Thought For The Day – Friday 10th January 2025
Values
Yesterday the funeral took place of the longest-lived American President James Earl Carter Junior. President Carter passed away, aged 100, on 29th December 2024.
“Jimmy” Carter, as he was known, was married to Rosalynn Carter, for 77 years. Rosalynn passed away in November 2023, aged 96. Pictured above, the second picture taken in Plains, Georgia, they were sustained by care, devotion, kindness and love. Both were humanitarians who made the world a better place for others.
“Jimmy” Carter, as he was known, rose from humble beginnings, as a peanut farmer, in Plains, Georgia. Jimmy was a star basketball player in high school. He served in the Navy. From humble beginning, Jimmy Carter became the 39th President of the United States of America for one term from 1977 to 1981.
However, Jimmy never forgot his roots. Though there were many very significant challenges in his Presidency, from economic challenges at home to international relations abroad, Jimmy Carter stayed true to his values, promoting equality, justice and peace.
Even in that era, Jimmy Carter took climate change seriously, installing solar panels on the White House and conserving energy. And, today, we continue to have in our thoughts, and prayers, all suffering environmental challenges.
Jimmy Carter supported the civil rights movement, encouraging and standing up for equality for the black, women and LGBT+ communities.
For Jimmy Carter, these values stemmed from his honest Christian faith in the Baptist tradition. He was inspired, amongst others, by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King.
However, Jimmy Carter was further, and even more, defined by what he achieved after, or post, the Presidency. How a person handles challenge, or a change of circumstance, something that comes to us all at some point, can tell us so much about them, and indeed about ourselves. Out of office, Jimmy Carter became even more admired, followed and respected around this planet as he became a global leader for equality, justice, peace and a better world, winning a Nobel Peace Prize, working with the likes of Nelson Mandela. He, and Rosalynn, served even more people for decades. Ever the student and thinker, Jimmy Carter was also the author of thirty two books.
Often in life, it takes the thoughtful perspective of time to make a full analysis of a life, of a contribution. It can be too easy on occasions to get caught in the moment, as regards who, or what, is fashionable at the time, though the fashionable, present and immediate has its very important place. For an accurate, fair and full picture, a considered and long term analysis and vision is often needed. The test of time. People may not always agree about different things, but love and respect should always be loved and respected. And love and respect should always be shown. All former, current and incoming Presidents of the United States of America, sitting together below, attended President Carter’s funeral yesterday.
