Jerushah Duford, the granddaughter of renowned evangelist Billy Graham, has made a name for herself beyond her famous family heritage. As a licensed counselor and outspoken advocate for progressive Christian values, she has taken a different path from some of her family members, offering a unique perspective on faith, politics, and social justice. This article delves into her life, work, and impact on various fronts, providing insight into what drives her passions.
Early Life and Family Heritage
Jerushah Duford was born on February 9, 1978, into the illustrious Graham family. Her mother, Gigi Graham, is the eldest daughter of Billy Graham and Ruth Bell Graham, making Jerushah part of one of America’s most influential evangelical families. Jerushah grew up alongside six siblings, and the Graham household was steeped in faith-based traditions. Despite this, Jerushah charted her own course, particularly when it came to social and political issues.
Jerushah has described her upbringing as warm but not without challenges. Growing up in the shadow of a world-famous evangelist, she was exposed to the public expectations placed on her family but has always expressed gratitude for the spiritual grounding it provided. Her father, Stephan Tchividjian, worked as a clinical psychologist and minister, emphasizing both faith and emotional well-being, influences that would later shape Jerushah’s professional life.
Career in Counseling and Writing
Jerushah pursued a bachelor’s degree in communications from Palm Beach Atlantic University and later earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Liberty University. While many of her relatives, including her uncle Franklin Graham, continued the evangelical preaching tradition, Jerushah chose a more interpersonal route, becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC).
She has built a career as a counselor specializing in marital issues, family dynamics, depression, and life transitions. Her approach to therapy integrates both cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and faith-based methods, offering her clients a holistic path to healing. Jerushah is passionate about supporting couples and families through difficult times, helping them build better communication and stronger relationships.
In addition to counseling, Jerushah has written extensively about faith, family, and personal development. She has contributed to publications such as Belle Magazine and Rice Bowls, and she co-authored two books paying tribute to her grandfather: Thank You, Billy Graham (2014) and Well Done, Billy Graham (2015).
Social Advocacy and Political Involvement
One of Jerushah’s most notable public stances came during the 2020 U.S. presidential election. She broke ranks with her uncle Franklin Graham, an ardent supporter of then-President Donald Trump, by joining the Lincoln Project, a political action group founded by Republicans opposed to Trump’s re-election. Jerushah’s decision to speak out garnered national attention, highlighting her belief that Christian values should not be conflated with partisan politics.
In interviews, she has spoken about the dissonance she felt between her Christian faith and the political rhetoric she saw in the Trump era. For Jerushah, faith is grounded in compassion, humility, and justice, principles she feels were compromised by her uncle’s political alignment. She emphasized that her opposition was not about disrespecting family ties but rather about staying true to the teachings of Christ.
This bold stance reflects her broader commitment to progressive Christian values, which include advocating for marginalized communities, standing up against racial injustice, and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. As a mental health advocate, Jerushah has also been vocal about the need for the church to provide better support for those struggling with mental health issues.
Personal Life and Family
Jerushah’s personal life has been equally eventful. She was previously married to pastor Chris Armfield, with whom she shares children. After their divorce, she remarried Kyle Duford, a marketing executive and brand strategist. Together, they have formed a blended family and now live in Greenville, South Carolina, raising six children.
Kyle, who has had an illustrious career working with brands such as Dr. Martens, now runs his own branding business. The couple’s journey through remarriage and blending families has been a major focus in Jerushah’s counseling work, as she draws from her personal experiences to help others facing similar challenges.
Jerushah’s Approach to Faith and Healing
At the core of Jerushah’s work is a desire to foster deep, authentic connections—whether between spouses, parents and children, or individuals and their faith. Her therapeutic approach integrates elements of the Gottman Method, a research-based technique for improving relationships, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a specialized treatment for trauma. She is particularly focused on helping families navigate difficult transitions, such as divorce, while maintaining healthy communication and emotional resilience.
Jerushah is also an advocate for mental health within Christian communities, a subject she feels is often stigmatized. She encourages churches to be more open about addressing issues like depression, anxiety, and trauma, offering faith-based but practical tools for those struggling.
FAQs About Jerushah Duford
1. How is Jerushah Duford related to Billy Graham?
Jerushah Duford is the granddaughter of Billy Graham. Her mother, Gigi Graham, is the eldest daughter of Billy and Ruth Graham.
2. What does Jerushah Duford do for a living?
Jerushah is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) specializing in marriage and family counseling, depression, anxiety, and trauma. She also writes and speaks on topics related to faith and social justice.
3. Why did Jerushah Duford join the Lincoln Project?
In 2020, Jerushah Duford joined the Lincoln Project to voice her opposition to President Donald Trump’s re-election. She believed that Trump’s policies and rhetoric were incompatible with her understanding of Christian values, which emphasize compassion, humility, and justice.
4. What is Jerushah’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues?
Jerushah is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She believes that Christianity should be inclusive and supportive of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
5. Where does Jerushah Duford live?
Jerushah Duford currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina, with her husband Kyle and their six children.
Conclusion
Jerushah Duford stands as a voice for a more compassionate and progressive Christianity, one that prioritizes love, justice, and mental well-being. Whether through her counseling practice, writing, or public advocacy, she has used her platform to challenge traditional views while offering a fresh perspective on how faith can intersect with modern life. Her willingness to speak out, even against family norms, demonstrates her commitment to living authentically—a journey she encourages others to take, too.
