Thank you President Carter

Today was President Jimmy Carter's funeral. He died on December 29, 2024 after being in hospice care for 2 years at the age of 100. Although no one is perfect, Jimmy Carter was pretty close. Many talk about the life of Christ, but President Carter took it upon himself to live it. To wage peace wherever he went. President Carter continues to have a deep impact on how I shape my life, and how I want to live it. His departure from the earth plane leaves a large gap. One that I suspect will take many people to fill. Will you be one of them? I will do my best to play my part to live as President Carter has taught us: with grace, compassion, and principled discipline. 

Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn demonstrated what it was to be in a committed and equal partnership at a time when there weren't many public examples on display. No matter how busy he was he always took time out to teach Sunday School because he was dedicated to living his spirituality. ​He cared about the youth of the nation as well. He taught us as children of the 1970's and 1980's to be global citizens. To take good care of the world and to take good care of ourselves and the people we loved. Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer from the segregated south turned international diplomat and US President winning a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in the Middle East showed us what it was to live as an inclusive world citizen. To wield a soft but strong power of respect and dignity for all.

A true yin-yang type of personality; he utilized both Soft and Hard diplomatic policy. A Nuclear Physicist who strengthened the military while deploying the persuasive powers of a Southern gentleman to never have to use it. These are just a few ways he was a guiding light for many and will continue to be for those who choose to keep his principles at the forefront of their hearts and minds. 

I admire President Carter's inclusivity. Something I fall short of, but aspire to achieve. A measuring stick I pull out to see how I'm doing. Each day I hope to do better. Jimmy Carter the president who placed solar panels on the White House and told us to learn the metric system to be in alignment with the rest of the world. He will always live within me, and I will continue to pass his way of living down to my children the best that I can. He was a real one, living his ideals not just preaching  and pandering. That is what separates him from any other who calls themself a leader. He sacrificed for the greater good. I am not sure people will appreciate enough. But that is what makes you a great leader! That's who I wish to be as well. 

Many are jealous that they will never get the level of love and respect that someone truly living the spiritual path will receive for their lifetime of work. It is something earned, you cannot purchase it, coerce it, demand it. It comes from offering love, relief, and bringing peace. "Installing smiles for miles." is something that came to mind when thinking about what to write today. He built homes through Habitat for Humanity and lived in a modest one himself. 

Thank you President Carter, you will be greatly missed. 

To find out more about President Jimmy Carter you can learn about him through
The Carter Center