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Mike Huckabee Statement on Death of Billy Graham

Mike Huckabee

February 21, 2018

When the news broke that Billy Graham had died, my first reaction was “Now there’s a real example of ‘Fake News.’” Billy Graham has passed from this life for sure at the age of 99, but he is anything but dead. He is more alive now than ever before, and living a life that will never end.

That was the message of Billy Graham’s life. Didn’t matter if he was talking to Presidents, Popes, Prime Ministers, or ordinary people he stuck to the stuff of a very simple message that we are sinners and Jesus Christ is our hope to be rescued from our sins.

He would be criticized and sometimes held in contempt by the elites and academics for such a simple message, but while the critics came and went, Billy Graham never turned to the right or left, but kept his eye on the Cross.

His personal life was one of financial and personal integrity. Constantly under assault by those who tried to catch him in either a financial or moral failure, he lived a circumspect life and went beyond reason to stay pure in his life so that his message was never compromised.

He was the greatest man of our time. His influence was bigger than any of the people who temporarily held an office or had a fortune. His power was never his, but that of Christ, and his fortune was massive, but not on earth, but stored in the incorruptible vaults of Heaven.

There may never be another like him and for that we should be saddened. But for that same reason, we should be grateful to God to have lived during the time of the most influential human being in our lifetime and the most potent force of Christianity since the Apostle Paul.

To his family, we extend our profound condolences, but to God we extend our profound thanks for sending this man to earth and working through him in such an unmatched manner.

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Comments 1-50 of 231

  • Ernest Tillman

    05/17/2018 12:27 PM

    The WORLD sure did love Billy Graham........he was VERY POPULAR..........just the EXACT OPPOSITE OF JESUS CHRIST.......

  • Vi McMillan

    03/09/2018 08:31 PM

    You are SO RIGHT in your comments. I have loved his message since he started preaching. I am only 81 years old, but Billy Graham’s preaching was my favorite TV show. Our loss, heaven’s gain!

  • David Bevil

    03/09/2018 03:03 PM

    I felt such a loss at his passing for myself and us. We will never see his like again.

  • Sharon Foust

    03/09/2018 12:52 PM

    That is a beautiful tribute to Rev Graham. Thank you Governor.

  • Barbara Abbey

    03/07/2018 09:00 PM

    Do it again Lord! Do it again Lord! Do it again Lord !

  • Connie Haiko Nielsen

    03/03/2018 03:03 PM

    Thank you mr. Huckabee for such an eloquent statement about dr. Billy Graham. You most eloquently put into words what I was feeling in my heart about this amazing human being. Indeed we were fortunate enough to have seen and heard him preach the truth and some of us had the distinct opportunity to meet this man face to face. It must have been like meeting one of the Apostles Peter or Paul. It is truly a shameful thing when this world does not recognize who this man was and what his message was. Actually, it was more a sad sad thing but then only the Holy Spirit can't open the ears of the deaf and the eyes of the blind. At first I was angry to see very little coverage on this man's passing. With the exception of Fox News and TBN Christian station there was virtually no coverage or minimal at best. 30 to 60 Seconds! I was angry but then the Holy Spirit reminded me that this is the world and what the world system is about.

    I am eternally grateful that the Holy Spirit open my eyes and open my ears to the most wonderful miraculous blessed truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to pray that the Lord would open the eyes and the ears of more human beings to hear Jesus is good news and secondly instead of getting mad or angry we should be sad and heartbroken for those who refuse the greatest gift they could ever possibly want or need in their lifetimes. Also I am humbly grateful for the individuals in my family, friends, and myself that the Lord chose to open our eyes and our ears and our hearts to him! Heavenly Father Lord Jesus and holy spirit with everything that is within me I praise and bless your mighty name! Please continue to open up the eyes and the ears of the hearts of others to hear the most precious good news this world has ever received. And thank you mr. Huckabee for your message and those like it. It is very fitting. God bless you mr. Huckabee!

  • Karen Forsman

    02/25/2018 10:48 PM

    I remember sending you a message saying how much I respected you politically but felt you were missing the spiritual angle, as you will always be one of Gods messengers. I now feel you have been chosen by God to help us get through this mess we are in. Letting people see Christ through us is so hard I know. I have to work at it everyday. I choose to take Gods word literally . The more people try to rewrite the Bible the bigger mess they make. Every night at supper time we pray for our Country . our President, and now you that your message will be heard. I really know you are Christs ambassador, and Trumps ambassador and friend. May God Bless you in your work for him and a grateful citizen.

  • Christina Tritch

    02/25/2018 06:11 PM

    I feel so blessed to have lived in a time when Billy Graham preached the Gospel. Whenever his crusades were on, my mom made sure we gathered around the set to watch them. We live in a vastly changing world and you are so right - there may never be another man or person like him. I loved his quote from a few years ago about when the time would come that he passed away, "Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God." He is indeed there and our loss is Heaven's gain. God bless Billy Graham for a job well done.

  • Deloris Philpot

    02/25/2018 12:20 PM

    I read your articles all the time, and agree with your view points on everything I have read so far.

  • Wendell R. Conner

    02/25/2018 07:34 AM

    I read them Mike, I voted for you in our primary and I appreciate what you stand for. You raised a wonderful daughter BTW we love Sarah, Sarah Huckabee 2024 !?

  • Linda Downes

    02/24/2018 09:09 PM

    Very well said. All is true. Thank you for sharing your heart. Reverend Graham is indeed alive , well and rejoicing with his Jesus. ??

  • Dan Van Laar

    02/24/2018 04:35 PM

    Billy Graham is a person we can all look up to as an excellent example of how to live a clean life pleasing to God and never swaying to left or right. Keep the message simple and pure. God loves us and wants to forgive us of our sins all we need to do is ask him. Billy preached it, I believe it. May God be praised for his grace and mercy!

  • Cheryl Walker

    02/24/2018 01:17 PM

    Governor Huckabee, Thank you for your kind and poignant words. Billy Graham will be sorely missed, and I am grateful to God that I lived during his time and enjoyed hearing him on many occasions on TV. I also thank God for men like you who share those values and will state them publicly. I enjoy watching you on television also, and hope that someday soon I may be able to come to the Nashville area and see your show in person.

  • Janet Smith

    02/24/2018 07:21 AM

    I grew up watching Billy Graham with my Grandmother. He was an amazing person and I admired him greatly. I believe he has a very special place in Heaven. Thank you Governor for your article.

  • Margo Shearer

    02/23/2018 08:58 PM

    In 1957 I heard the gospel for the first time at the Billy Graham crusade in Sacramento. My entire direction and meaning for my life changed forever. I have lived a life worth living and a cause worth dying for.
    Thank you Billy for fulfilling the call Jesus put on your life. The entire world has been affected by your example. Many are and will be rejoicing in eternity because of your faithfulness .

  • Dan Ward

    02/23/2018 08:09 PM

    A great man of God, NOT a Prostetant pope as he himself would never subscribe to either being great or the latter reference. Have heard him at a crusade as a child and as an adult seen through the life that he lived exemplifed what true discpliseship is. Pray that I can live as he did and my life be an example to others. ISAIAH 40:31

  • Linda Pedersen

    02/23/2018 07:39 PM

    Thank you, Mike Huckabee for writing such a beautiful tribute to a true Man of God! His death still brings tears to my eyes, but know that he is hanging out with Jesus in Heaven! Want to be there some day! So thankful that I grew up listening to this special, special man!

  • Marian Langston

    02/23/2018 05:10 PM

    YOU are so right, Governor Huckabee. Let us not forget that this life on earth is temporary; it's what lies in the future of which we should all be concerned. As Dr Graham stated...he was just traveling through this world, on his way to see Jesus in Heaven. AMEN

  • Mrs. Mike Fisher

    02/23/2018 04:45 PM

    We were reading the newspaper this morning and the various comments on the Editorial Page referencing the death of Billy Graham. We came to the conclusion that the commentators, editors, etc. just didn't know how to write about a man like Dr. Graham. To be honest, it became apparent they did not have an understanding of who he was and what he did. And then we came to your comments, Gov. Huckabee, later in the day as we were checking our email. Thank you! You expressed the truth about the life of a common man who loved Jesus and desired to honor Him in everything he did. That made Billy "uncommon" to the world. And so, Billy Graham is "truly anything but dead. He is more alive now than ever before, and living a life that will never end." So saith you, Gov. Huckabee, and we couldn't agree more!

  • Anita Moore

    02/23/2018 02:36 PM

    I shall never forget the first time I saw Dr. Graham in person. It was at a crusade. When he walked up to preach, I couldn't move. I just stood there. I thought to myself right away, "This is what Jesus is like." I was in the presence of a man who represented Jesus. It was overwhelming. After hearing the message, I rededicated my life to Christ that night as a 14 year old. Hundreds of people walked onto the field and lives were changed forever. How I loved that man.

  • carole braden

    02/23/2018 02:16 PM

    he was the light in the midst of the storm

  • Angela Schmidt

    02/23/2018 12:52 PM

    Well said! I remember that some people looked at Billy and his team and tried to dig up some dirt on him, but they could find nothing to report as he and his team were careful to live in such a manner, even when traveling, that they were totally above approach. What a sterling example to the rest of us! Although we are to look to Jesus as our example, and not to any man, Billy was a wonderful example for us to follow with his pure living and simple message. I can only imagine the celebration in heaven when he finally made it home!

  • Kelly D Allen

    02/23/2018 12:45 PM

    Short and sweet, Governor. Excellent. Even though volumes could be written of the accomplishments of Rev. Graham. His greatest being have led millions to a saving knowledge of CHRIST JESUS as their personal Savior. Many a night I would watch on our old black and white, 3 channel television when I was child to the message sent by GOD through HIS messenger, Billy Graham, at one of his many crusades. Both humbling in his sermon and at the same time inspiring. I don't know how many times I have cried tears of joy as I would watch the front of the podium in large stadiums filled to bursting as thousands poured from their seats to accept CHRIST.
    Perhaps Rev. Graham's greatest accomplishment was how his children have carried on the message of CHRIST in their own ministries. I heartily recommend supporting Franklin Graham's Samaritan Purse ministry and Anne Graham Lotz's ministry, Angel Ministries. Oh, that parents today would raise their children in the same fashion and teach them the ways of the GOD MOST HIGH. How far and beyond anything as filling and satisfying as knowing HIM. They could never receive from this world, which waxes exceedingly evil day by day, anything or anyone who can fill the empty void inside of them!
    I never Billy Graham. I have never even had the privilege of hearing him in person. But I know, by the grace, mercy and salvation that I have in my LORD JESUS, I will one day shake this man's hand, with a big hug, and be able to tell him "THANK YOU FOR BEING OBEDIENT TO THE CALL OF GOD! It blessed me in ways I can never say!".
    Thanks, Huck. And shame be upon any publication, MSM or person who would malign such a servant of the MOST HIGH GOD!
    Your brother in CHRIST!
    Kelly D. Allen
    Maranatha!

  • Norman R. Able

    02/23/2018 09:51 AM

    Thank you for your fitting and truthful tribute to a great champion for Jesus Christ & His Church! I've said a prayer for his family & will continue to do so. I have no doubt as to his faith & relationship with the Lord, so don't worry (perhaps even envy at times!) his final destination, heaven! For now, have a blessed life. Treasure the moments, they will never return! Psalm 73:26

  • Dr. Lisa Cheryl Thomas

    02/23/2018 09:31 AM

    Ouachita summa cum laude graduate and your friend from Hope, AR.: I bristled when Lester Holt on NBC said in his comments about Billy Graham two days ago that he was not without fault because he supported the Viet Nam war and admittedly got too close to Nixon, mentioning in the same breath the Watergate scandal. I sent NBC a comment on their website that Lester was playing God to charge him with "fault" and that he was somehow associating him with the Watergate scandal by mentioning it in the same breath.

  • Michael Vanlandingham

    02/23/2018 07:11 AM

    Each time I was blessed to hear and see Mr Graham, I said a silent prayer for him and ask Jesus to forgive me of my sins. His ministry to all was spiritually powerful.

  • CAMILLE ADAIR

    02/23/2018 04:05 AM

    I HAVE KNOWN OF AND LISTENED TO AND RESPECTED REVEREND BILLY GRAHAM ALMOST ALL OF MY LIFE, HAVING BEEN REARED IN A SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHRISTIAN HOME IN NE LOUISIANA. MY SISTER, NIECE AND I WENT TO HIS CRUSADE IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE IN THE '90'S. IT WAS SO INSPIRING AND ALSO HEARD THE WONDERFUL MICHAEL SMITH PERFORM HIS GREAT MUSIC. I HAVE HEARD SOME OF OUR MODERN-DAY PROPHETS SAY THAT AT BILLY GRAHAM'S DEATH, WE WILL WITNESS ONE OF THE GREATEST MOVEMENTS OF GOD IN AMERICA WE HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED! I PRAY THIS IS SO. WE CERTAINLY NEED IT NOW, MORE THAN EVER. I WANT MY SWEET, PRECIOUS GRANDCHILDREN TO GROW UP AND LIVE THEIR ADULT LIVES IN A GOOD, KIND, DECENT, CHRISTIAN AMERICA. THAT IS MY FERVENT PRAYER FOR OUR FUTURE. I AM 77 YEARS OLD AND CLING TO THE WONDERFUL PROMISE," I HAVE BEEN YOUNG AND NOW I AM OLD AND I HAVE NOT SEEN THE RIGHTEOUS FORSAKEN OR HIS SEED BEGGING BREAD." PRAISE THE LORD!! THANK YOU , MIKE HUCKABEE, FOR YOUR UNIQUE CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR CULTURE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. CAMILLE ADAIR P.S. I MET YOU AND SHOOK YOUR HAND WHEN YOU WERE AUTOGRAPHING YOUR BOOK AT A CHRISTIAN LIFE BOOKSTORE IN MONROE, LA. A FEW YEARS AGO!!

  • Jim Brookins

    02/23/2018 12:36 AM

    Mike, your commentary on Billy Graham brings the truth of our Savoir Jesus Christ to refreshing light. This hope is brought to all who accept Christ Jesus died on the cross for the payment of our sin. Knowing that after this life we simply move to heaven as you stated Billy Graham is more alive today than ever. While Billy Graham influenced millions he would be hard to compete within that rank. I pray that God continues to use His people in such influential ways that we don't hold back to His calling.

  • William R. Van Skiver

    02/23/2018 12:28 AM

    Dear Mike,
    Your tribute to Rev. Billy Graham was, for the lack of a better word, Great! Your mention of Billy's earthly wealth, and most importantly as you pointed out, treasures in Heaven reminded me of a passage in Proverbs that says, "wisdom is more precious than gold." That cannot be understated! Sadly, the world we live in now, as a whole is in short supply of it, not to mention meekness, kindness, patience, long-suffering, forgiveness, empathy, and above all, LOVE, which Jesus exemplified in all of these and more! I'm 65 now, and remember Billy's sermons from the late '50's on. The hymn they always played at the end, "Just As I Am" has always been my favorite along with my late parents. My Mother, Arlene, passed away the 31st of Oct. in 2017. I was blessed to be at her bedside when she went to be with the Lord at 6:20 AM that Tues morning, but not before I tried my best to sing that hymn to her. I say I tried, as I'm no Robert Goulet. I know if she were still alive to see the news about Rev. Graham's passing, and I were there with her, I'd be quickly reaching for the box of tissues, as she was the most gentle, sensitive, and caring person I've ever known in my life. I thank God for not only Billy, but many who are still out there in the trenches who continue to win souls for God in Jesus' name despite the daily attacks leveled at them and those of us who aren't afraid to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rest in Peace Billy, and thank you again for your service! And God bless Franklin's work with Samaritan's Purse!!! Amen.....!

  • Judi Duffy

    02/22/2018 11:44 PM

    Thank you, Gov. Mike -- well-said and pleasing to God-loving sinners like us all!

  • John Metcalf

    02/22/2018 11:04 PM

    I am 72 years old which tells you I grew up in the 50's and 60's watching Billy Graham crusades on our local channels. When it was announced on TV, everyone would be sharing with their neighbors and church members, "Did you hear Billy Graham is on TV this week." We knew we were in for quite a treat because we had witnessed his powerful preaching on TV several times. It seems I remember my mother and dad going to a crusade in St. Louis in 1953. I was 8 years old at the time and did not attend. Sure wish I had been older since I would probably have been attending. Billy Graham explained the Gospel clearly that all wanted to embrace it.

  • Derrol F Bryn

    02/22/2018 10:22 PM

    Amen. I read today the greatest evangelist since Apostle Paul. Grew up watching and listening to him with my Grandma.

  • David Ray

    02/22/2018 10:08 PM

    Billy has been my hero for many years. Heaven has gained a wonderful addition!

  • Marion Baddorf

    02/22/2018 10:02 PM

    Amen

  • Susan Malone

    02/22/2018 09:44 PM

    Thank you Mike! I really enjoyed your comments regarding Billy Graham! Billy has finally come home to the Lord! Now that puts a smile on my face! Who could ask for anything more than living in eternity with our Lord? I hope I can meet him in heaven one day since I was not able to meet in when he was here on earth. Thank you again!
    I enjoy your newsletters, so please keep writing!
    Many blessings to you!

  • Myra Derry

    02/22/2018 09:33 PM

    I was lucky enough to have seen Billy Graham in person TWICE ! in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at (I believe it was called) the Arena! My Mom brought me when I was around 9 years old and then I went once with my youth group at my church when I was about 15 years old. Such a wonderful experience to see this man of God!

  • Mark Kelan Harbour

    02/22/2018 08:51 PM

    My dad would pack us kids in the car and drive us an hour each way to the Crusades, every night, wherever we lived. If Billy Graham was within a hundred miles, we would be there. The last time i saw him up close, was in Anaheim, about 1971. We kids could sing all six stanzas of Just As I Am from memory. My dad (SBC pastor) once was at the same table with him at a pastors' convention. At the end of a big banquet came a big slice of strawberry pie that was served to each guest. Dad says, everyone watched as Billy Graham ate one bite, then pushed the dish aside, indicating his enjoyment, but also a great example of self-control.

  • Anita Barker

    02/22/2018 08:31 PM

    I greatly appreciate your wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. Gone but not forgotten. Anita.

  • Nelbert Corgey

    02/22/2018 08:28 PM

    Mike, thanks for a wonderful tribute to a giant of a man. You always have a way to bring great clarity to any subject. You were always hands down the winner in every presidential debate that you took part.
    God bless and keep up the good work.

  • Leonard L.Swavrly

    02/22/2018 08:25 PM

    Thank you Mr. Huckabee for your tribute to Billy Graham. It’s been said that, “There are no great men, only men that God uses greatly.” Well, I respectfully disagree. Billy Graham was a great man that God used greatly! I feel much the same about you and the message that you continue to bring to the American people. I admire your steadfast love and devotion to this country and your unwavering faith that brings much needed hope for our country. Keep preaching and teaching my good brother and serving Him and our fellow man. God bless you and your family. My prayers are with you!

  • Carol Lessig

    02/22/2018 07:46 PM

    Thank you for the great testimony about Billy Graham. Every word was true. He should be the example every pastor emulates.

  • Edgar Tucker

    02/22/2018 07:45 PM

    Billy Graham was the person that led me to our lord and savior Jesus Christ.I guess you could call it breaking the ice,so I knew there was this feeling of acceptance when I watched the people walk down toward him on the stage and he came off the stage and starting praying,,,it was one of the most moving moments of my life.

  • Aaron Young

    02/22/2018 07:14 PM

    Great comments on Billy Graham and I couldn't agree more Mike. He is rejoicing right now in heaven. He was a huge inspiration in my life and someone I look up to more than just about anyone else. He truly did love the Lord with all of his heart, mind, soul and strength and lived out his life as a true Christian soldier. I know he has a great reward in heaven and I'm sure as he entered those pearly gates he was welcomed and heard these words: "Well done good and faithful servant!" Praise be to God for men like Billy Graham.

  • steve Sherry

    02/22/2018 07:07 PM

    It was 55 yrs ago on my couch that I listened to him during one of crusades on tv. I listened Friday & Saturday nights. I was captivated I said the sinners prayer he lead.I started reading the Bible & couldnt put it down. My life changed that evening & I was never the same. I found a church & never looked back. He was one of my 3 hero's in life that I've often told my six kids about.

  • Luzell Bennett

    02/22/2018 07:07 PM

    You did so well in your message on Billy Graham, he was truly one of a kind.

  • Paula Conley

    02/22/2018 06:57 PM

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR WONDERFIL THOUGHTS. I REMEMBER FULTON SHEEN WHEN I WAS YOUNGER. THEN HEARD BILLY GRAHAM AND FELT BLESSED AGAIN. WHAT WONDERFUL MESSENGERS I HAVE HEARD IN MY LIFE. PLEASE HELP US TO STAY ON THE RIGHT TRACK MIKE FOR FAITH AND JUSTICE . THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.

  • Stanley dewayne ashe

    02/22/2018 06:37 PM

    Mike that was well said the way you worded everything was truly inspirational you are also a great Godly man Mr.Huckabee I am truly as a young preacher inspired by you and Mr .Graham was truly a man of very Great Integrity thank you Brother Mike for following God And also being a man of Great integrity

  • Marietta Schell

    02/22/2018 06:23 PM

    Governor Huckabee, Thank you so much for your kind words to honor the Reverend Billy Graham. He was instrumental in me coming to know the Lord Jesus in a personal way. You wrote about him so eloquently and I'm sure he has many meeting him on the other side! And Governor, Thank you for all that you do as well. We Love You! Sincerely,
    Marietta

  • Robert H. Reese

    02/22/2018 06:16 PM

    One evening in the early 1960's I watched a TV broadcast of The Hour of Decision. At the end of the message, I got down on my knees on the living room floor and cried bitter tears of sorrow and remorse while committing my life to Christ. Dr. Graham's ministry to me has had a great impact on my family and an unknown number of others. He did not live his life in vain.
    A brief anecdote: Dr. Billy was in the company of Dr. Carl Barth, the great Swedish theologian at a seminary seminar. One of the students asked what Dr. Barth thought was the greatest truth of the bible? Everyone expected a deeply profound academic response. Dr. Barth answer was something no one would have trouble understanding. He answered: "Jesus loves me this I know for the bible tells me so."
    Dr. Graham's message was always that simple - salvation was free, an act of God's Grace.

  • Muriel Jean Revier

    02/22/2018 05:57 PM

    AMEN, AMEN, AMEN PRAISE THE LORD FOR BILLY GRAHAM,~~

Mike Huckabee

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