ANOTHER SIDE OF BILLY GRAHAM

For the past few years, there have been some health-scare news items on veteran Evangelist and TV personality Billy Graham. The man who has served as an inspiration for thousands, if not millions over his long career, now seems to be inspiring authors to hurry up and write a book about him. He's 95, and has written some fairly current books about himself and his philosophies, so at this point, what more is there to say?

Billy Graham's grandchildren have come up with a cut-and-paste job called "Thank You, Billy Graham," which assembles inspirational stories told about him from people all over the world. It's obviously preaching to the converted.

Hanspeter Nüesch has come up with a more substantial angle: "Ruth and Billy Graham: Legacy of a Couple." It's got a foreward by Gigi Graham. That, and the Switzerland-based Mr. Nuesch being a member of "Campus Crusade for Christ International," should alert readers that this is not a tell-all, but a celebration. "At times I had to laugh because he seemed to know more about me and my family than I did," writes Ms. Graham. "Hanspeter's focused enthusiasm and obedience to what he felt God called him to do have paid off. This book is the finished product."

For those whose choice of reading is usually secular, there are still some interesting anecdotes and inspirational moments to explore as Ruth and Billy faced their challenges, which include being so visible as role models, and in raising their children. This love-letter book includes over 100 photos. The author lists ten traits that served this couple well, and that (well, without necessarily #4 on his list) any couple need to work on, if not master: "partnership, authenticity, humility, intimacy with Christ, focus, integrity, faith, global responsibility, empowerment, and grace."