Franklin Graham Reflects on Lessons From Billy Graham in Father's Day Video
Franklin Graham spoke about the greatest lessons that he's learned from his father, the world-renown evangelist Billy Graham, on the Father's Day edition of AOL.com's “You’ve Got” program.
The program, which highlights top politicians, celebrities and people of interest, sends off inspirational messages to the public. Past participants have included Ted Haggard, former pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, and Joel and Victoria Osteen of Lakewood Church in Houston.
Franklin Graham’s message was: "You’ve got…to learn from your father."
Graham praised his father and reflected on the lessons he's learned from him over the years.
“Being the son of Billy Graham is interesting because he is such a fantastic person, he’s bigger than life. My father always wanted to lift people up, he always showed respect, even to his enemies and I remember that, it has helped me in life," said Franklin Graham, who now follows in his father's footsteps as an evangelist and president and CEO of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
As a father himself, the 58-year-old advised fathers to remember how important it is to recognize that "the greatest investment that any of us fathers can make is in our children. Love your kids, be honest with them but set the example at home."
Graham reflected over continuing to carry on his father’s traditions as an adult and passing it on to his own children. He highlighted that one of the greatest lessons his father taught him was "to love the Bible" as well as to keep morning and evening devotions every day.
He passed on the tradition to his children, including Will Graham who also works at BGEA, where now even his grandchildren get to participate in daily devotionals.
"One of the things that my father did at home was we had devotions every morning and every evening. My family, my children, we started that practice and I noticed that my children now do that with their children," said Graham.
He concluded his "You've Got" message by reminding everyone to express their love to their fathers.
“It’s Father’s Day, call your dad, go visit him if you can and let him know how much you love him. Happy Father’s Day.”