This story begs to be told. In the summer of 1976, I was 29 and running for the Vermont House of Representative from the town of Colchester. Jimmy Carter was 52 and running for President. We both won our elections.  

President Carter turned 100 last week on October 1 and celebration is appropriate for this good, strong, loyal Christian man who took his faith with him to the White House. He spoke openly and unashamedly about his faith in Jesus Christ. The lessons that he learned and practiced during his life set the stage for his actions as President of the greatest country in the world.  

You may not always hear this praise about his term in office. Much is unknown about the background of his diplomatic works. He served during a very difficult time in American history on all aspects of our lives-domestic and foreign. One thing is sure, Jimmy Carter used the Lord and His teachings as his guide throughout his presidency as he did in his life. 

I had the honor of meeting Mr. Carter twice before he was elected. He came to Burlington Vermont to campaign in the most personal type of campaigning. He met with people, mostly women at the gatherings that I attended, in the living room of their homes. Not big luxurious homes, but the small middle-class homes that you would find in small communities like Burlington. We sat around in a circle on chairs gathered from the kitchen and dining room to listen to him talk about his goals.  

This may be part of the reason that I have so much admiration for him and his life. He talked to us because our opinions mattered to him. Many of his goals were those that women have reason to want accomplished: child-care issues, workplace equity, world peace and respect for all people.  

During the Iranian Hostage Crisis, he was urged by advisors to bomb Iran. They wanted a show of power which the US could have easily done and destroyed the nation of Iran. Carter’s decision to hold off on this type of aggressive action was based on his determination that 10-20 thousand innocent Iranians would be killed and certainly all the hostages would be executed.  

His decision was among the actions that led to his defeat that November. It is ironic that the hostages were intentionally freed the day after Carter left the White House (there is another story there). It did not stop President Carter from boarding a jet and flying to Germany to meet the hostages that meant so much to him. You have never heard Jimmy Carter whine and cry about the political sabotage that took place while he was in office. 

There is so much more to say about this humble servant, but I will let you do the rest of the research. He has written many books that are a treat to read, informative and enjoyable.  

I leave you with one of his quotes found in the USA TODAY NETWORK, Sunday October 6, 2024: I have one life and one chance to make it count for something…My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.  

President Carter knows that Jesus loves him unconditionally. Jesus loves you unconditionally as well. Love Him back! 

Terri