God used Billy Graham to change my life. As I reflect back, Billy Graham was one of the top 5 people that had a dramatic influence over me.

This man inspired me greatly. He was a shining example of someone who dedicated his life to reaching people who were searching for real and lasting hope.

In many ways, he motivated me to spend my whole life reaching out to hurting teenagers and young adults.

I had the distinct privilege of meeting Billy Graham on a couple of occasions. One time when I was very young and another when I was starting my own ministry.

Last week at the age of 99 Billy Graham passed on to heaven.  He is famously quoted throughout his life as saying, “My home is in heaven. I’m just passing through this world.” So we rejoice that he is now home with Jesus.  As Billy Graham is laid to rest, I pause to reflect on my great memories of meeting my hero.

But first, let us remember who Billy Graham is…

Billy Graham’s Message

Billy Graham was a very influential evangelist and preacher in America. He held large indoor and outdoor rallies calling people to a relationship with Jesus Christ. His sermons were broadcast nationally on radio and television, beginning in the 1940’s until 2005 when he retired. He preached to live audiences of over 210 million people in more than 185 countries.

“Billy Graham pursued a singular vision—to share the love of Jesus Christ with all who would listen. In doing so he has met with Presidents, kings, queens, celebrities, and everyday men, women, and children. No matter his audience, the message is still the same. “Everywhere I go I find that people … both leaders and individuals … are asking one basic question,” Billy Graham has said. “‘Is there any hope for the future?’ My answer is the same, ‘Yes, through Jesus Christ.’” Billy Graham Library

Billy Graham’s message never changed. It is a simple message, but one that comes straight from God’s Word. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). A message of God’s love, God’s forgiveness, and God’s salvation through Jesus Christ.

To learn more about his message watch this:  A Tribute to Billy Graham

My Personal Memories of Meeting Billy Graham

The first time I had an encounter with Billy Graham, I was but 10 years old and our whole family attended one of his crusades in a stadium in Minneapolis.

Once the crusade was over, he stepped off the stage and was heading for the exit. Several hundred people and I had the same idea, to shake Billy Graham’s hand. When I got within a few feet of him, people were surrounding him, wanting an autograph or to have Billy pray for them. I just wanted a handshake, so I finally grabbed Billy’s hand even as the crowd continued to grow. He drug me several feet before I let go. I’ll never forget that day, the day Billy Graham sort of shook my hand.

On Stage with Billy Graham

Years later, I was working in youth ministry in Southern California and Billy Graham was coming to town.  I worked hard to spread the word about the Billy Graham crusade, encouraging teenagers and young adults to attend.  I was invited to sit on the stage during the event. Before it began, Billy came over to me, reached out his hand for a handshake and thanked me for all the work I had done for teenagers. I was blown away by this meeting.  He was a shy man with intense humble eyes.

I was sitting no more than 10 feet from Dr. Graham as he preached, right next to one of his personal aids. During his rally, the aid leaned over and said, “Did you know that Dr. Graham stepped on a bar of soap this afternoon and cracked 3 ribs?” He went on to say, “Billy is wearing a bullet proof vest and is in much pain.” I watched him as he preached. You could tell he was hurting, but he made it through the sermon. When the alter call started, thousands of people walked to the stage to accept Jesus Christ as Lord of their life. I thought, “What a man, preaching in pain and look at the results.” It was a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget.

Our friend and recording artist, Lacey Sturm, shares her tribute to Billy Graham in this video. His message touched so many!

Lacey Sturm: ‘We’re Still Here' to Continue Billy Graham's Message

Billy Graham...What a man! What a ministry!

If you are interested in learning more about where Billy Graham, Lacey Sturm and I all find our hope. Please download this free eBook Understanding a Relationship with God.

Need Help in Taking the Next Right Step?

In This Episode:

Worried Her Grandma Won't Like Her Tattooed Boyfriend

Tara's boyfriend has a lot of tattoos. Her grandmother was already concerned when she found out he had a mohawk. What's she going to think when she meets him for the first time and sees all of his tattoos?

Wants to Quit His Smoking Addiction

Frankie is smoking around a pack of cigarettes a day and is having a hard time quitting. How can he stop when he's around a lot of others who smoke all the time?

Willing to Rescue a Friend

Tyler's best friend smokes marijuana and Tyler is not sure if he should do anything about it. At this point, does he say anything or act like it's never happened?

Did Today’s Episode Get You Thinking?

Most people's problems are so deep and complicated, they are not solved on their own. I give advice which can help but Tara, Frankie, and Tyler need to take the next right step. It's not going to be easy but that's why we have a lot of resources to help them and you, if you are facing your own struggles.

Resources to help you with your struggles:

• Take a look at my eBooks: Understanding Substance Abuse, and Understanding a Relationship with God.
• Need a safe place to learn how to overcome your hurts, habits, and hang-ups? You will find free group support at Celebrate Recovery. Find a support group by state: www.celebraterecovery.com.
• To learn more about having a meaningful relationship with God, check out my podcast episode 9: Find Hope and Peace Through a Relationship with God. I talked to a guy named Ronnie. The call was amazing, it really spoke to me. I think you’ll like it a lot. It just might be the most important podcast you’ll ever listen to.
• Need prayer? I believe God wants to change your life and mine, through prayer. If you need prayer and would like to have someone pray for you, go to the TheHopeLine Prayer page and check it out.
• Need to talk about your issues? Sign up for an Email Mentor, an online coach who will email you and come along beside you to offer support.

Would you consider doing something for me?

If you like this episode and think someone else might too, please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

One last thing,

My podcast, our website, everything we do is entirely listener supported. If you’d like to help us to continue our work, please make a gift right now at our Give Now page.

Join me in my next episode where I talk with Luke, Nakita, and Renee. Luke wants to figure out his purpose in life. Nakita's boyfriend has just gotten another girl pregnant and Renee is dealing with some major jealousy of her best friend. My goal is to offer insights to them which could change their lives and hopefully, yours as well.

Remember, whatever you do, Never Lose Hope!

Addiction, Eating Disorders, Cheating...You Don't Have to Do This Alone.

In This Episode:

This episode covers addiction, eating disorders and cheating. Join me in my conversations with Casey, Mackenzie, and Corey.

Each of them in need of sound, Godly counsel. Casey's baby is in desperate need of a heart transplant, Casey is suffering and has turned to drugs to cope. Mackenzie doesn't understand just how serious her eating disorder is and won't reveal what's truly going on with her. Corey has the weight of the world on his shoulders. His mom has had multiple affairs and he's trying to protect his little sister and keep the family together. They each have really tough situations to deal with, so it's good they are reaching out for help!

Did Today’s Episode Get You Thinking?

Most people's problems are so deep and complicated, they are not solved on their own. I give advice which can help Casey, Mackenzie, and Corey but they have to take the next right step. It's not going to be easy but that's why we have a lot of resources to help them and you, if you are facing your own struggles.

Resources to help you with your struggles:

• Take a look at my eBooks: Understanding Substance Abuse, Understanding Eating Disorders, Understanding Forgiveness and Understanding a Relationship with God.
• To learn more about having a meaningful relationship with God, check out my podcast episode 9: Find Hope and Peace Through a Relationship with God. I talked to a guy named Ronnie. The call was amazing, it really spoke to me. I think you’ll like it a lot. It just might be the most important podcast you’ll ever listen to.
• Need prayer? I believe God wants to change your life and mine, through prayer. If you need prayer and would like to have someone pray for you, go to the TheHopeLine Prayer page and check it out.
• Need to talk about your issues? Sign up for an Email Mentor.

Would you consider doing something for me?

If you like this episode and think someone else might too, please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

One last thing,

My podcast, our website, everything we do is entirely listener supported. If you’d like to help us to continue our work, please make a gift right now at our Give Now page.

Remember, whatever you do, Never Lose Hope!

Is Your Life a Mess?

Find Hope and Peace Through a Relationship with God.

Some of our problems are so great, only God can solve them. He is the only one who has the power to rescue us and transform our lives. In this episode, I have a heart-to-heart talk with Ronnie who's been hooked on meth and needs something in his life to change or he's not going to make it.

Did Today’s Episode Get You Thinking?

Are you at a place in your life where your problems seem unsolvable, or where you really need something to change? If you are desperate for something more, or if you need purpose and answers for your life, this is the podcast for you. Real and lasting hope can only come through a relationship with Jesus. When we reach out to God, that's when he rescues us.

Resources for help with making a life changing decision:

• Take a look at my blogs: To Those Who Feel Worthless, What Does God Say About Who We Are, ‘Identity’: A Chat with Christian Recording Artist Colton Dixon, and 7 Things I Learned About Prayer.
• Are you wondering what life's purpose is? Download the free eBook: Understanding a Relationship with God and the Basics of Christianity
• Need to talk about your issues? Sign up for an Email Mentor
• Need prayer? We have people that will pray for you at TheHopeLine prayer page

Would you consider doing something for me?

If you like this episode and think someone else might too, please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

One last thing,

My podcast, our website, everything we do is entirely listener supported. If you’d like to help us to continue our work, please make a gift right now at our Give Now page.

The next episode is where we will go in-depth into Casey, Mackenzie, and Corey's struggles. Casey's baby is in the hospital and she's struggling with addiction, Mackenzie has an eating disorder and Corey's home life is a mess. My goal is to offer insights to them which could change their lives and hopefully, yours as well.

Remember, whatever you do, Never Lose Hope!
Dawson

How to Heal from Mother Abandonment.

In This Episode:

For 14 years, Amy was practically raising herself, while her mom was in the bars drinking. Amy's mom wasn't there for her when she needed her the most. The hurt Amy has from her mom abandoning her has continued into her adult life. Mother abandonment is one of the worst things a person can experience, and it can have devastating consequences. In this episode, I talk about those consequences and share some of the ways to begin to deal with the pain and get healing.

Did Today’s Episode Get You Thinking?

Your mother may have abandoned you, but it doesn't have to define you for the rest of your life. I want to help you discover healing from mother abandonment. Let's face the truth together, accept that your mom may never change, and then work on forgiving her. I also want to you to understand that God loves you and no matter how deeply you've been hurt by your mother, I'm confident with God's help you can find emotional and spiritual healing. Mother abandonment might be the beginning of your story but it's not going to be the end.

Resources for help with abandonment:

• Take a look at my blogs: Dealing with Abandonment, Adopted Does Not Mean Abandoned, How to Forgive, and What Happens When You Don’t Forgive.
• For more help with relationships, download the free eBook: Understanding Abandonment.
• Need to talk about your issues? Sign up for an Email Mentor
• Need prayer? We have people that will pray for you at TheHopeLine Prayer page

Would you consider doing something for me?

If you like this episode and think someone else might too, please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

One last thing,

My podcast, our website, everything we do is entirely listener supported. If you’d like to help us to continue our work, please make a gift right now at our Give Now page.

My next episode is on making peace with God.

Remember, whatever you do, Never Lose Hope!
Dawson

How to Forgive Those Who Have Deeply Hurt You.

In This Episode:

No doubt there is at least one person in your life you need to forgive. This person has deeply hurt you, violated you and caused you tremendous pain. What the person did to you is inexcusable but it is forgivable. Forgiving them means you are giving up your right to get even with that person. Even if you don’t feel like it, choose forgiveness for your own well-being.

Did Today’s Episode Get You Thinking?

What happens if you don’t forgive? You become a slave to bitterness. Bitterness will corrupt you and those around you. Forgiving is not easy but with God’s help, all things are possible. He forgave us therefore we absolutely can offer forgiveness to others, no matter the offense. The Bible says to, “Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (Colossians 3:13)

Resources for help with forgiveness:

• Take a look at my blogs: What is Forgiveness, 6 Myths About Forgiveness, How to Forgive, What Happens When You Don’t Forgive and Seeking Forgiveness.
• For more help with relationships, download the free eBook: Understanding Forgiveness.
• Need to talk about your issues? Sign up for an Email Mentor
• Need prayer? We have people that will pray for you at TheHopeLine prayer page

Would you consider doing something for me?

If you like this episode and think someone else might too, please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

One last thing,

My podcast, our website, everything we do is entirely listener supported. If you’d like to help us to continue our work, please make a gift right now at our Give Now page.

Remember, whatever you do, Never Lose Hope!

What to Do When You Hate Yourself.

In This Episode:

At one time or another, we’ve all been disgusted with ourselves and wallowed in the world of self-loathing. You might not have said, “I hate myself,” but no doubt you have believed horrible lies about who you are. These lies are called false beliefs. They are misconceptions resulting from incorrect reasoning.

Did Today’s Episode Get You Thinking?

Have you ever said a false-belief to yourself, such as: “I hate myself,” “I’m a failure,” or “There’s nothing to love about me?” These negative self-beliefs are lies. Don’t buy the lie, buy the truth. You need to learn and accept the truth and you will be set free.

The ultimate truth comes from God’s word and putting His truth against the false beliefs. Try this simple formula:

First – Identify the lie.
Second – Search God’s word for his truth.
Third – Replace the lie and begin to dwell and think on the truth.

Resources for what to do when you hate yourself:

• Take a look at my blogs: Why Do You Hate Yourself, Five Things to Think and Do When You Hate Yourself, How to Respect Yourself More, Protect Your Heart From Negative Self-Talk, and 5 Amazing Reasons Why You Matter
• For more help with relationships, download the free eBook: Understanding Self-Worth and Self-Hate
• Need to talk about your issues? Sign up for an Email Mentor
• Need prayer? We have people that will pray for you at TheHopeLine prayer page

Would you consider doing something for me?

If you like this episode and think someone else might too, please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

One last thing,

My podcast, our website, everything we do is entirely listener supported. If you’d like to help us to continue our work, please make a gift right now at our Give Now page.

Remember, whatever you do, Never Lose Hope!

How to Know if You’re in Love.

In This Episode:

You don’t fall in love, you fall in ditches. Having a loving relationship is not something that just happens. Romantic love is a deep emotional need and an act of the will, based on a clear understanding of the other person. It takes a lot of time and hard work on the part of both people involved. No one can tell you if you are in love. But, I can tell you what a loving relationship looks like, and what some of the ingredients are which make up a loving and meaningful relationship.

Did Today’s Episode Get You Thinking?

It’s very important to know whether you have a healthy, loving relationship or not. If you realize you don’t have some of the ingredients which make up a loving relationship or are not sure if you do, then you need to reevaluate. If you do having a loving relationship filled with respect and kindness then you can think about moving forward in your relationship.

Resources for Overcoming a Broken Heart:

• Take a look at my blogs: How to Know it’s Really Love, How to Find a Meaningful Relationship, Guard Your Heart Dating Relationships, Finding the Right Guy, How to Show Respect to a Girl, and How to Show Respect to a Guy
• For more help with relationships, download the free eBook: Understanding Dating Relationships
• Need to talk about your issues? Sign up for an Email Mentor
• Need prayer? We have people that will pray for you at TheHopeLine prayer page

Would you consider doing something for me?

If you like this episode and think someone else might too, please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

One last thing,

My podcast, our website, everything we do is entirely listener supported. If you’d like to help us to continue our work, please make a gift right now at our Give Now page.

Remember, whatever you do, Never Lose Hope!

How to Stop Lust from Invading Your Life.

In This Episode:

Everyone who’s currently dating or hopes to have a relationship, needs to ask themselves this question... Am I allowing desire to take over my relationships or even my life? Lust is extremely powerful and often misunderstood, causing all kinds of confusion. Some people get caught up in the excitement and have no idea where it’s going to take them or how dangerous it is.

Did Today’s Episode Get You Thinking?

The effects of lust can have lasting effects on you and your life. Breanna’s relationship fell apart after she decided to have sex. Have you had a relationship fail because of lust? Maybe you’ve lusted after something, like money, food, beauty, sex, etc. I hope this episode helps you see more clearly where you may struggle with lust so that you can begin to deal with it.

Resources for help with lust:

• Take a look at my blogs: Am I in Lust?, Why Lust is Destructive, Comparing Love vs. Lust, Guard Your Heart Dating Relationships
• Need to talk about your issues? Sign up for an Email Mentor
• Need prayer? We have people that will pray for you at TheHopeLine prayer page

Would you consider doing something for me?

If you like this episode and think someone else might too, please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

One last thing,

My podcast, our website, everything we do is entirely listener supported. If you’d like to help us to continue our work, please make a gift right now at our Give Now page.

The next episode is about how to know when you’re in love.

Remember, whatever you do, Never Lose Hope!
Dawson