If you go
Tickets have sold out for the 25th annual Chattanooga Praise Breakfast, presented by the Scenic City Women’s Network. For more information about the organization, whose mission is to encourage, equip and energize Christian business and professional women, visit scwn.org or call 423-698-6262.
It wasn't inevitable that Cissie Graham Lynch would find her way into the family business, but neither was she surprised to feel the calling.
"I grew up in the hallways of Samaritan's Purse," Lynch said of the international relief and evangelism organization run by her father, Franklin Graham, son of the Rev. Billy Graham.
Voices of Lee will provide music at the Praise Breakfast. / Photo from Scenic City Women's NetworkLike other members of the family, Lynch is also active in the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and frequently travels on behalf of both organizations.
On Tuesday, she will be in Chattanooga as the keynote speaker for the Scenic City Women's Network's 25th annual Praise Breakfast. Lee University's award-winning a capella group Voices of Lee will provide music for the sold-out event, and the organization's prestigious Lydia Award will be presented to Kay Arthur, co-founder of Precept Ministries International.
Just back from an overseas trip, Lynch talked by phone earlier this week about her ministry, her advocacy for "women, children, the weak and the hurting" and her famous family - not just the Grahams. She is married to former NFL safety Corey Lynch, who played college football for Appalachian State. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft and later played for the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts, among other teams.
The conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Q: What are your main responsibilities for Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelist Association?
A: With both ministries, I'm able to help in many different areas. I just got back from visiting our affiliate offices in the United Kingdom and Germany [for Samaritan's Purse, for which she is ministry spokesperson and special projects producer]. I've been officially working for my dad for the past nine years.
Q: What's that dynamic like?
A: I have three older brothers, and they all work in some capacity for my dad in both ministries. I don't think any of us grew up thinking we would work for Dad, but God always has a different plan, and you can't run away from his plan. I love watching my brothers, seeing what they've individually been called to do and what their strengths are. It's neat to see what God has revealed for them. Like any business, it's not always easy to work with family, but at the end of the day, it really is an honor.
Kay Arthur will receive the Lydia Award. / Photo from Scenic City Women's NetworkQ: How would you describe Franklin Graham's leadership style?
A: It has been a privilege working for my dad and watching what God did for a man who was obedient to his calling and his life. I find it an honor to serve under him, to watch a man who has a heart and compassion for people, for them to hear that God loves them. Like my grandfather, he has a simple message but a message that always points back to God's Word. In a Christian society, too often we're speaking and preaching opinions, not God's Word to address the social issues and tough situations we're facing culturally. It's never been about Franklin Graham. He is unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has been a beautiful example for us kids to never compromise the Gospel, even when it gets harder and harder to be a Christian.
Q: Is this your first visit to Chattanooga?
A: No. My husband won three [Division I-AA] national championships with Appalachian State in Chattanooga [in 2005, 2006 and 2007 at Finley Stadium], so Chattanooga has a special place in my heart, with great memories before he played in the NFL. We have two children, a girl and boy, ages 5 and 2. We live in Fort Myers, Florida, where he grew up.
Q: What will your message be to the Christian working women at the Praise Breakfast?
A: I'm excited about speaking to these women about the challenges of being women in our society and especially Christians in our society. I'll talk about how we can be in all fields and workforces and be a light for Christ. Even in [spiritual] deserts, even in the hardships we face, we have to ask what is the legacy we're leaving behind when the world looks at us. I want to encourage them to be strong and go boldly into grace and stand in truth, to be a light in whatever area God has called them.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.