Sunday Morning LIVE 2026.06.21

There is nothing that strikes at the heart of a parent quite like a rebellious child who has chosen to wander away from his or her faith and family. When this happens, parents often experience a full range of emotions—some healthy and some unhealthy.

Please know that no family is exempt from the possibility of having a prodigal child. Families of every economic status, educational background, and spiritual commitment are vulnerable to the rebellion of a son or daughter. From the very beginning of Scripture, we see this reality. In the book of Genesis, one brother walks in obedience while the other chooses a path of rebellion—Cain and Abel.

One of the most well-known modern examples is found in the family of evangelist Billy Graham. His wife, Ruth Graham, wrote a book titled Prodigals and Those Who Love Them. In it, she shares her experiences of maintaining the home while Billy traveled extensively preaching the gospel. Despite being raised in a godly home, two of their five children rebelled against the values their parents had taught them.

Their son Franklin Graham became involved with alcohol, smoking, and a lifestyle that distanced him from his family for nearly a decade. Their youngest son, Ned Graham, struggled with substance abuse, a difficult divorce, and other personal challenges. By God's grace, both men eventually experienced reconciliation, restoration, and a renewed commitment to ministry.

Yet not every prodigal story has a happy ending...