Fearless with Cissie Graham Lynch

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.