The Guiding Lights: Saying Goodbye to Jimmy Carter

Have you ever heard of a Guinea worm? Because in the 1980s, almost 4 million people were infected by the disease. This year, that number totals only 11. Why? Because Jimmy Carter worked tirelessly and strategically on this issue. His team measured, evaluated, treated, and prevented. And now, it's almost a thing of the past. And this is only one area where Carter put his whole self in. 

Today, as a nation, we’re saying goodbye to the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. Often, when I have talked about Carter’s legacy with people outside the nonprofit sector, he is remembered only for his actions during critical moments in the Cuban Missile Crisis. 

But in the last 50 years, Carter’s voice has been a vital one to so many issues. Environmental conservation benefits from his touch, but few people remember how many other places his influence has reached. His bold step from most of the political landscape allowed him to speak truth to power on so many critical issues. He could be relied upon to call a spade a spade; he used his authentic voice to call attention to causes that mattered. And he left, when his leaving mattered: like when he left the Southern Baptist denomination publicly in 2000 because of their views on women, saying, “I personally feel the Bible says all people are equal in the eyes of God. I personally feel that women should play an absolutely equal role in service of Christ in the church.”

During my work in the nonprofit sector, I’ve watched many a politician show up in a suit to a public service painting project. Or worse, wear painting clothes, take pictures, and leave without touching a brush. But into his 90s, Carter showed up to Habitat for Humanity builds and wielded a hammer along with the crew. He drew attention to important causes but never felt he was above actual participation. 

Even in his death, people have given record amounts to the causes he cared about in his honor. The Carter legacy reminds us to do real good, right where we are, with what influence we have. And I am eternally grateful for his presence, like a North Star in America’s conscience. 

To honor Jimmy Carter today, find your Guinea Worm. Show up to paint, and then actually paint. Give where it matters. Leave when it matters. Be humble, be honest, be yourself. 

“What are the things that you can't see that are important? I would say justice, truth, humility, service, compassion, love. They're the guiding lights of a life.”

― Jimmy Carter