Kathie Lee Gifford is well known for her years as cohost of “Regis and Kathie Lee” and now is a host with “The Today Show.” She was married to former sports broadcaster and football great Frank Gifford.
In one of the most extraordinary Christian statements made on national television, on her first appearance after his death, Kathie Lee said, “Frank also was shaped by his faith, something that kept his family together during their dark moments…That remained with him for the rest of his life. He strayed from his faith on occasion, but his faith never left him.”
She said, “His world got smaller as his God got bigger, and he’d want you to know that he died in complete peace. He knew every sin he’d ever committed was forgiven.” Frank died while sitting in his chair, dressed and ready to go to church.
Kathie Lee recounted a story of their trip to the Holy Land, where Frank took five stones from the brook at Elah, where David had picked up his five stones. Frank kept one in his den and gave one each to his daughter at her graduation from high school and his son when he graduated from college. One of the most touching moments was when Kathie Lee suggested to “The Today Show” audience that if they need hope and peace, they might consider Christianity.
Mike Shannon is dean of the Russell School of Ministry and professor of preaching at Cincinnati Christian University in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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