Billy Graham’s daughter Ruth, in her book on forgiveness, recounts the day when her father gave her a stunning glimpse of our Father.

After a messy divorce, Ruth fell in love again. Her children didn’t like her new boyfriend, and her parents had deep concerns. But after only six months of knowing this new man, Ruth followed her heart and married him. A day after their vows, however, she realized she had made a mistake, finally seeing the red flags that others had pointed out. She moved out within weeks, knowing the marriage was over.

She knew she had to drive home and face her parents. Ruth tells the story: “As I rounded the last bend in my parents’ driveway, I saw my father standing there, waiting for me. … As I turned off the ignition, Daddy approached. I opened the car door and … he spread his long arms wide, wrapped me in his tight embrace, and said, ‘Welcome home.’ … I was wrapped in grace. Unmerited. Undeserved. Merciful. Generous. Billy Graham was not God, but he modeled God’s grace for me. Never again would the theological definition of grace be just an academic concept for me. It was now a personal experience” (From Forgiving My Father, Forgiving Myself, p.74).

How incredible to feel a glimpse of God’s amazing heart. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3).