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Footprints of a Pilgrim: The Life and Loves of Ruth Bell Graham
Footprints of a The Life and Loves of Ruth Bell Graham [Paperback] [Jan 01, 2001] Graham, Ruth Bell
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 43 reviews
March 3, 2016
I would love to own this book, to memorize and keep close her poetry, and to embody Ruth's spirit just a little bit more than I do.
What a beautiful glimpse into the life a faithful servant through her stories, her poetry, and the words of those who loved and knew her best.
I highly recommend for everyone.
What a beautiful glimpse into the life a faithful servant through her stories, her poetry, and the words of those who loved and knew her best.
I highly recommend for everyone.
June 12, 2023
A well written, journal of sorts, of Ruth's journey through life. Honest, realistic, comical, romantic, and very inspirational. It warms the reader's heart, to learn of how Ruth clung to Jesus through all the highs and lows~ in every stage of her life. She drew on God's strength and wisdom, and studied His Word faithfully. She encourages the reader to do likewise.
June 19, 2008
A sort of biography of Ruth Bell Graham's life, filled with her poetry. Includes early years in China, her love story with Billy Graham, and their adventures together.
A friend gave me this book, and I when I finally began thumbing through I was startled at the gentle beauty of the stories and poetry. Rosa, Ruth's sister, is teaching a Bible study on the book of Revelation at our church right now, and it's hilarious to read tales about her from long ago, such as when she kept a written list in college of all of her sister's dates (to total 52)! There are many other funny stories in this book, but imbued with Ruth & her family's amazing sense of peace because of their close walk and deep trust in God the Father. I'm really enjoying this one!
My favorite poems so far:
"Perhaps
she will land
upon That Shore,
not in full sail,
but rather,
a bit of broken wreckage
for Him
to gather.
Perhaps
He walks Those Shores
seeking such,
who have believed
a little,
suffered much
and so,
been washed Ashore.
Perhaps
of all the souls redeemed
they most
adore."
and this one...
"Those were no ordinary sheep...
no common flocks,
huddled in sleep
among the fields,
the layered rocks,
near Bethlehem
That Night;
but those
selected for the Temple sacrifice:
theirs to atone
for sins
they had not done.
How right
the angels should appear
to them
That Night.
Those were no unusual shepherds
there,
but outcast shepherds
whose usual care
of special sheep
made it impossible to keep
Rabbinic law,
which therefore banned them.
How right
the angels should appear
to them
That Night."
A friend gave me this book, and I when I finally began thumbing through I was startled at the gentle beauty of the stories and poetry. Rosa, Ruth's sister, is teaching a Bible study on the book of Revelation at our church right now, and it's hilarious to read tales about her from long ago, such as when she kept a written list in college of all of her sister's dates (to total 52)! There are many other funny stories in this book, but imbued with Ruth & her family's amazing sense of peace because of their close walk and deep trust in God the Father. I'm really enjoying this one!
My favorite poems so far:
"Perhaps
she will land
upon That Shore,
not in full sail,
but rather,
a bit of broken wreckage
for Him
to gather.
Perhaps
He walks Those Shores
seeking such,
who have believed
a little,
suffered much
and so,
been washed Ashore.
Perhaps
of all the souls redeemed
they most
adore."
and this one...
"Those were no ordinary sheep...
no common flocks,
huddled in sleep
among the fields,
the layered rocks,
near Bethlehem
That Night;
but those
selected for the Temple sacrifice:
theirs to atone
for sins
they had not done.
How right
the angels should appear
to them
That Night.
Those were no unusual shepherds
there,
but outcast shepherds
whose usual care
of special sheep
made it impossible to keep
Rabbinic law,
which therefore banned them.
How right
the angels should appear
to them
That Night."
December 12, 2014
I'm not sure why this book called to me to read. I'm not a fan of poetry, at least I don't think so, I haven't found any I particularly like yet in life. I also am not a Religious person so why did I choose this? I'm still not sure but it was an
Interesting read. I read some of her poetry and skipped quite a bit. I found it interesting on some of the occasion that she was writing about and the significant historical moments that were taking place. Most of the poetry was about Ruth feeling alone and lonely. She is to be admired for being the cornerstone for her family and husband and all the time he was away preaching. I thoroughly enjoyed the written parts and getting to know a glimpse of Ruth and wish the book has more meat to it to get to know her more, I would have gladly continued reading. It sounded like she had a special life right from childhood. A quick read, nothing I really took away from this book but to learn that Ruth was a smart, witty and much loved woman
Interesting read. I read some of her poetry and skipped quite a bit. I found it interesting on some of the occasion that she was writing about and the significant historical moments that were taking place. Most of the poetry was about Ruth feeling alone and lonely. She is to be admired for being the cornerstone for her family and husband and all the time he was away preaching. I thoroughly enjoyed the written parts and getting to know a glimpse of Ruth and wish the book has more meat to it to get to know her more, I would have gladly continued reading. It sounded like she had a special life right from childhood. A quick read, nothing I really took away from this book but to learn that Ruth was a smart, witty and much loved woman
April 10, 2018
The best part of this book was the poetry. Despite its simplicity, it is beautiful and easily relatable. I plan to read it aloud; probably many times over.
I loved finding out that Ruth was a missionary kid, and a feisty one at that.
I found a copy of this book while going through my late grandfather's possessions. He was of Ruth's generation, and what an amazing generation! May those who go behind me, find me as faithful.
I loved finding out that Ruth was a missionary kid, and a feisty one at that.
I found a copy of this book while going through my late grandfather's possessions. He was of Ruth's generation, and what an amazing generation! May those who go behind me, find me as faithful.
June 20, 2015
A lovely, leisurely read about Ruth Bell Graham...her childhood in China, how she met Bill in college, rearing of her children and having 2 prodigals, and many of her poems. Would have loved to have met her.
June 14, 2016
Deborah, Central patron, June 2016, 5 stars:
I enjoyed reading about Ruth Graham, her life before and after being married to Billy Graham. I read about her life as she grew up and being a parent. I enjoyed her poetry.
I enjoyed reading about Ruth Graham, her life before and after being married to Billy Graham. I read about her life as she grew up and being a parent. I enjoyed her poetry.
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July 27, 2011I enjoyed reading this little book. Ruth's poetry and little stories of her life we fun to read.
July 2, 2012
Love her and love her poetry!
September 19, 2012
I love this story of Ruth Bell Graham's life! I was certainly challenged to see a woman who laid down her life for the sake of the gospel. She has a legacy because of it.
February 28, 2013
Book #15 for 2013
January 23, 2014
Very enjoyable read! Makesme want to learn more about this wonderful woman.
March 19, 2017
For the last several weeks that particular book has been making itself seen on my bookshelf. So today I pulled it out and read it again.
August 8, 2017
What a fun-loving soul Ruth Bell Graham was, and a talented poet, as well. Her poems are simple and easy flowing, but also deep and insightful. I am sure that she is keeping heaven on its toes.
April 3, 2018
What a remarkable woman Ruth Bell Graham was. This book was just some snippets of her life, but I’m wanting more!
August 24, 2019
My friend Jeryl gave me this book and wrote in it that it is one of her favorite of all time and one she reads once a year.
The book is the poetry of Ruth Bell Graham as well as vinettes by her daughter Gigi, son Franklin, Patricia Cornwell (fiction crime writer who grew up near where Ruth was raising her family) and Jan Karon, an author I so enjoyed in the late 90s as Betsy Rush and I shared her books. The poetry is excellent, some from when she was a young girl, sent off to boarding school in what is now N. Korea. The book traces her life in a fresh way. I had read the biography of Ruth Bell Graham many years ago and that book was written by Patricia Cornwell.
I am on a spiritual and very restful retreat in Nepal, looking out at a beautiful view. I read the book in one day while on the retreat. Ruth and Billy Graham are some of the most admirable people who lived in the past century. She was very "traditional" in her values but also very spunky.
The book is the poetry of Ruth Bell Graham as well as vinettes by her daughter Gigi, son Franklin, Patricia Cornwell (fiction crime writer who grew up near where Ruth was raising her family) and Jan Karon, an author I so enjoyed in the late 90s as Betsy Rush and I shared her books. The poetry is excellent, some from when she was a young girl, sent off to boarding school in what is now N. Korea. The book traces her life in a fresh way. I had read the biography of Ruth Bell Graham many years ago and that book was written by Patricia Cornwell.
I am on a spiritual and very restful retreat in Nepal, looking out at a beautiful view. I read the book in one day while on the retreat. Ruth and Billy Graham are some of the most admirable people who lived in the past century. She was very "traditional" in her values but also very spunky.
May 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It had a little bit of everything, and everything so enjoyable. Her poetry is inspired and very thought provoking. The stories that tell her story are fun and light-hearted. What a woman! I knew very little of Ruth Bell Graham prior to reading this book. After doing so, I realize that she's one of those people you wish you could have coffee with and really get to know. I wouldn't call this an autobiography, more of a sneak peek into who she was. Looking forward to reading more about her and her life and her family and one day meeting her in person in Heaven!
February 4, 2025
Who would have thought that a book containing poetry would become one of my annual favorites but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The way that Ruth Bell Graham's life was displayed through stories and poems was both raw and entertaining. God gets all the glory for knitting together a family that has made an impact across many decades.
December 30, 2022
A wonderful glimpse of the amazing woman Ruth Bell Graham was. Much of her poetry is included, as well as biographical pieces by some of her children and friends. She was such an amazing woman of God! Loved this tribute to her!
June 27, 2025
I loved the mix of poetry, journal entries, and stories from her family members. Not a lot is often shared about the wives behind the names of famous Christian leaders, but these women have their own story and journey and beautiful faith too. This is true of Ruth’s story for sure.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 43 reviews