Advertise on podcast: Fearless with Cissie Graham Lynch

My book, Stand Steady, is out in the world today! To celebrate, we recorded a live episode of Fearless last week from the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina. There I was joined by listeners and friends, plus my close family friend, Preston Parrish, who asked me all about Stand Steady, many of the stories I write about in the book, and what this new chapter for our family could look like.  It was such an honor to have Preston there with me, and a fun challenge to get to be the interviewee here on what could be one of our last episodes of Fearless. During our discussion Preston asked me more about the heart behind Stand Steady, why I chose to write the book and why now, and we also discussed some of the main themes you’ll read about in the book, including unforgiveness, depression, obedience, addiction, and the simplicity of the Gospel.  Towards the end of our time together I invited all those gathered (and now you listening and watching!) to choose that simple Gospel—that best of all Good News—for themselves. Because in this world we are all but guaranteed pushback, trials, and bad days, but ultimately we can choose to stand steady on the hope we have in Christ and in our final destination of Heaven.  Lastly, I want to thank all of you for your support of this book and your support of Fearless over the years. It has meant the world to me, my family, and our team, and, no matter what the future holds, my prayer is that each of you who have been touched in some way by Fearless will continue to stand steady—stand fearlessly—on the foundation of Jesus Christ in a compromising culture.  Stand Steady is available everywhere, now! Order your copy: https://bookstore.billygraham.org/stand-steady.html?pk_vid=67ef3ffeb412b961178673680342e652.

Today’s episode of Fearless is a special one. This week President Donald Trump announced that he has asked me to serve as U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom. The nomination is a great honor and privilege and, if confirmed, a position I would take on as the calling from the Lord that it is.  This episode is mainly a closer look at what the role would entail, both here in the United States and around the world. Plus I also share the story behind getting a call about the position earlier this year and how my initial reaction was that although this ambassadorship would be an amazing opportunity, it was not the season of life to be taking on this kind of role. But as I’ve said many times on this podcast before, God calls us to live a fearless faith—to stand on the truth of His Word and promises—even when it’s uncomfortable, even when culture pushes back against us.  So if I could, I would ask this of you: will you pray for me and my family? Pray for wisdom. Pray for discernment. Pray for my marriage and our children. Pray for the confirmation process. But most of all, pray that, if confirmed, God would give me the courage, strength, and humility to steward this responsibility well. I’m so thankful for this Fearless community that’s come around my family and this mission for so many years. As always, keep chasing a fearless faith in this compromising culture.  Follow me on social media for updates at @cissiegrahamlynch  Preorder Stand Steady here: https://bookstore.billygraham.org/stand-steady.html?pk_vid=67ef3ffeb412b961178673680342e652.

I grew up with a lot of anger and resentment towards my dad. By the time I was in college, those feelings had turned into bitterness, defiance, and unforgiveness. That is until I went along on one of my dad, Franklin Graham’s, trips with Samaritan’s Purse. It was there in Kenya that I saw my dad living out all God had called him to, and it was there that I finally forgave him for being gone during a lot of my childhood.  Today on Fearless we’re talking about one of the 10 attributes I chose to write about in Stand Steady: the attribute of forgiveness. Your story probably looks different from mine, but we all harbor unforgiveness towards someone or about something that happened to us. Unforgiveness breeds bitterness and bitterness, if allowed to grow, can affect our relationships, our calling, and our heart, just like it did for me.  So today let’s ask ourselves: Who have I not forgiven? As part of today’s episode I’m also sharing some other vulnerable stories that I haven’t shared elsewhere, plus how I write in Stand Steady about American hero, Louis Zamperini, and what his incredible story of forgiveness in the face of the worst life has to offer can teach us about ourselves. Don’t live one more day in bondage to unforgiveness. Choose to forgive today, and walk forward into the life of freedom Jesus has in store. Preorder Stand Steady here: https://bookstore.billygraham.org/stand-steady.html?pk_vid=67ef3ffeb412b961178673680342e652.

Last time on Fearless I finally got to share with you the news of my upcoming book, Stand Steady. Today we’re going to dive into much of the heart behind why I wrote the book, answering the question: “What kind of woman will you choose to be?” And really, that question comes down to choices. We make over 35,000 choices every day. Most of those choices don’t matter all that much, but some of those choices are slowly defining who we will become in the years ahead. And if we simply choose to sit on the sidelines, the world will gladly make choices for us. Even though women have more opportunities and freedoms now than ever before, over 40% of us still struggle with anxiety. That’s not freedom, that’s bondage. And it’s a direct result of our lack of decision-making.  Because ultimately, we do have to make a choice. Will we choose Jesus or will we choose the world? Will we choose our families or will we choose ourselves? Will we choose to compromise or will we choose to stand steady? In this episode I’ll share some examples from the lives of women I wrote about in Stand Steady—some women who chose Jesus, and some women who chose the world. Every one of us is stepping onto a battlefield each day, whether we know it or not. And the choices we make (or don’t make) on that battlefield will determine the person we become. So, who will you choose to be today, and every day after?  Preorder Stand Steady here: https://bookstore.billygraham.org/stand-steady.html?pk_vid=67ef3ffeb412b961178673680342e652.

Welcome back to a brand new season of Fearless! I usually take a break from the podcast over the summer, but this summer especially looked very different for our family in many ways. It was a quieter season, a season we didn’t really plan for, as my mom battled some health issues and our family stayed put in Boone. But sometimes even those seasons we don’t plan for can end up being exactly what God uses to slow us down and show us what really matters. That was this summer for me.  Going into the fall though, I wanted to take today’s new episode of Fearless to tell you all about my book coming out this October, Stand Steady: A Fearless Faith in a Compromising Culture. For a number of reasons, I never planned on writing a book—in fact, a lot of my friends and family didn’t even know I wrote Stand Steady until just a few weeks ago. But I couldn’t seem to shake this question: What kind of woman will you choose to be? It’s one that I first asked during a church service, and it became the heart of everything I wrote about in Stand Steady.  Because following Jesus will always cost us something. Standing steady in our faith requires preparation, and we can’t always wait until the storm hits to prepare. So, who will you choose to be when the world shifts, when the culture compromises, when following Jesus becomes uncomfortable? Those are the questions I’m asking today and all throughout this new season of Fearless. Will you stand steady? That’s my prayer for you, and it’s my prayer for myself as we head into this new season and all God has for us.  Preorder Stand Steady here: https://bookstore.billygraham.org/stand-steady.html?pk_vid=67ef3ffeb412b961178673680342e652.

A few weeks ago I had the honor of speaking at Rededicate 250 in Washington, D.C. it was a national call to prayer on the National Mall as our country approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding. And though the event reiterated our deep need for God as a nation, what I left Washington asking myself was this: How do we rededicate not just our country, but our homes, our marriages, our children, our own hearts? Because while, yes, we’re living in a time of deep political division and cultural upheaval, true revival doesn’t start in the halls of government—it begins in our own homes. Renewal starts with us.  In addition to the remarks I gave at Rededicate, I also share my dad, Franklin Graham’s message. During his time on stage, my dad called our nation to repentance and back to true dependence on God, the principles we were founded on 250 years ago. As we approach this milestone anniversary for our country, let’s once again examine our own role in building a nation rooted in the message of the Gospel. What would it look like for me—what would it look like for you—to truly rededicate ourselves and our families to the Lord? Our answer to that question has the power to change the course of our country, and our world.

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.

There’s so much happening nationally and internationally right now, causing a lot of chaos within our circles—and even within the Church. One of those areas of confusion is Israel: whether the Church should stand with Israel, this idea of replacement theology, and the recent rise of Antisemitism. Today on Fearless I invited back my friend Samuel Smadja to speak into this topic and share his insights as an Israeli native and Messianic pastor living and working on the ground there right now.  Samuel had so much wisdom to share, and together we unpacked replacement theology and the belief that the Church has replaced Israel as God’s chosen people, the dark roots of Antisemitism and why we’re seeing it increasing again today, and some of the miracles Samuel himself has witnessed living through the October 7th attacks and their aftermath. Towards the end of our conversation we also look at some of the biblical context behind Israel’s distinction as God’s chosen people, and why their existence as a nation today is truly some of the best evidence for biblical truth.  As Christians, I believe we’re called to intercede for Israel and the Jewish people. This country holds such a special place in my heart, and has shaped my life in profound ways. In a time when so many are turning their backs on the Jewish people, it’s our job to stand for truth and remain steadfast in our love for Israel, just as God’s love for His people has always remained the same today, yesterday, and forever.

Earlier this week I had the privilege of being in the room while our Supreme Court justices heard the case for defending biblical truth in girls’ sports. This was not just one, but two historic legal battles fighting for fairness and safeguarding female athletics from biological male participation. After hearing these brave young women share their stories firsthand, I got to sit down with Alliance Defending Freedom’s (ADF) Kate Anderson to talk through how these cases made it to our nation’s highest Court, and what the justices’ decision could mean for Title IX and gender as defined by law.  Together Kate and I discussed the West Virginia and Idaho cases that brought us here, and the bravery of our girls to speak up when they saw injustice. Plus we took a look at the personal story of Adela Cross, the track athlete from West Virginia whose spot was taken by a biological male athlete. Later on in the episode we shifted our focus to the fight for parental rights. As more public schools put in place policies that deceive parents—like those mandating gender transitions be kept secret—we looked at how ADF is fighting to ensure parents, not schools, have the final say in how to raise their children.  The cases before the Court this week are not just about isolated incidents in two states, the justices’ decision will shape how our girls are able to do what they love—and feel safe doing so—for generations to come. This is not a political issue, it’s a Genesis 1 issue, and comes down to the biblical definition of God creating us male and female. Pray for wisdom and discernment as the justices deliberate, and together let’s stand fearlessly for what’s right.

In the three months since Charlie Kirk’s assassination, our nation—and world—has grappled with how to respond: whether to fight, join hands, or stay silent. To lend some much-needed truth and clarity to a tragedy that’s become plagued by misinformation, I invited Charlie’s good friend and mentor, Dr. Frank Turek, back on Fearless this week.  Together Frank and I talk through some of the conspiracy theories (a few involving Frank himself) that have cropped up since Charlie’s death, how to discern truth from lies, and why preaching the Gospel and making disciples has become increasingly vital. Frank shares the truths of Scripture that have sustained him in his own grief, and breaks down the foundational truths every Christian should know and be able to share: the facts of Jesus’ life and resurrection.  Yes, Charlie’s murder was a wake-up call for many of us, but we’ve also seen the church stay silent when it should be speaking out boldly for the Gospel. Let this conversation serve as a reminder to all believers: the lies of the enemy will continue to permeate our culture, it’s up to us as the church to stand for truth and refuse to compromise, even when it costs us.

As I was surrounded by all things Christmas this week (as I’m sure many of us are!), I was reminded of a letter my grandfather, Daddy Bill, wrote to me in February of 1998. In the letter he wished me a Happy Valentine’s Day, and then mentioned that he was going to be speaking at the TED Conference in California, addressing that day’s leaders in technology, design, and entertainment. He was the first religious leader to ever be invited to give a TED Talk.  Technology looks vastly different today than it did in 1998, but the questions my grandfather asked and answered during that conference are still relevant for us as Christ followers. Where does evil come from? Why does suffering exist? Where do we go when we die? We’re still grappling with these as a society today, but no advances in AI, social media, or the latest tech trend will change this essential truth: technology can’t save us, only Jesus can.  So take 25 minutes in the midst of the Christmas craziness to listen and be encouraged—there is nothing new under the sun here, God is still in control, and only He can satisfy that longing for eternity we all carry in our hearts.