. The son of Billy Graham, he suffered and rebelled through his youth, then found what was right for him and grew into the man he is today.
A great read.
I fell in love with Franklin. None of us can imagine being the first born son of such a famous and accomplished man. He had a few rough years, although not as rough as mine. But he found himself and found his calling. He is doing a remarkable work for God.
Really good read. Actually, a page-turner for me. This guy's interesting. Not a non-conformist, per se, as the term is known colloquially, but rather a guy who follows the path of genuineness, warts & all. Franklin Graham's the real deal.
I put off reading this forever and I'm not sure why. But I really enjoyed reading about his life. I also really enjoyed the stories of the some of the places Samaritan's Purse has been and the goals of that organization.