There have been many titles and roles assigned to Jimmy Carter — 39th president of the United States, commander in chief, governor, senator, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, farmer, Navy veteran, Democrat.
Also, Sunday school teacher, peacemaker, carpenter, homebuilder, champion of human rights, politician. And author, nuclear engineer and Nobel Peace Prize winner. The title and role that may best characterize his lifetime contributions, however, is servant.
His accomplishments, which include establishing the federal education and energy departments, facilitating the Israel and Egypt peace agreement and signing a resolution for the Equal Rights Amendment, transcended that of many presidents in modern history. Later, as founder of the Carter Center, he consistently worked for global justice and diplomacy, an equitable society and a better life for all people.
While history records his presidency as one term, it was his second act and post-presidential endeavors that most deeply impacted humanity. As a servant and volunteer, Carter raised millions of dollars, helped to build more than 4,400 homes in 14 countries and inspired more than 100,000 volunteers to contribute service to Habitat for Humanity. His life was a profile in service — giving back, paying it forward and helping others.
Carter had a very respectful relationship with the African American community. His presidency inherited the unsettled arguments, unhealed wounds and unfulfilled promises from the Civil Rights Movement. He appointed Andrew Young as ambassador to the United Nations. The struggles of the African American community resonated with him because he witnessed the harsh impact of segregation and discrimination in his home state of Georgia. His appointments and partnerships were emblematic of his respect for the African American community and his acknowledgment of the systemic obstacles and struggles. He was the first president to denounce apartheid in Africa. He also worked with Nelson Mandela in South Africa on peace and human rights concerns. And after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the Habitat for Humanity team that he led built 60 homes and framed another 48 in one week.
Carter demonstrated how important it is to render service to others, asking nothing in return. He showed the significance of meeting people where they are in seasons of homelessness, hollowness and hopelessness. His rules of engagement were listening, accessibility, humility, empathy and action. His tools of engagement included a hammer, nails, a smile, scripture, Southern values, and hospitality and prayer.
If anyone wonders how they can make a difference in this world, they need not look far, because there is a model, an example, a template, that Jimmy Carter left for us. The model includes attributes such as compassion, resiliency, grace, selflessness, willingness, humanity and time.
His 77-year marriage to Rosalynn, who preceded him in death, underscored the fidelity to marital vows, the sanctity of marriage and the presence of God’s enduring love. Their conjoined life of service was inseparable, inerasable and admirable.
The Bible records the Lord using unlikely, uncommon and unpopular people to do extraordinary works. In 1 Samuel 16-17, David, a shepherd boy initially overlooked and dismissed, was eventually selected for his heart and potential and became king. We see a similar example with Gideon, who was full of doubt, fear, insecurity and hesitation, when an angel of the Lord called him “mighty warrior.” It is not unlike God to choose a humble, unpretentious, plain-spoken man to lead peace talks, reconciliation and medical cures around the world. In the Bible and through our life, we realize that many are called to their purpose, but not all accept the invitation. Jimmy Carter accepted his calling, fulfilled his purpose and pleased his God.
While the annuals and archives may not associate Carter with befitting descriptions like icon or luminary, especially with the backdrop of other presidential scandals, he will be remembered as a gentle giant who made an indelible imprint on the soul and conscience of humanity. He will be remembered as a centenarian, as his love for humanity was rewarded with longevity. A world that benefited from his leadership, borrowed from his playbook and built upon his legacy, rightfully said “thank you.” And a celestial congregation of Sunday school students and a chorus of angels said, “Well done.”