This past weekend I had the unique privilege of a lifetime...actually a dream come true - one of the top things on my bucket list was realized. You might think it would be sky diving or being gifted with Super Bowl Tickets (which is on my list too), but it was something far more valuable than these experienced based events. Since I have been in Asheville, I have always desired to meet Dr. Billy Graham face-to-face. And you guessed it!!! I did!

I was invited to lead worship for a small group (25 or so) handpicked businessmen from around the nation at the Cove. To kick off the weekend, Dr. Graham, George Beverly Shea and Cliff Barrows were to be with us and talk about their ministries and field some questions from the men. Just to be a fly on the wall would have been enough for me...seriously!!!

Cliff Barrows, Dr. Billy Graham, and George Beverly Shea

Thirty minutes before the start, Cliff Barrows, the worship leader for Billy Graham, came into the empty room and just made me feel right at home.  He remembered coming to our church a few years ago for Global Focus, which was amazing to me...I can't remember what happened yesterday! We sang and talked for 15 minutes or so until Bev Shea, the featured soloist for the crusades, came into the room via a wheelchair in his usual fun loving, loud and jovial way.  He is 101 now, but can still sing like you would not believe. I knelt down next to him and reminded him that he was to come to our church a few years back but couldn't because of a sudden illness. (This was a surprise for our church that no one ever knew about!) He in turn reminded me that it was just over six years ago...WOW what a mind.

 Me and Cliff Barrows

I had met and spent some time with these men in the past and that would have been totally enough....but the moment I had waited for was just about to unfold. Dr. Graham was wheeled in the room and again there were just 4-5 others in there at the time. I walked over to him. David Bruce, his personal assistant and church member, asked me if I had met Dr. Graham and then introduced me. The time I had been anticipating was occurring. I, of course, had no wisdom or profound words but a fervent respect and awe of a man who has done so much for the kingdom of God. He said to me, "You have a great church and I hear you are doing great things there...I see so much on the television about your church. It is so good to meet you." I can't remember what I said...only the impression that was left...then he was reacquainted with his 2 friends.

Me and George Beverly Shea

For the next hour and a half, I heard the three heroes of our faith (who have been together for 65 years) tell stories and lessons learned for the closed door session...who knows, maybe this would be the last time they would all be together. What I learned in that time is indescribable....thousands would have loved to be in my shoes...and I was honored. Here are a few realizations that God said to me that night:

• Be humble
• Have fun...be 18 years old in your heart.
• Dream big
• Integrity is priceless and fragile...guard it.
• Keep in touch with friends
• Expect great things
• Love and cherish your wife...and say it out loud and often!
• Love God with all your heart...you will be with Him for a long time.
• Die trying...live everyday yielded to God...there is no retirement.

Dr. Graham said this..."I am asking God to give me one more sermon...for the strength to preach just once more." One gentleman asked him, "Dr. Graham, where will you preach this sermon?" To which the weakened Dr. Graham said boldly, "To the world, of course!" May all who come behind us, find us faithful...