 |
 |
Getting to Know the “Real” Jerry Falwell
Orginally published on Monday, June 16, 2008 at 8:07 AM
by Todd Rhoades
Jerry Falwell's widow, Macel, has a new book out telling about her life with one of America's prominent evangelists. Recently, Newsweek magazine ran an article on the book. Macel wrote:
"There was an image of my husband portrayed in the media over the years that was virtually unrecognizable to me. He was not at all how they painted him. I want the world to get to know the man that I fell in love with, the most generous person I have ever known. He reached out to everyone in love, even when they did not show him kindness in return. Any money that was in his pockets when he left home in the morning was gone when he came home at night, because he enjoyed helping people who needed it. I learned to accept the fact that he would always come home with empty pockets, but he still managed to surprise me sometimes by coming home without his brand new coat or shoes, because he had given those away, too."
Here is part of the Newsweek interview:
NEWSWEEK: A year after his death, what do you wish people knew about Jerry Falwell?
Macel Falwell: I would like for the people who said the horrible things about him to know that they are not true, and I would like people to see what a great man he is, was. He was so wonderful with people. He would talk with them for five, 10 minutes and they would leave thinking they were his best friend.
NEWSWEEK: After 9/11 he blamed the attacks on paganists, abortionists, feminists, gays and lesbians. This has not helped his legacy. Did he mean what he said?
Macel Falwell: I think it was such a horrible time … I think the whole nation was in shock. In hindsight Jerry would rather have said things a bit differently. But then again, everyone makes mistakes.
NEWSWEEK: Do you think the “religious right” will be an important factor in November’s election?
Macel Falwell: I’m not too well bred on this kind of stuff. Jerry didn’t really bring problems home, so I don’t really know a lot about it.
You can read the whole interview here...
This post has been viewed 539 times so far.
There are 3 Comments:
Hi... I'm Todd Rhoades. I'm a Christ-follower, husband, father and I love to connect leaders with other leaders. Hopefully you'll find something here at MMI you like and will return often. If you want, you can find out more about me or follow my every step on Twitter.
MondayMorningInsight.com | PO Box 446 | Bryan, OH 43506 |
-
Posted by
Monday, June 16, 2008 at 11:15 AM
-
Posted by Charles E. Whisnant
Monday, June 16, 2008 at 11:43 AM
-
Posted by
Monday, June 16, 2008 at 3:20 PM
Post Your Comments:Dr. Falwell is truly one of the greatest men of our century. Unabashed, he stood for decency and morality as taught by God in the Scriptures - and never wavered. His commitments were true, real, and exemplary. He’s been to our church a couple of times and always was as gracious and loving as could be. During one of those times, I asked the “Sounds of Liberty” (who often traveled with him) about their perception of him. They were, to a one, highly compimentary - about his stands, his personality, his humility...they had no complaints whatsover. He was truly a giant among men!
My wife would say that I was a wonderful person to. Well maybe, most of the time. But I have known Jerry and Macel all my life. Macel is right, you believed he was your best friend, if you were with him five minutes.
One month before he died Charity and I and my mother and sister had lunch with them in Lynchburg. Just us eating together, he didn’t talk about him, he wanted to know about Mom and us. Thank of that.
He wasn’t perfect in all the decisions he made but he loved people and Christ.
Charles
I thank God for Jerry Falwell. He was a perfect example of a Christian who took seriously the command to be salt in a lost and dying world. Our nation will be poorer for his death, and I pray that God will quickly raise up others to take his, and D. James Kennedy’s places. These two men lived out their faith in Jesus both in the gathered Church, but also as the scattered Church within the society.
Page 1 of 1 pages