“His character was shaped by a deep sense of compassion and responsibility to others.” Rosalynn Carter
“Jimmy Carter’s friendship taught me, and through his life taught me, a strength of character is more than title or the power we hold. It’s the strength to understand that everyone should be treated with dignity, respect, that everyone—and I mean everyone—deserves an even shot…”
Hard to imagine living a better life than to have your spouse at one point describe your character in such glowing terms and one of your best friends and colleagues, amongst many, to be so intentional to highlight your character. In fact, President Biden used the word multiple times in his eulogy for former President Carter.
I appreciate friend and colleague from LeaderWise, Mary Kay DuChene’s markers of character:
- A moral integrity
- Courage to take bold steps and to do the right thing, which includes naming the ills around us
- Compassion
- The desire to use power with or for others (not power over)
- Awareness of one’s own strengths and challenges
- A willingness to consider other viewpoints and possibilities—to check oneself by listening to others and taking in feedback
- The courage and sensibility to apologize when needed
- A sense of purpose beyond oneself
And Ralph Waldo Emerson offers this, “Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live as well as think.”
Both the genesis and the continuous fuel for Jimmy Carter’s character was deeply grounded in his faith. Informed by his vast knowledge of scripture he aspired to live a life where he truly respected the dignity of every human being. As President Biden suggested, “A good life of purpose and meaning, of character driven by destiny and filled with the power of faith, hope and love.”
Those three words from Paul’s letter to Corinthians encapsulate not only Jimmy Carter’s character but how he aspired to live his life: faith, hope and love. Truly an inspiring model for all of us.
BP