out of proportion and were frustrated that the huge slush fund
newspaper headlines were corrected later by small paragraphs
buried in the back of the paper.
Billy, however, even had positive things to say about the
Observerreporters afterward. “Bob Hodierne and Mary Bishop
taught us some good lessons. We have learned some things from
them.”
Sterling, in describing the incident to us, said, “He was really
forgiving. You know Billy’s spirit—he was gracious simply
because he felt that was what God wanted him to be.”
“Even though it was unfair?”
“Yes, Billy looks at difficult events as things God permits for
some reason and asks, ‘Is there a lesson to be learned? If so,’ says
Billy, ‘I’m teachable.’”
Unlike some leaders who bristle at financial inquiries and
think of investigative reporters as enemies, Billy’s attitude was to
listen and learn, always preparing for storms to come. That meant
not only full financial disclosure but maintaining integrity in
many areas.
John Corts tells of traveling with Allan Emery to see Billy
about an issue that was troubling them. Plans had been made that
they felt uncomfortable with, sensing that in some ways they
lacked integrity. When they laid this before Billy, explaining their
concerns, he immediately agreed with them, saying, “Of course!”
John and Allan knew the BGEA value was to avoid the very
appearance of evil. When the press investigated in-depth in 1977,
they found both a clean house and a forgiving spirit.
LEADERSHIP
LESSONS | Money
Applying the Principles
Great volumes of advice about money come at us via print, elec-
tronic media, educational offerings—and counselors eager to
advise us. The subject is vast and complex.
The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham