Just as I Am

If you're a recovering Southern Baptist like me, "Just as I Am" conjures up images of emotional, yet interminable altar calls led by hellfire-and-brimstone evangelists.  I can testify to the night I gave my life to Jesus during a summer revival at the age of 12 as Charlotte Elliot's hymn groaned on the church organ.

But over the past week, "Just as I Am" has taken an entirely new meaning.  It's the title of Billy Graham's autobiography.  The book is massive (784 pages!).  But if any person has the material to carry a book of that length, it is certainly Rev. Graham.

The book sat on my shelf for almost ten years (it came out in 1997).  I made the decision to dive in last week.  I have absolutely no regrets.

Although I'm only 200 or so pages in, I would undoubtedly recommend it to anyone.  His stories of growing up on a North Carolina dairy farm are charming.  His call as an evangelist and subsequent education are insightful.  

But the book makes the jump to warp speed when Rev. Graham begins his 1949 Crusade in Los Angeles.  God's obvious hand on Graham's ministry is unmistakable.

Do yourself a favor and read "Just as I Am."  I'm not responsible for any Southern Baptist flashbacks!

In Christ,

Jay