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September 2001 Table of Contents
Special Feature
Ruth Bell Graham
Simplicity and Grace - Footprints of a Pilgrim
By Kimberly R. Messer
It was over a year ago during the Memorial Day weekend when I headed to the hills of North Carolina on the invitation to Mrs. Ruth Bell Graham’s 80th birthday celebration. Mrs. Graham’s literary agent, Stephen Griffith, had been in contact with me for a few months over a dramatic script that had been developed from Mrs. Graham’s stories, poetry and favored music. The script, entitled Footprints of a Pilgrim, was to be performed at the birthday event by The Lamb’s Players and Jeannette Clift George.
Needless to say, I was delighted to make the trip and honored by the invitation to spend the weekend with an inside look at the preparations being made for the occasion.
Prior to the celebration, the cast was assembled at a studio for a video shoot of the entire play. Added to the already talented pool of actors, a group of musicians gathered from England, Ireland, and the United States was present to play some of Mrs. Graham’s favorite hymns that were then woven into the production. As I saw the play for the first time in its entirety, I was taken completely aback.
With simplicity and charm, Footprints of a Pilgrim, tells the story of Ruth Bell Graham from childhood to present day. It’s an intimate look into the life of one of the most humble and adored Christian ladies of our time. Some of my favorite moments of the play are her recounting of her courtship with the Reverend Billy Graham. It was a delight to hear about the Graham family and Ruth’s perspective on ministry, grace, faith and a myriad of other subjects.
That evening, the ultimate treat was a trip to the Graham house for fellowship and music. Although Reverend Graham was away on a crusade, Mrs. Graham welcomed us in and invited us to make ourselves comfortable to a scenic view of North Carolina mountains through a large picture window in the den. The Graham home was a warm blend of family pictures and history, items from days spent traveling the world, and political memorabilia. It was a wonderful visit.
It gives me great pleasure to announce the upcoming release of this project to you. Please take the opportunity to discover more about ministry, faith and God’s moving hand through the Grahams and this touching play. You’ll experience laughter, perhaps tears, and definitely moments of reflection through Footprints of a Pilgrim.
Reading copies will be available through J & J Music in mid-October.
Kimberly R. Messer is Product Manager of Lillenas Drama and Editor of the Lillenas Drama Newsletter in Kansas City, MO.
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