I have to wonder, though, if the lack of love gave Ruth more clarity in shaping B's public presence. Cornwell writes:

“She spent hours studying her Bible and thumbing through magazines and newspapers in search of sermon ideas, an avocation she would enjoy from then on. Many of Billy’s better book and sermon illustrations can be attributed to her perusals.”

Also: "In 1952, Billy, helped by Ruth, wrote his first book, Peace with God.”

Had he been a Baptist zealot or a politician he'd not have become the global figure he became. Ruth's life becomes coherent, I think, in view of her realizing she was scripting him from afar.

But there was a memory of him having told her that he was the guide, he was the one in communication with God. It was so ironic, so demeaning.