Faith Nyasuguta
On Sunday, December 29, 2024, the world bid farewell to former US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the remarkable age of 100. His departure marked the end of an era, but his legacy as a statesman, humanitarian, and moral leader will continue to inspire generations to come.
Carter’s journey from a small-town peanut farmer in Plains to the 39th President of the United States epitomized the American dream. Born on October 1, 1924, he grew up in modest circumstances, guided by deep faith and an unwavering commitment to justice. These values shaped his personal life, presidency, and post-presidential years, cementing his place as one of the most respected leaders in history.
A Presidency of Principles
Jimmy Carter’s presidency (1977-1981) was defined by his relentless pursuit of peace and his dedication to human rights. He brokered the historic Camp David Accords, which led to a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, a diplomatic triumph that earned him global praise. Former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat called Carter “a man of great integrity and dedication to peace.”
However, Carter’s tenure was not without its challenges. His administration grappled with economic difficulties, including high inflation and unemployment, as well as the Iran hostage crisis. Despite these hurdles, Carter’s moral compass remained unshaken. He once declared, “America did not invent human rights. In a very real sense, it is the other way around. Human rights invented America.”
This philosophy underpinned his foreign policy, setting a new standard for American leadership on the global stage.
Life After the White House
Carter’s post-presidential years arguably outshone his time in office. In 1982, he founded The Carter Center, a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing human rights and alleviating suffering worldwide. The Center’s initiatives ranged from combating Guinea worm disease, reducing cases from 3.5 million to fewer than a dozen, to promoting free and fair elections in developing nations.
Carter’s commitment to service extended to Habitat for Humanity, where he worked alongside his wife, Rosalynn, to build homes for those in need. These efforts demonstrated his belief in the dignity of all people and the importance of giving back.
Former President Barack Obama, reflecting on Carter’s legacy, noted, “Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did, advocating for the public good, consequences be damned.”
A Life Guided by Faith
Carter’s deep and abiding faith was a cornerstone of his life. A devout Baptist, he taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains for decades, even into his 90s. His teachings emphasized justice, equality, and compassion. “We should live our lives as though Christ were coming this afternoon,” he often told his congregation.
This faith-inspired outlook guided his actions, from appointing a record number of women and minorities to federal positions during his presidency to advocating for civil rights and social justice. “At the heart of President Carter’s public service was his fervent commitment to honoring the spark of divinity within every person,” said former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
National and Global Tributes
Carter’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum. President Joe Biden described him as “a man of principle, faith, and humility,” adding, “We’d all do well to try to be a little more like Jimmy Carter.” Biden announced plans for an official state funeral in Washington, as well as a public service in Atlanta.
Vice President Kamala Harris echoed these sentiments, calling his life “a testament to the power of service.” Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell highlighted Carter’s calm spirit and unshakable faith, noting, “Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher for forty.”
Even former and incoming US President Donald Trump acknowledged Carter’s impact, stating, “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country, and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans.”
Moral Courage
Carter’s courage to stand for what he believed in, even at great personal or political cost, defined his legacy. He once remarked, “The best way to enhance freedom in other lands is to demonstrate here that our democratic system is worthy of emulation.” This belief drove his unrelenting pursuit of truth, justice, and equality.
In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing his “decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, advance democracy and human rights, and promote economic and social development.” The Nobel Committee praised his persistence, noting that Carter’s work extended far beyond his four years in the White House.
Jimmy Carter’s life was a testament to the idea that leadership is not about power but service. He inspired millions through his humility, dedication, and moral clarity. As Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer aptly put it, “The strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others.”
As we remember Jimmy Carter, we celebrate a man who embodied the best of humanity. His legacy will live on, not just in the annals of history but in the lives he touched and the example he set for future generations.
Carter’s own words serve as a fitting epitaph: “I have one life and one chance to make it count for something. My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference.”
Indeed, he did.
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