Speaker, Author Ruth Graham Tells C-N Students to “Walk with the Wounded”

According to Ruth Graham, there is perhaps no better demonstration of Christ’s compassion and servanthood than is found in Luke’s account of the first Easter.

The author and speaker told Carson-Newman students that the account of two men walking the road to Emmaus, as recorded in Luke 24, is one of her favorite passages because it shows the Savior’s priorities.

“What does Jesus want to do on the morning of resurrection?” she asked. “Maybe go fishing with his buddies? Maybe go to the Temple Mount and shout, ‘Here I am.. I’ve come to save the world!

“What does he want to do; he only has a short time left in his ministry… He wants—on Resurrection Day—he wants to talk to two hurting people, two discouraged, hopeless men who are trudging along in misery.”

That is the example of one who lives a resurrected life. She suggested that the template of ministry is clear in the fact that Jesus met those hurting people where they were, asked appropriate questions about them, then listened to what they said before speaking the truth to the issues they had. Lastly, she said, Jesus availed Himself to them. She noted that those who wish to be like the Savior should be accessible and winsome.

She said she is motivated to “equip” students and others on campus “to better serve each other.” To that end she consoled those who fixate on what’s wrong with themselves by saying, “In God’s economy, He uses broken things. He prefers broken things. In fact, he really can’t use us unless we are broken.”

She stressed that those who would be wounded healers must “be in the Word” on a daily basis. That time, be it a few minutes or an hour, is crucial for one’s faith and for the ability to provide comfort to those in pain.

She said that scars are important because, “People are going to recognize Jesus in your scars.”

Her address, “Walking with the Wounded,” was part of a three-day visit the middle child of Billy and Ruth Bell Graham made to campus last week. She also spoke in classes, at a luncheon sponsored by the School of Family and Consumer Sciences and in a session with a women’s ministry group.

Kay O’Brien, wife of C-N President Randall O’Brien said that Graham, the honorary chair of Women of Vision, has been a vital part of the group’s efforts.

“Ruth will continue as ‘honorary’ chair for Women of Vision, but she is an invaluable asset. Her support helped launch WOV as an organization with a higher purpose. From her warm and personal testimony at out kickoff last year, to her suggestion for our very successful Back to the Creek Week, and her participation with students on campus, she has stayed engaged and interested in WOV goals and initiatives. She embodies our pathway of Truth and models the transparent, personal, and relevant faith we seek for ourselves and hope for our students,” O’Brien said.