A few days ago a news release about former US president Jimmy Carter shared that at age 98 he has decided to forego further hospital treatment for his health challenges and will receive palliative care at home. Carter is a remarkable person, a man of deep Christian faith, who eventually won a Nobel Peace Prize for efforts motivated, in no small part, by his convictions. As president he was ahead of his time in addressing environmental issues, again informed by his understanding of Creator and the mandate to care for Creation. A Southern Baptist, he eventually left the denomination for what he viewed as regressive and unfaithful tenets.
If you want to have a glimpse into his courage, search out that the story of his heading a team of specialized naval officers who were flown into Chalk River in 1952 to avert a nuclear meltdown at a reactor. It is the stuff of a thriller novel or film. Carter is often dismissed as weak during his one-term presidency but he has always been a person of resolve, decency, and foresight.
Here are a couple of Carter quotes which have been shared in recent days, and a photo of Carter on a Habitat for Humanity building site hours after he'd suffered a serious fall. He was 95 and deserved to recuperate but he didn't want to let the building team down.
A hero, a Christian, saint in the best sense, and a great American.
I have always been a big fan of Jimmy Carter. I may be dating myself, but I remember when he was President. He seemed compassionate, thoughtful and genuine. Other than Obama, I can't think of too many U.S. presidents in the last 50 years who fit that bill. He's also very knowledgeable about the Middle East, and I read his book on the subject a number of years ago. I was very impressed.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Roger on this one . I have always had great admiration for Jimmy Carter
ReplyDeleteSomeone has suggested that the past 43 years since the end of Carter's one-term presidency have actually been dedicated to what he hoped to accomplish during a second term. Isuppose that there are ways to create a legacy as a president that don't involve being in office. It's good to see that you admire him as well, Roger and Judy.
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