BILLY GRAHAM & THE PRESS

During the Billy Graham Crusade last weekend I was a Counselor Supervisor.  The type of supervisor I was assigned to be required that I sit in one of the front rows near the stage.  The press was busy snapping pictures until Dr. Graham began to preach. 
I noticed that the photographers were particularly drawn to excessive emotions and fanaticism.  At one point a pastor in my section was standing with his arms raised high in the air in praise to God.  Soon there were six photographers snapping away.  There was a certain circus-like quality to the press frenzy. 
As I rode the bus to the Sunday crusade I had a conversation with one of our members about how the press loves to make religion look like its for the uneducated and the simple.  Thoughtful readers of the New York Times prefer to believe that there is nothing for them at a Billy Graham Crusade.  Emotional worshippers reinforce that perception. 
Is it not illogical which emotions are considered acceptable?  The sports page has grown, rich men jumping for joy over a game winning hit.  The gay pride parade, also in New York on Sunday, highlights all kinds of bizarre behavior as acceptable.  Many believe that supporting gay rights shows intellectual character.  I believe that the press avoids highlighting the homosexual fanatics while looking for religious extremists. 
Despite an anti-religious bias in the press, Billy Graham was respectfully covered over recent days.  His life of integrity and diplomacy have led many who do not believe

his message to at least respect the messenger.  On Sunday, Billy Graham did not compromise the message on final judgment, the return of Christ, and the need to follow Jesus.  He also chose to not mention the gay pride parade or other hot topics that divide, such as stem cell research, abortion, or gay marriage.  I believe that had he addressed those issues, some may not have heard the gospel message. 
In light of my view of how the press covered the crusade, I was surprised to hear today that a few people from our bus made the New York Times coverage of the Billy Graham Crusade.  The picture featured a time of prayer with one of our members one her knees with her son at her side.  There was no extremism, just a woman in prayer. 
Tears came to my eyes when I saw the picture.  Our church has prayed much with the woman in the picture.  Two months ago her husband was unfairly imprisoned because of old immigration issues.  Despite the hardship, God still cares.  There have been amazing answers to prayer and we continue to pray that God will restore the family.  I cannot image how she would be making it without prayer. 
It is possible that some read the New York Times today and saw our sister praying and only assumed religion is for the weak.  The truth is that there is much power that comes from a woman on her knees.  Paul wrote, "The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God." (I Cor 1:18)  Is not our God sovereign, even over a bias press?