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National mourning is a time of mourning and reflection, and it gives us the freedom to do so through the lens of patriotism rather than politics, and from an attitude of gratitude rather than partisanship. This is where we are today as the nation learns of the passing of our 39th president, Jimmy Carter.
Although many on the right have criticized Jimmy Carter’s policies, he has stepped up and served our nation in public service through his military career as a naval officer and his political career as governor and state senator of Georgia. We can still recognize and admire his willingness to engage. So does the President of the United States. We also need to recognize the humanity behind this loss. Not only is America saying goodbye to a president, but behind the scenes of protocol and pomp, the Carters are saying goodbye to a father, grandfather, uncle, and many friends who knew him personally. is.
This will be a particularly difficult time for the Carter family, who said goodbye to Rosalynn last November. The former first lady had been diagnosed with dementia and was in hospice care just two days before her death. Remarkably, President Carter entered hospice care in February 2023, outliving his wife by more than a year. The Carters were married for 77 years, making it the longest presidential marriage in American history. The two will be buried side by side in Plains, Georgia, where they lived for more than 60 years.
Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States, dies at age 100
Although Carter was best known as president, he was most comfortable at home on the Plains, not on the world stage. He lived a simple, simple and humble life. He was deeply committed to his faith, family, and devoting his life to service to others. He was active in church, taught Sunday school, and immersed himself in both God’s Word and God’s work on this earth.
Some people may feel conflicted about what they think of Jimmy Carter after his death, and that’s okay. Life is complicated and so are people. One’s entire life cannot be placed on one side of a good ledger or a bad ledger. Thankfully, that’s the case for all of us. We can celebrate the selfless life he gave to others and let history judge Jimmy Carter’s final legacy.
Our legacies are not written after we die, but with our daily lives.
He remained focused on global issues surrounding world peace and election integrity, often traveling abroad to express his passion. Still, Carter was most comfortable wearing blue jeans, swinging a hammer with Habitat for Humanity volunteers and building homes for people in need.
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Carter could have retired a long time ago and rested on his laurels, but he chose to use his position and notoriety to continue to bless others, and he showed this not only in words but in his actions. . In many ways, he embodies the American spirit of generosity, selflessness, and initiative, and reflects the true American spirit that can be found in many of the small towns like the Plains that dot this great nation. I was there.
In October 1986, when President Carter’s successor, Ronald Reagan, spoke at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, he said, “None of us today, in the name of good will, There is no need to feel the urge to downplay our differences. On the contrary, in a sense, we can be proud of our differences, because they are born out of goodwill itself. Because it stems from love of country and concern for the challenges of our time, even the full enjoyment of the democratic process of disagreement and debate today. Our differences are a testament to our greatness, for there is no other country on earth where two political leaders can disagree so widely and yet come together in mutual respect. Because I can’t think of anything else. ”
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter attends the 24th Annual Jimmy Carter Work Project Commencement on October 29, 2007 in Los Angeles, California, USA. (Mario Anzuoni/file photo)
Despite their differences, Reagan preferred to focus on his similarities with Jimmy Carter, and we would be wise to do the same. In fact, we agree on things like love of country, love of God, love of service, love of land, the value of life, the importance of peace and democratic elections, and the desire to eradicate disease around the world. There were many things to do. .
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The story of Jimmy Carter’s presidency, both good and bad, has already been recorded for posterity. Historians will ultimately determine his place and influence in history. Some of them may not even be flattering. Carter himself knew during his lifetime what was being said about America’s stagnation and decline under his leadership. He also knew what would be said after he was gone. Perhaps that’s why he worked so hard to build another aspect of his legacy after leaving the White House. In fact, it may be the later years that are the most meaningful and memorable.
Everyone has parts of their life that they are proud of, and others that they are not. It is up to each of us to actively participate in creating our own legacy. Our legacies are not written after we die, but with our daily lives.
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Much of life is given to us and we are forced to react and react to it. But when it comes to the elements of life that we can control, initiate, and prioritize, perhaps Jimmy Carter believes that life is not judged solely by its worst moments, but rather by how it ends. Overall, this may have been a good example of a life well lived.
Ultimately, Jimmy Carter passed away the way he wanted. But humbly and quietly, surrounded by family and friends, secure in God’s love and salvation, he lived a long and fulfilling life of service to others. Perhaps, in essence, that’s what it really means to have lived a great American life.
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