Fearless with Cissie Graham Lynch

This week’s episode of Fearless is a little different. I had my childhood friend and now Samaritan’s Purse colleague, Gracie O’Loughlin, join me to share her powerful testimony of Jesus redeeming first her life, and then using her to bring Christ to family members far from Him. Gracie was one of the popular girls in our small town high school, and I remember looking up to her, but never fully knowing her story. Well, today you’ll get a front-row seat to that story—one where Gracie went from trying everything the world’s way after her parents’ divorce, to a young woman sold-out for the Lord and determined to lead those closest to her towards the One who saved her life. 

Together Gracie and I talk about why our families can sometimes feel like the most difficult mission field, how to set aside our own comfort to preach the Gospel with directness, and why we believe it’s never too late for someone’s life to be drastically changed by a God who specializes in bringing the lost home (don’t miss when Gracie talks about her 98 year-old grandmother accepting Christ!). 

Time is running out to share the greatest news we’ll ever hear. As Gracie says, sometimes we can’t simply bank on our faith “rubbing off” on our families and friends through the way we live our lives—we’re called to preach the Gospel, no matter the personal cost. 

My Hope America: Billy Graham’s TV Special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFxjZeNEcfQ.

Recently I got to take a last-minute trip to Lima, Peru for one of my dad’s crusades—something that, as a mom of three, I don’t always get the chance to do as much as I used to. While we were there I sat down with pastor and longtime family friend, Skip Heitzig. Skip is no stranger to Fearless, but today’s episode felt different. 

During this candid—and honestly, pretty unplanned—conversation, Skip and I hit on everything from his friendship with my dad and the many adventures in ministry they’ve been on together to the signs of health we should all be looking for in a church home. Skip also shared why he offers a Gospel invitation every time he preaches, and encouraged pastors and all ministry leaders to preach the Word, not some trendy, watered-down version of the Gospel. 

Wherever you’re at today, this is a conversation I pray will strengthen you, convict you if needed, and challenge you during these uncertain times. God is moving in so many ways right now, and, like Skip’s life is a testament to, God is able to do so much more than we could ever imagine when we’re willing to follow where He leads.

My brother Edward Graham is back on Fearless this week, talking about the current conflict in the Middle East, how to trust God in uncertain times, and his story of serving 16 years in the U.S. Army. As tensions continue to rise around the world,  it’s difficult to know where to turn for truth. Speaking from his experience serving post-9/11, Edward gives us his honest take on how he thinks the conflict in Iran will unfold, why we should continue to stand with Israel, and why knowing Scripture is more important now than maybe ever before. 

During our conversation, Edward also shares some of the stories he’s rarely talked about publicly before. From his call into the military at a young age and his first experiences under fire to losing friends on the battlefield and ultimately his call out of the Army and into ministry, Edward gives us an inside look into trusting God even when we’re unsure of the outcome. 

More than anything, my prayer is that this episode would be a reminder that God is always sovereign, truth still matters, and that we don’t have to be shaken by every headline we read. In a world that constantly feels like it’s shifting under our feet, let’s put our trust in the firm foundation of the God who is, who was, and who always will be.

We’re all being discipled by something. Whether that’s good things like Scripture, or neutral things like social media and the news—the world is influencing us. My family and I were recently remembering the passing of my grandfather when I was reminded once again that what we choose to consume always shapes us. 

Talking about his eventual death, my grandfather shared a message of hope in the face of grief. But a second social media video I saw around this same time simply talked about death as a reminder to live life to the fullest now. That second message isn’t necessarily bad or wrong, but it does lack the truth of Scripture we as Christians are called to form our lives by. These contrasting messages reminded me of a truth I think we all need to hear today: culture and media don’t just inform us, they form us. 

So what are you letting disciple your heart? Is it influencers on social media, talking heads on the news, or the other parents on your kids’ soccer team? Or instead are you being formed by time in God’s Word, a few close friends at your church, and spiritual leaders who preach the Gospel? Because who we allow to shape our hearts will ultimately decide the direction of our lives. If we truly want to live out a fearless faith in a compromising culture, we must be people who are grounded in faith and not swept up in the noise of the world. As believers, let’s make Jesus the one voice who can break through the chaos—helping us to share truth in a time when there’s so much confusion.

Growing up a Graham, I’m used to living my life in the public eye. Negative comments or assumptions about me and my family don’t really phase me, but a recent Instagram message did give me pause: “Your grandparents would be so disappointed in you.” Now, I didn’t actually believe this was true, but the message did make me stop and think, what would my grandparents, Billy and Ruth Graham, think of me and how I’ve chosen to live my life? 

This week on Fearless I reflected on this question, sharing stories about the Ruth and Billy I knew and loved—not the public Billy Graham, but the man I sat with at the kitchen table. Because my grandparents never demanded perfection from their kids or grandkids, they didn’t expect us to perform in order to reach a certain standard. Instead, they practiced what they preached from the pulpit: 100% truth and 100% grace. 

During the episode I share snapshots of my aunt Ruth’s story, and my dad’s story. Both these Graham children walked through hard seasons, times when they messed up and were afraid of embarrassing or disappointing their parents. But in those moments they were never met with a closed door, but instead with open arms of love. This is the legacy I want to leave with my own children. Not a legacy focused on what others may think or believe, but one built on truth, grace, and the opportunity to always come home, no matter how badly you’ve stumbled. This is what Jesus embodied for us—it’s what my grandparents modeled—and it’s exactly the legacy I want to carry forward.