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Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham
by
Billy Graham
In this account of his life, Billy Graham shares how he came from ordinary beginnings to have an extraordinary life of prestige and influence - all derived from his unshakable belief in Christ.
Hardcover
,
760 pages
Published
April 10th 1997
by HarperOne
(first published January 1st 1997)
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Community Reviews
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I learned much about humility and being a true servant of God from this book, and I recommend it highly.
I always wondered what it was about Billy Graham and I found out when I read this book. He is a humble man, a true servant of God, who took all things to the Lord, no matter what it was, before he made any decision!!
I recall a story from the book where Pastor Graham is flying over the middle east, wondering how he was going to speak to the people there about Jesus. And he thought, this is whe ...more
I always wondered what it was about Billy Graham and I found out when I read this book. He is a humble man, a true servant of God, who took all things to the Lord, no matter what it was, before he made any decision!!
I recall a story from the book where Pastor Graham is flying over the middle east, wondering how he was going to speak to the people there about Jesus. And he thought, this is whe ...more
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I found Billy's store very encouraging and challenging. His humility comes through in this long story. He preached the Gospel on every continent; most amazing were the doors open to preach in the Soviet Union, China and North Korea. Reading of his friendships with every president since Eisenhower was wonderful because he demonstrated the love of Christ to these powerful people. Billy's interaction with these presidents serves as a lesson for all of us for he did not get involved in politics, he
...more
Christianity Today is one of several organizations that Billy Graham helped launch. I figured that since I knew next to nothing about the man besides "Billy the Evangelist," I would read Graham's 700-page autobiography, published in 1997. After tracing his Southern roots and recapping the highlights of his overseas evangelism work, Graham moves into the most intriguing sections: his relationships with the Presidents and foreign diplomats. Graham was always intentional about forming friendships w
...more
Mar 04, 2011
Deb
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
biography
,
christianity
It takes a while to get through this biography, but then Mr. Graham has done a lot in his eventful life. The book goes through his life chronologically, and it reads as if Mr. Graham was telling stories about what happened during tha time of his life. So often he will throw in a little rememberance that is only a couple of paragraphs long. It makes for a real personal feel to the book.[return]I enjoyed this book immensely. Some chapters were of less interest than others of course, my favorites w
...more
I enjoyed this autiobiography of Billy Graham. When Dr. Graham was in Louisville in June of 2001, I was a counselor for the Crusade and it was a pleasure to hear him tell all of us the simple, pure Gospel of Jesus Christ. I was still attending The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky and would graduate in December 2002. This was right before 9/11/2001. Very personable man who loves to preach the Gospel and serve others.
A great overview of Billy Graham's career. At the end, I felt a bit disheartened because the reflections it contained seemed, for the most part, only surface-level deep. Knowing about his son Franklin's struggles--which the family overcame--I had hoped to read more about the heart of a father as it related to his ministry. Unfortunately, this seemed more like a rundown of factual events, a general accounting of various crusades and the numbers attended. As much as Billy Graham has experienced pe
...more
Jul 21, 2010
Reid
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
biography
,
christian-biography
L O N G book!
Graham records his early life, becoming a Christian, and the way he was called to be an evangelist and set up an organization.
The interesting anecdotes of the crusades, the relationships with the famous drew me back into my own history trying to remember what each decade was like for me and where Graham was making history during my own life.
Each chapter read like an interesting magazine article.
I was most captivated by his personal comments at the end of the book. His reflections on ...more
Graham records his early life, becoming a Christian, and the way he was called to be an evangelist and set up an organization.
The interesting anecdotes of the crusades, the relationships with the famous drew me back into my own history trying to remember what each decade was like for me and where Graham was making history during my own life.
Each chapter read like an interesting magazine article.
I was most captivated by his personal comments at the end of the book. His reflections on ...more
I read this book during one of the summers of my high school years, and its impression on me has never left. As a Christian, Billy Graham is one of my personal heroes, and reading his life story from his own "lips" was a genuine thrill. Learning about the amazing things which God allowed Billy to experience provide a powerful comfort to Christians who may be wondering deep down if God can really use anyone.
There are accounts in the book which can't be taken as anything but divine Providence. Fo ...more
There are accounts in the book which can't be taken as anything but divine Providence. Fo ...more
I grew up being continually exposed to BGEA and purchased this book to clarify some history I already had a some of knowledge about. This is not a hard hitting tell all book in any way shape or form. There are no deep dark secrets exposed and Mr. Graham never takes the kid gloves off. Being interested in his encounters with several Presidents I paid particular attention as he talked about his relationships with Gen. Eisenhower, JFK, LBJ, RMN, Carter, RWR, GHWB, Bubba & HRC. I was greatly dis
...more
I grew up in a generation that applied a synonymous meaning to spiritual things and Billy Graham. This broad based summary of Billy Graham life is both detailed and inspiring.The book chronicles his life from his early years all the way through to 1996 and tells of his influence as an evangelist literally over the entire globe.
I had no idea Billy Graham lead such an interesting life. I mean I knew he was widely known as an evangelist but had no idea he personally knew every president since Truman. It was amazing to see how he consistently gave credit to the Lord and the power of prayer for his blessed ministry.
A long biogrpahy of a remarkable life. Even with all his high profile contacts and being known as the President's preacher, the book retains his humility and honesty. He has made no attempt to paint a larger than life image and has been open with his shortcomings.
Billy's best career move? Death !
After a guy at a men's Bible study kept referencing Billy Graham, I thought, I should read his autobiography. That would be interesting. Boy, was I right.
1. It's so long. He has lived an amazing, rich life. He has done phenomenal work. He has met lots of famous people. He has preached to millions. But, I kept thinking, I'm 250 pages into this book and not half way through yet. I'm 300 pages into this book and not half way through yet. I'm 400 pages into this book and I'm only half way through i ...more
1. It's so long. He has lived an amazing, rich life. He has done phenomenal work. He has met lots of famous people. He has preached to millions. But, I kept thinking, I'm 250 pages into this book and not half way through yet. I'm 300 pages into this book and not half way through yet. I'm 400 pages into this book and I'm only half way through i ...more
Nov 30, 2014
Tiff Miller
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
autobiography
,
christian-non-fiction
,
christianity
,
non-fiction
,
faith
,
own
,
religion
Wow. This tome took me almost a full year to read. While I normally read through books at a much faster pace, this book was far too meaty to tackle it in one go. There were plenty of weeks in which I did not pick it up at all, because the information within was overwhelming at times.
Billy Graham is someone my dad always had great respect for. I have never known much about him other than that he is one of the world's most prolific evangelists, and through his preaching, thousands upon thousands h ...more
Billy Graham is someone my dad always had great respect for. I have never known much about him other than that he is one of the world's most prolific evangelists, and through his preaching, thousands upon thousands h ...more
This one actually probably gets three and a half stars, but as I can't give half stars its just three (sorry Billy).
Not terribly deep in terms of spirituality, but there's a lot of wisdom that could, certainly, be applied to the practical side of ministry.
The other major value I derived from it is the interesting historical perspective, and coming from a man whose life and ministry has helped to define so much of modern evangelicalism I'd say its definately full worthy of the read. I particularl ...more
Not terribly deep in terms of spirituality, but there's a lot of wisdom that could, certainly, be applied to the practical side of ministry.
The other major value I derived from it is the interesting historical perspective, and coming from a man whose life and ministry has helped to define so much of modern evangelicalism I'd say its definately full worthy of the read. I particularl ...more
A straightforward history more than revealing autobiography "Just As I Am" reveals nothing particularly novel about Billy Graham... except for his humanity. If you are looking for great revelation, sordid details, or surprising secrets look elsewhere. In this book Rev. Graham lists out clearly if not plainly the events of his life, the roots of his "fame" in the Los Angeles preaching crusades, on through his later life.
What I found most telling is ability to speak positively and warmly about eve ...more
What I found most telling is ability to speak positively and warmly about eve ...more
This is a book in which you feel you accomplished something when you finished it; very long, but very informative. Dr. Graham has had an amazing life as he took his role in doing the Great Commission seriously. It was amazing how he stayed focused on everything that he was involved in on the process of sharing the Good News, yet he admitted many times in the book that it was God and the great team of people he was blessed with. His family concerns, his personal experiences with every president i
...more
Fair book. Tells Billy's life in a fair and honest way. Graham has liberal tendencies and they did not come later in life but were there from the beginning. He is a perplexing man-- he can be so clear on the gospel but so murky in practice. He has made a difference in the world that is for sure --even in my life, so I thank God for him. This is definitely a good biography to read.
I enjoyed this autobiography a lot more than I thought I would. The first 100 pages were a little slow for me but when he got into the part where his life intersected with events and people I remembered, it became much more interesting.
Billy Graham is an admirable man for many reasons: his life-long commitment to his mission; his honesty and integrity; his strong sense of humility and appreciation for those working with him.
He respected and built bridges with people of many beliefs. This seems t ...more
Billy Graham is an admirable man for many reasons: his life-long commitment to his mission; his honesty and integrity; his strong sense of humility and appreciation for those working with him.
He respected and built bridges with people of many beliefs. This seems t ...more
Feb 23, 2012
Kimberly
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
stalled-out-right-now
I was privileged to see Billy Graham in person (and even sat very near the front...next to a young man from Kimberley, South Africa), so this book has been on my 'To Read' list for years!
I finally grabbed it at the church library 2 weeks ago. I only read it at bedtime, so I'm not getting anywhere fast....and since it's a HUGE book, it may be a while. *LOL*
It was a little slow getting started, and he has a tendency to slide from one thing right into another...which makes it hard to find a stoppin ...more
I finally grabbed it at the church library 2 weeks ago. I only read it at bedtime, so I'm not getting anywhere fast....and since it's a HUGE book, it may be a while. *LOL*
It was a little slow getting started, and he has a tendency to slide from one thing right into another...which makes it hard to find a stoppin ...more
The humility and integrity of Billy Graham oozes out of this book as are many surprising anecdotes (such as the teetotal Graham being given $25,000 by a wealthy donor before the Haringey campaign in order to spend on drink - because the Brits love their booze).
I now have a renewed desire to listen to Dr. Graham's early sermons on YouTube from the 1950's and 60's. Any autobiography contains a lot of travelogue, but since Dr. Graham consistently gives God the credit for any success, I really enjoyed this history of how He grew His Church through the Billy Graham TEAM. Truly a faithful and Godly man. LORD, send us another Billy for this generation!
I first read it when it first came out, largely because it overlapped with my MA Thesis on Henrietta Mears. I have re-read parts lately and if you like biographies it is a great read. A humble man who let God use him for great things.
Great insight into the humble beginnings (okay, you'll find him admitting to his arrogance at one point early on, when of course he got knocked flat on his .....) of this man who has so greatly influenced our modern society - for the good - whether or not you are a believer in his gospel message about Yahshua/Jesus.
His story is one that tells you, when you question "Who me," when feeling called to do something that you think is beyond your capabilities; because you see, that's just how the Good ...more
His story is one that tells you, when you question "Who me," when feeling called to do something that you think is beyond your capabilities; because you see, that's just how the Good ...more
Billy Graham is a remarkable man and has probably influenced more people than anyone else in the last century. Having seen him live in Sheffield, England, many years ago I was impressed by his sincerity, his openness and the feeling he was talking to me personally, despite the presence of 50,000 other people. This comes through in the book; whether presidents or paupers, rich or needy, I was left with the impression that he sees people as individuals and tries to meet their needs through leading
...more
This is a weighty tome.
Mostly this is the story of a North Carolina farm boy, as he puts it,
who was used mightily by the Lord in bringing probably hundreds of thousands
to salvation.
I could have done without the chapters about his friendships with US
presidents from Johnson to Clinton.
I don't think I ever saw Billy preach but when I brought up one of his
messages on Youtube his style immediately seemed familiar. Apparently
every imitation, or mockery, of preaching I have seen was drawing
inspirat ...more
Mostly this is the story of a North Carolina farm boy, as he puts it,
who was used mightily by the Lord in bringing probably hundreds of thousands
to salvation.
I could have done without the chapters about his friendships with US
presidents from Johnson to Clinton.
I don't think I ever saw Billy preach but when I brought up one of his
messages on Youtube his style immediately seemed familiar. Apparently
every imitation, or mockery, of preaching I have seen was drawing
inspirat ...more
Neat to learn about how his ministry started, and also to read about his interactions with various US presidents from LBJ onward.
This was a wonderfully easy book to read. He is so humble and open with his failures and accomplishments. Great read.
Inspiring view into the life of a great man. I'd be hard-pressed to think of anyone else who touched as many lives.
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husband to
Ruth Bell Graham
father of Ruth Graham , Gigi Graham Tchividjian , & Anne Graham Lotz , Nelson, & Franklin Graham
Dr. Billy Graham has authored more than 150 books.
Billy Graham's Son, Franklin Graham has taken the reigns of his ministry.
Billy Graham was married to Ruth (Bell) Graham until her death in 2007. Ruth Graham, was born Ruth Bell in Qingjiang, Kiangsu, China. Ruth's parents ...more
More about Billy Graham...
father of Ruth Graham , Gigi Graham Tchividjian , & Anne Graham Lotz , Nelson, & Franklin Graham
Dr. Billy Graham has authored more than 150 books.
Billy Graham's Son, Franklin Graham has taken the reigns of his ministry.
Billy Graham was married to Ruth (Bell) Graham until her death in 2007. Ruth Graham, was born Ruth Bell in Qingjiang, Kiangsu, China. Ruth's parents ...more
