Jimmy Carter brought to the office of President, humility, goodness, integrity  and a wisdom honed by years of studying his Bible.  In these last days, we have celebrated his long life and his many accomplishments.   

Only a few months ago,  there was a celebration for him, on his 100th’s birthday.  Years, well spent in living out his faith day by day.    A Washington Post article at the time, told the story of April Kirkman,  who traveled to Plains Georgia in October, to celebrate and recognize President Jimmy Carter’s Birthday.   She had written a song for him, she called “I Want to Be a Jimmy Carter Kinda Christian.”      

Her words include:

“I wanna be a Jimmy Carter kinda Christian
Honestly, that’s my ambition:
Faith, Hope, Love are what I chose

Yeah yeah a Jimmy Carter kinda Christian
No, No, I ain’t talkin’ ’bout religion
Just wanna walk a mile in those size eleven shoes . . .

“I wanna be a Jimmy Carter kinda Christian
Full of hope, and on a mission
To help my brothers and sisters thrive”

I can see that song catching on. Hopefully, by both liberal and conservative Christians. Working for peace, striving for justice, protecting the earth,  lifting up the poor, and loving all people  are ways to honor President  Jimmy Carter’s legacy. 

Truly his life is an example, worthy of these words, “I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for Christ’s appearing.”  I Timothy 4:7-8

Complete lyrics of April Kirkman’s  song ‘I Wanna be a Jimmy Carter Kinda of Christian’  can be found here.