When I was teen in the 80s and complained about having to help or babysit my siblings or whatever it was I didn’t want to do, going on and on about how put upon I was, my mother would say, “Get off the cross my little martyr, Jimmy Carter needs the wood.” 😂 It was a funny reminder of how much others gave and to quit my complaining. Clearly, it’s stuck with me and I still say it to myself when I fall into the martyr trap. 🤭
What a truly good human being President Carter was. He did the next needed thing his whole life. He is someone that I can proudly say I’ve always looked up to and who I have learned from. Even at the tender age of eight, I was outraged that he lost his reelection bid. I could see his servant leader heart and knew that he wasn’t the person who said what you wanted to hear, he told the truth. He took responsibility for his words and deeds. He will be missed but I’m grateful for the opportunity to have lived when he did and to have born witness to his good works. And of course, I’m grateful for the reminder that there is work to be done so quit complaining and help. ❤️
The fact that he openly spoke about violence against women, and left his church because he didn't think they were living Christian principles speaks volumes. The way his actions lined up with his words is something we need more of today. <3
Jimmy Carter is an indelible legacy for all, but especially for those in Southwest Georgia where is from. It shouldn't surprise you that many in the south still speak from both sides of their mouth.... He's a good man, but misguided in ... Not a good politician.... Etc. I graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University proudly in the Carter's footsteps. Will also see them as benevolent, Christ-like, humble, and hard-working examples. My dream was to work for the Carter Center, but I became a teacher in the trenches. Looking down toward retirement, there is always time for new directions.
Thank you for this tribute and recording of good deeds. I love writing that makes me more curious—as your writing so often does. Today I’ll be doing a deep dive into the history and epidemiology of guinea worm, so that we can start my Epidemics class this semester with a success story that too few people know about. Sharon, you’re a treasure. Thank you for sharing your gifts!
I love everything you wrote. Thank you so much for telling us, “the rest of the story.”
I also love how Jimmy Carter’s values and actions juxtapose those of our current elected leaders. I feel like it is a real gift to us citizens (the only title higher than president) that we are highlighting those values and actions at this time in our history. May we measure ourselves and others by his example.
Absolutely love this writing, Sharon. Thank you! I think it's also appropriate--given today's political climate, to mention that Jimmy Carter--while a staunchly religious (Christian) man, was also a staunch supporter of the concept/practice of Church-State separation.
I love this survey of Jimmy Carter's after office service. Thank you. I was 11 in 1976 living in a very conservative part of the country. In that election, I realized my parents were of different opinions. I remember my mother loving Jimmy Carter so much, and being very comfortable voting out of step with most of her friends and family. I'm proud that she did.
Jennifer -- Much like you, I grew up in a relatively 'conservative' community and home. My eldest sister (4-years my senior) turned 18 in August of '76. My father was a 'Ford man', and when my sister came out in support of Carter...well, the fireworks in our house were appropriate for the bicentennial. My mother, who was generally quiet with regard to politics, would listen to my father and sister debate. Ultimately, my mother agreed with my sister, and voted for Carter. However, she did not reveal this to my father for years. I--being 14 at the time, can honestly say that 1976 was the year that greatly influenced my interest in politics/government. Four years later, I proudly voted for the first time for Jimmy Carter. I have never regretted that vote. While he lost to Reagan that year--I always believed my vote was for *honesty*, *integrity*, and *good*.
The Summer of 1976: A political coming-of-age story in rural southeast Georgia
I was 9 1/2 years old that summer. So many events are crystal clear in my memory. It was hot and dry. It's the first time I remember being miserably hot. I read a lot of books. My precious grandpa died and it changed us. I witnessed my special needs aunt cry for the first time. The country celebrated a bicentennial, so I crocheted in period attire at a 1776 themed festival in the city park. And my Uncle Lawton drew my attention to politics and the Georgia peanut farmer running for President of the United States. ❤️
Jimmy Carter is my favorite president, not because of his presidency, although I agree with many of the things he established, but because he authentically lived his faith in a way that honored not only his own beliefs, but also honored people who may or may mot have believed the same way he did. He’s described as the most religious of all presidents, but I always think of him as a good, just, peaceful and free person out there doing the next needed thing.
I agree,Tobi! In my opinion, the description of President Carter as the most religious of all of our president's AND all of who he was - the humanitarian, women's rights advocate, supporter of all at-risk people - go fully hand-in-hand! He was that sadly, all-too-rare Christian, who LIVED his religion and served truly as the 'hands and feet of Jesus'! (Shockingly, to be a true Christian you have to open, read, and follow the Bible, not just rebind a version and sell it for waaayyyy too much money!!)
Samantha -- I've read four of Jimmy Carter's books, as well as a biography (author: Jonathan Alter). My favorite, so far, of Carter's is his autobiography. I suggest Alter's book...and Carter's. You can get the perspective of his life from the man, himself, as well as that of an 'outsider' looking in.
I was 19 in 1976 and my vote for Jimmy Carter was my first presidential vote. His commitment to God and his actions of faith throughout his life even when it was the convenient thing to do inspires me. I was in England when Queen Elizabeth died and saw the great outpouring of respect for her and wondered if there was anyone in the US that would receive such a response. It has warmed my heart to see the response for such a good man.
as an emory university alum, i was privileged to attend a carter town hall on our campus just a few weeks into my freshman year. he answered questions directly from freshmen students that were both poignant and funny. while i can't recall the specifics of that town hall, i *do* remember the one that i watched just *two days* after september 11. i wrote the following two days after he spoke as part of a larger piece for one of my classes:
"I remember where I was on September 13, 2001, when Jimmy Carter, the ultimate symbol of peace and democracy, came to address our community. I was watching the telecast, while sitting with my friends in White Hall. We were inspired by the words of the former President; he gave us a glimmer of hope that there may be some sort of resolution, if the leaders of the world can think clearly. Although, the truth is, we really have no way of knowing what’s going to happen."
He was such a great leader in and out of the White House. Has anyone watched the latest documentary about Carter on Max? I wish we had 10,000 more like him.
When I was teen in the 80s and complained about having to help or babysit my siblings or whatever it was I didn’t want to do, going on and on about how put upon I was, my mother would say, “Get off the cross my little martyr, Jimmy Carter needs the wood.” 😂 It was a funny reminder of how much others gave and to quit my complaining. Clearly, it’s stuck with me and I still say it to myself when I fall into the martyr trap. 🤭
What a truly good human being President Carter was. He did the next needed thing his whole life. He is someone that I can proudly say I’ve always looked up to and who I have learned from. Even at the tender age of eight, I was outraged that he lost his reelection bid. I could see his servant leader heart and knew that he wasn’t the person who said what you wanted to hear, he told the truth. He took responsibility for his words and deeds. He will be missed but I’m grateful for the opportunity to have lived when he did and to have born witness to his good works. And of course, I’m grateful for the reminder that there is work to be done so quit complaining and help. ❤️
The fact that he openly spoke about violence against women, and left his church because he didn't think they were living Christian principles speaks volumes. The way his actions lined up with his words is something we need more of today. <3
Jimmy Carter is an indelible legacy for all, but especially for those in Southwest Georgia where is from. It shouldn't surprise you that many in the south still speak from both sides of their mouth.... He's a good man, but misguided in ... Not a good politician.... Etc. I graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University proudly in the Carter's footsteps. Will also see them as benevolent, Christ-like, humble, and hard-working examples. My dream was to work for the Carter Center, but I became a teacher in the trenches. Looking down toward retirement, there is always time for new directions.
I love how one of President Carter’s legacies is that there’s always time for new directions.
Rest in Power, Mr. President!
Thank you for this tribute and recording of good deeds. I love writing that makes me more curious—as your writing so often does. Today I’ll be doing a deep dive into the history and epidemiology of guinea worm, so that we can start my Epidemics class this semester with a success story that too few people know about. Sharon, you’re a treasure. Thank you for sharing your gifts!
This is wonderful!! I’m a former teacher, and I resonate with interesting and relevant news and stories that enhance the lesson. Good on ya!
It keeps the lessons new for us, too! 💜
OH! MOST DEFINITELY!! as teachers it helps us learn and grow as well 🤷🏼♀️
Well done, good and faithful servant.
I love everything you wrote. Thank you so much for telling us, “the rest of the story.”
I also love how Jimmy Carter’s values and actions juxtapose those of our current elected leaders. I feel like it is a real gift to us citizens (the only title higher than president) that we are highlighting those values and actions at this time in our history. May we measure ourselves and others by his example.
Absolutely love this writing, Sharon. Thank you! I think it's also appropriate--given today's political climate, to mention that Jimmy Carter--while a staunchly religious (Christian) man, was also a staunch supporter of the concept/practice of Church-State separation.
I love this survey of Jimmy Carter's after office service. Thank you. I was 11 in 1976 living in a very conservative part of the country. In that election, I realized my parents were of different opinions. I remember my mother loving Jimmy Carter so much, and being very comfortable voting out of step with most of her friends and family. I'm proud that she did.
Jennifer -- Much like you, I grew up in a relatively 'conservative' community and home. My eldest sister (4-years my senior) turned 18 in August of '76. My father was a 'Ford man', and when my sister came out in support of Carter...well, the fireworks in our house were appropriate for the bicentennial. My mother, who was generally quiet with regard to politics, would listen to my father and sister debate. Ultimately, my mother agreed with my sister, and voted for Carter. However, she did not reveal this to my father for years. I--being 14 at the time, can honestly say that 1976 was the year that greatly influenced my interest in politics/government. Four years later, I proudly voted for the first time for Jimmy Carter. I have never regretted that vote. While he lost to Reagan that year--I always believed my vote was for *honesty*, *integrity*, and *good*.
The Summer of 1976: A political coming-of-age story in rural southeast Georgia
I was 9 1/2 years old that summer. So many events are crystal clear in my memory. It was hot and dry. It's the first time I remember being miserably hot. I read a lot of books. My precious grandpa died and it changed us. I witnessed my special needs aunt cry for the first time. The country celebrated a bicentennial, so I crocheted in period attire at a 1776 themed festival in the city park. And my Uncle Lawton drew my attention to politics and the Georgia peanut farmer running for President of the United States. ❤️
RIP President Carter
Jimmy Carter is my favorite president, not because of his presidency, although I agree with many of the things he established, but because he authentically lived his faith in a way that honored not only his own beliefs, but also honored people who may or may mot have believed the same way he did. He’s described as the most religious of all presidents, but I always think of him as a good, just, peaceful and free person out there doing the next needed thing.
I agree,Tobi! In my opinion, the description of President Carter as the most religious of all of our president's AND all of who he was - the humanitarian, women's rights advocate, supporter of all at-risk people - go fully hand-in-hand! He was that sadly, all-too-rare Christian, who LIVED his religion and served truly as the 'hands and feet of Jesus'! (Shockingly, to be a true Christian you have to open, read, and follow the Bible, not just rebind a version and sell it for waaayyyy too much money!!)
I would like to read at least one of President Carter’s books. Can you share suggestions on which you would recommend?
Samantha -- I've read four of Jimmy Carter's books, as well as a biography (author: Jonathan Alter). My favorite, so far, of Carter's is his autobiography. I suggest Alter's book...and Carter's. You can get the perspective of his life from the man, himself, as well as that of an 'outsider' looking in.
https://www.amazon.com/Full-Life-Reflections-Ninety/dp/1501115642
https://www.amazon.com/His-Very-Best-Jimmy-Carter/dp/1501125486
Oh, and I should add, that the autobiography linked is part of Kindle Unlimited right now so if you have that you can read it for free :)
Thank you for linking those! I've wanted to read Alter's book so I'm adding that to my TBR list :D
Thank you!
I was 19 in 1976 and my vote for Jimmy Carter was my first presidential vote. His commitment to God and his actions of faith throughout his life even when it was the convenient thing to do inspires me. I was in England when Queen Elizabeth died and saw the great outpouring of respect for her and wondered if there was anyone in the US that would receive such a response. It has warmed my heart to see the response for such a good man.
*not the convenient
He is, in so many ways- a mighty American. He represented so much of what is American greatness. Humble work is mighty work.
My first vote was for Jimmy Carter! We were blessed to have him.
as an emory university alum, i was privileged to attend a carter town hall on our campus just a few weeks into my freshman year. he answered questions directly from freshmen students that were both poignant and funny. while i can't recall the specifics of that town hall, i *do* remember the one that i watched just *two days* after september 11. i wrote the following two days after he spoke as part of a larger piece for one of my classes:
"I remember where I was on September 13, 2001, when Jimmy Carter, the ultimate symbol of peace and democracy, came to address our community. I was watching the telecast, while sitting with my friends in White Hall. We were inspired by the words of the former President; he gave us a glimmer of hope that there may be some sort of resolution, if the leaders of the world can think clearly. Although, the truth is, we really have no way of knowing what’s going to happen."
here's a link to what the university paper wrote about the town hall: https://www.emory.edu/EMORY_REPORT/erarchive/2001/September/erSept.24/9_24_01carter.html
what an exemplary human.
He was such a great leader in and out of the White House. Has anyone watched the latest documentary about Carter on Max? I wish we had 10,000 more like him.
Thank you for sharing-I look forward to watching it