Counsel to Leaders

Some of the United States' most powerful political figures offer their thoughts on Billy Graham's invaluable guidance over the years.

Hillary Clinton, George H. W. Bush, and Nancy Reagan

Billy Graham began giving guidance at the White House when Dwight D. Eisenhower was President. "I don't believe it's my role as an evangelist to get involved in partisan politics or political issues," he told Reader's Digest, "but to try to be a spiritual and moral influence on those in leadership. The best advice I can give to any leader, or anyone, for that matter, is to seek God's wisdom in difficult decisions. People in leadership are often very lonely and under great stress. They need to know that God cares for them."

Reader's Digest asked former occupants of the White House for thoughts about the guidance Billy Graham has offered.

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
Billy has a wonderful sense of humor and a positive outlook on life. He retains what I have seen in a number of very spiritual people whom I've been privileged to meet: an almost childlike enthusiasm for life. He's grateful for the meal he receives; he's awed by the sunset he sees; he's so happy to be alive. There's a core of peacefulness about him that's contagious.

Over the last 20 years, I've had some very challenging moments, and Billy's kindness and loving nature certainly were a great help to me, especially during the difficult years in the White House. He also was personally supportive of the decisions I made to keep my family together, to look for and receive forgiveness, and to forgive myself. I will never forget that.

President George H. W. Bush
Billy Graham came to the White House the very day the Gulf War started. He prayed with Barbara and me, and his faith somehow calmed me down and gave me great strength. The next day, we went to a service at Fort Meade, and his presence seemed to miraculously lift the spirits and hopes of our soldiers who attended.

Barbara and I always loved it when Billy and Ruth visited us in Kennebunkport. He loved the sea and seemed very relaxed there. One night, we gathered a lot of young people in our living room, and they asked Billy free-flowing questions like, "How could a loving God let my roommate's life be taken in a car accident?" Billy calmly told of faith and unconditional belief in God. It helped enormously.

My mother, near the end of her life, had a quiet moment with Billy at her cottage on Walker's Point, where we now live. She later told me that the private time with Billy was perhaps the nicest thing that'd ever happened to her. She knew the Bible well. From Billy, she learned an awful lot more.

First Lady Nancy Reagan
Billy was always a large part of our life, starting in 1953. My mother saw him playing golf and went tearing out to see him and said, "You should meet my son-in-law." I don't think she knew Billy. She just thought that Billy and Ronnie should know each other.

It certainly was made clear to us a few times in the White House how quickly your life can change. When Ronnie was shot, Billy came to the White House right away. He was always there for us during the difficult times, and the not-so-difficult times, offering good, solid advice.

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