Thoughts on Faith, Fires and Funerals
We're well into January, as I write. Yesterday's prediction of "a chance for a few snow flurries" is now about two inches of "chance." Like the weather, life's unpredictable. Which makes it both hopeful and worrisome, at times.
As for worrisome, an ad popped-up in email. Once a year I order a pocket calendar from a company in Maine. My 2025 calendar arrived in November. However, about an hour ago, they interrupted my third try at guessing today's WORDLE with an ad to promote a funeral guest book. Supposedly, I needed this. Now!
Then they suggested I could choose one that read: A Celebration of Life or In Loving Memory. I opted for neither, even though they offered me a 10% discount for a limited time. Well, I've lived long enough, which may be why they sent this offer, to know when to say no.
So, I'll let my kids choose the funeral guest book. Meanwhile, I choose to focus on today. The horrific fires in the LA area continue to remind us all of the fragility of life. And to cherish each other and make the most of moments. And to pray for firefighters and look for ways to help those who lost everything, especially hope.
Which is why It did me good to re-watch the Memorial Service for President Jimmy Carter. Five US Presidents, family and friends from around the world came to honor Carter's well-lived life. Striking to hear the sons of Walter Mondale and Gerald Ford read eulogies written years ago by their fathers. Promises made and kept.
But my favorite was his grandson, Jason Carter. If he ever runs for President, count me in, if I'm still around. After all, I could be looking from heaven's porch at folks signing my funeral book, if my kids order one. For sure, Jason loved and admired his PawPaw and Mom Carter, as he called his grandparents. He said that the Carter's house looked like Jimmy could've built it! And his description of their fridge covered in photos and papers, could've been mine. Jason said they had a rack by their sink for drying ziplock bags. Sound familiar?
But mostly is was Jimmy Carter's faith , not in government but in Jesus, that connected us. Jimmy was the first Democrat I ever voted for. My family was very Republican. But there was something about Jimmy Carter that drew me to check the box with his name. Jason nailed it when he said his PawPaw was the same man in Plains as he was in palaces and presidential homes. A man of integrity, a faithful Christian.
And unlike some, who I've voted for, he never disappointed me. He lived out his faith with integrity and grit, during and after he left office. If he'd been offered a deal on a funeral guest book, I think he would have turned it down, too. He had better ways to spend money and his one small dash, which lasted 100 years.
Well, he's with his wife, Rosalynn now, and catching up with friends, like Walter Mondale and Gerald Ford, and family who welcomed him to his forever home. Can't imagine what it looks like, but Jimmy built a lot of houses with Habitat for Humanity. So maybe he wants to make a few changes. Or move to a smaller house. Well, Jesus knows about carpentry, hammers and nails. So they'll figure it out with Rosalynn and get on with living life to the fullest, making a difference, like they did in Plains, Georgia and many places around the world.
Thank you, Jimmy.
And Jesus.
12 Comments
I watched three of his services (so glad for the media exposure!) from beginning to end. He was my hero for Christ. I too would vote for Jason if I ever could. Thanks to God for letting him live 100 years!
My hero, too, dear Radina. The service did more than honor a man. It honored Jesus, who Jimmy Carter loved and served by how he used his resources and influence to care for the porr and hurting in our world. And he taught Sunday School!
Thanks, Jan, for your tone and content. This relates to my concerns about competence and character. If you were stringent with your comments, would I care (as much) about what you said? Or, if your content was provocative and scripturally- based, would I care if you were a bit snarky? While I would want both in a president, I think competence wins over character. I agree President Carter, the person, was special, but as a president he was less than accomplished. I know what our Lord values most but with a president who has his or her hand on the button, I am not worried if he/she is smiling. Dale
Well, you're not alone in your assessment of his weaknesses as president, my dear brother Dale. I've read books by and about Carter and know he could be stubborn and come off as self-righteous. But I applaud him for the Camp David Accord, for caring about the environment before it was on the radar of most, for trying to be consistent with his beliefs. I remember being invited to the National Prayer Breakfast in DC during his tenure. It was the only time Jud and I were invited before or since. It was not fancy, for sure. We ate something akin to gruel to identify with the poor of the world. I wanted fancy but, in the end, was grateful for the reminder that I am part of a larger world and my choices impact places I've never heard of. But even Carter's most ardent critics laud him for his post presidency work on behalf of human rights, fair elections, building houses with Habitat for Humanity, eradicating Guinea Worm disease and othere issues through The Carter Center. I get your concerns about character and competency. But you and I know that the Presidency is weakened or strengthened by those who form the president's cabinet and those from whom the president owes favors or seeks counsel. The incoming president gives me pause when it comes to both competence and character. And I say that as an Independent, a follower of Jesus and one who loves my country. And also, as one who prays for the current President and President elect Trump and those who are elected to govern at the city, state and national levels. I'm hopeful that the saints above are praying for us down here, as well. God knows we need help,no matter who has a hand near that button.
Oh, if we all served people with respect and dignity as did President Carter. His funeral was an amazing testimony of his faith throughout his 100 years. I too, was impressed by Jason's account of his grandparents. I, too try to save plastic bags by drying them so they can be
repurposed. It is always nice to read your posts, Jan.
Well, what a fun surprise to see your name appear, dear Donna. These are tough times to be a leader or a follower. So many voices., issues and distractions. We need wisdom, thoughtfulness and teachable hearts. And we need each other. It's my [prayer and hope that tough times draw us closer to Jesus and to each other in this New Year. Thanks for reading and taking the time to respond, dear Donna. You encouraged me.
Thank you for this post. The world was shown grace and grit and God centered priorities from the Carters. My local library had a table with Jimmy’s books all laid out and I had my hand on his book entitled Faith. I ended up putting it back as my stack was 4 deep. That was a mistake. Thank you for lifting the importance of faith and character as we discern the value of a person in leadership.
Blessings to you in this new year 2025. Peace.
Thank you, dear Tina. We need character and competence, as my friend Dale reminded me. And so we pray. I've appreciated Jimmy Carter's writing for a long time. He is a real man of faith and wisdom. And so relatable to in his writing. I hope you'll get a chance to read his book on Faith. Peace and joy to you in 2025.
I didn't see the whole service, just bits and pieces. But I did watch all of what Jason said - more than once. So fabulous. Personally, I believe character is critical. My Pastor said in a recent email "Giftings, abilities, and achievements are great, but developing and demonstrating love-filled character is infinitely greater!" I'll send it to you - it's nothing you don't already know, but well written and affirming. <3
Thanks, very dear Wendy. Sounds like wise words from your pastor.
Jan, I am late to the party responding to your post about President Carter's passing, but like many the world over, I admired him deeply. History will show - and I believe already has - that he was a far better president than some give him credit for. He was a man of principle and character. I fail to understand how Christ-followers now claim those ideals are no longer important as long as we put America first and retain our wealth, etc. I am heartsick at the decrees that went out this week cutting funding for refugee families already in the US, many of whom were escaping persecution elsewhere. Carter (and Jesus) cared for the poor. I see little evidence of that in the current administration. God help us - God help them!
God help us and them is right!! Deeply troubled by the number of "evangelicals" who support the current President and his vindictive edicts.