A Life of Faith

Jimmy Carter’s funeral was held this morning at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., a world away from his hometown church, Maranatha Baptist Church, in Plains, Georgia. President Carter’s grandson, Jason, in his eulogy, shared this:

“In my church, we sing a song that says, ‘From the moment that I wake up until I lay my head, I will sing of the goodness of God.’ I don’t know how many people in here can say that. I know I can’t. But my grandfather certainly can. 

Jimmy Carter through the work of the Carter Center was able to eradicate guinea worm disease, which Jason said is a disease of poverty and, “that this disease is not eliminated with medicine. It’s eliminated essentially by neighbors talking to neighbors about how to collect water in the poorest and most marginalized villages in the world. And those neighbors truly were my grandfather’s partners for the last 40 years.”

Jason concluded: “Essentially, he eradicated a disease with love and respect. He waged peace with love and respect. He led this nation with love and respect. To me, this life was a love story from the moment that he woke up, until he laid his head.”

Some good friends were camping on Tybee Island in 2018 and made the four-hour trip to Plains to attend Sunday School with President Carter. On the two Sundays a month when Carter taught Sunday School at Maranatha, up to 500 people would cram into the small church, lining up hours before to attend.

According to an Associated Press Article, "Carter’s Bible lessons focused on central themes: God gives life, loves unconditionally, and provides the freedom to live a successful life. But the lesson usually began with an anecdote about what he'd been up to or his perspective on world affairs."

De De said about the visit, “We remember he was just so humbling and yet dignified. So earthy and yet holy. Before starting the lesson, he asked if anyone was a divinity student. Someone raised her hand, and he asked her to give the opening prayer. He did not want the credit; he wanted that student to receive it!”

Peace to you, my friends. 

See you in church!!