Comments on: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Jimmy Carter

By: David Wright

David Wright — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 01:37:30 +0000

I am grateful for Jimmy Carter and for your thoughtful, informative, and eloquent tribute, Philip.

I am pained by the way so many evangelical Christians have demoted integrity as a determining factor in their voting decisions for government leaders and now will accept and vote for candidates who promise what we want to hear on specific issues, even if a candidate manifests all the markers of narcissistic personality disorder and is quite willing to destroy the American representative republic to maintain personal power.

I so admire how the Carters manifested vision, dedication, and persistence by their association with Habitat for Humanity, their Carter Center and the more local efforts I never heard of until you told me in your tribute.

Thank you!

By: Kay Hardin

Kay Hardin — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 22:58:59 +0000

President Carter is my prime mentor and example of how to be and live retired with meaning, purpose, drive, and joy. Now that I am retired after 39 years of ministry, I am inspired by the spiritual and vocational examples of President and Mrs. Carter that one does not have to acquiesce to the traditional expections from within and without regarding age, agility, and ability.

By: Larry Tyner

Larry Tyner — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 19:41:20 +0000

Georgia? Can anything good come out of Georgia? Please let me tell you what a handful of Georgians have meant in my walk with Jesus.
Let’s start with the singing, and especially the songwriting of Pat Terry of Smyrna. The Pat Terry Group and others of the new genre of what would be known as Contemporary Christian Music. Pat’s songwriting was a great encouragement to this bitter and repentant young Vietnam veteran. It still is to this day.
How about Clarence Jordan of Talbotton? He was a remarkably courageous man who started Koinonia Farm in Americus in an attempt to help the poor, especially the black residents of Sumter county at a time when the local populace was filled with angry segregationists and the Ku Klux Klan. When Millard Fuller came to stay at Koinonia, he and Clarence decided on a plan to build decent housing for the local residents, using the Old Testament of not charging interest on loans for the housing. Fuller and his wife Linda would move on as missionaries to Zaire and found that this principle worked well over there. And so, Habitat For Humanity was formed and has helped countless people across the world. My visits to Koinonia would expose me to a compassionate, caring side of Christianity that I had not previously known even existed.
Philip Yancey, from Atlanta grew up with the kind of “Christians” that would be the same as those that tried to make Clarence Jordan give up. But he persevered, and with his typewriter became a fair minded thinker that that could give hope to many who had given up on the organized church. I’ve probably read nearly all of your books, Philip, but my favorite remains “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” which I have recommended to many.
Rock star / evangelist Mylon LeFevre, a child of the south who would eventually settle in Atlanta, would speak encouragement to young Christians about the need to go deeper with Jesus. His words at a Jesus Festival in the 1980s encouraged this “lone ranger” Christian to start fellowshipping, to see and be seen and to hear and be heard. I took his advice and have never regretted it.
And then of course is the smiling, joyful peanut farmer from Plains that would later become President of the United States. People sometimes forget that this man was blessed with great intelligence. His I.Q. ranks high amongst former Presidents. The U.S. Navy does not let dummies commandeer nuclear submarines. One of my prize possessions is a photograph of him and Rosalyn standing with my wife and me, similar to the one of you and Janet have, along with countless other who found this wonderful couple to be gracious and accommodating. Although I’m familiar with most of your great tribute to him, a quote from James Laney stands out: “Jimmy Carter is the only person in history for whom the presidency was a steppingstone.” Indeed!
This native Floridian tips his hat to you all. All of you have displayed a humble, compassionate form of Christianity that today’s Biblically illiterate so-called “Christian warriors” know nothing about, to their own detriment and the detriment of those around them.
Philip, I’m so sad to hear of your new struggles with Parkinson’s disease. Please know that myself and many others like me around the world are reaching out to our gracious God on your behalf. May he give you peace. Yours in Christ, Larry Tyner, Tampa Florida.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 10:47:31 +0000

We have been slowly making our way to presidential libraries and I look forward to visiting his after reading your article. It’s both comforting and inspiring to see the challenges faced by our leaders during their service to our country in the context of God’s sovereignty and providence. Looking back at God’s faithfulness brings hope even in these days. And what a bright light we’ve had in former President Carter. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences that continue to inspire.

By: Jones Doughton

Jones Doughton — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 21:30:28 +0000

I appreciate this reflection. The 1976 election took place during my sixth and seventh grade years. I was that kid who read TIME magazine in Middle School. I tracked with the issues of the day. The 70’s brought their own particular set of challenges. I remember the hope of his inauguration. I must admit, I grew disillusioned during his term and I welcomed the results of 1980. Looking back-he was dealt a hard hand of cards. He played them as faithfully as he could. He had the Reagan Challenge (and RR had challenged Ford before that). Mr. Carter also had a challenge from Ted Kennedy and the Left. I have a mix of reflections on his term. However, I have immense respect for the way he rebuilt his life. I attended his SS school class twice. The Carters were very gracious. When it came time for the pictures, Mrs. Carter put her arm around my daughter (an “older” eight at the time). I think it correct that for Mr. Carter the Presidency was a stepping stone. He has sought to live his life and faith with integrity and honor. Also, I firmly believe that the Lord works through a variety of people and perspectives. Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master.

By: Belinda Burston

Belinda Burston — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 01:49:19 +0000

Thank you so much for this article, Philip. I sent it to my 18-year-old grandson, interested in politics and social justice. Your article tells of that rare thing, a leader of integrity and humility; how wonderful to have his story to share with Joshua.

By: Carol R Nicolet Loewen

Carol R Nicolet Loewen — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 00:42:48 +0000

Thank you Mr. Yancey. I once heard President Carter speak after his days in the White House. His love for humanity and work with Habitat for Humanity touched my heart. I so appreciate this deeper look into who he was, and is. Very meaningful!

By: James Abana

James Abana — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 19:12:27 +0000

Good to hear such a catchy testimony of a great leader. Thank you Philip for inspiring us with your gift of writing, you have, indeed changed my perspectives over so many issues in this contemporary day, I always look upto your writings; they are a source of encouragement and motivation to me.

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 19:01:08 +0000

Thank you for your moving tribute to a man I have admired and emulated. We took our son to see Jimmy teach at the church in Plains when he was 14. Afterwards, when we were able to have our picture taken with Jimmy and Rosalynn, Jimmy said to our son “Young man come and stand next to me”. What a warm hearted, generous man. I will treasure that picture the rest of my days. What an inspiration he was.

By: Duky Rutten

Duky Rutten — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 06:45:50 +0000

Thank you Philip, for writing this timely tribute. I recall Jimmy Carter being President, but living in Australia, US home news, especially in days gone by, was not prolific. I thank God that in these troublesome, end times, we are shown wonderful examples of Christians being true to Jesus. God bless you, especially during your difficult times.
And I pray Jimmy Carter will be called home soon with the quiet dignity he yearns for.