I watched the state funeral for Jimmy Carter yesterday. So inspiring. I was especially moved by the eulogy from his grandson, Jason. Also, Andrew Young touched my heart. 92 and he did not have any notes in front of him! I recommend you look for those on YouTube. The whole service is there, actually, but that is a two hour commiment.
Jimmy Carter broke so many sterotypes: a white southerner, a Southern Baptist. I know what comes to my mind with each of these identifyers. Did you know that, in 2000, Carter left the Southern Baptist church? And did you know why? Because of their stance on women. Andrew Young spoke about how he and MLK were shocked about anyone like Jimmy Carter emerging from Plains, Georgia. Yet, he did and he changed the world for the better.
When he attended the Naval Academy, he asked to be roomed with the only African American in his entering class. He wanted to help his roommate be successful as a minority as he was successful as a minority in Plains, Georgia. Yes, whites represented only 25% of Plains, Georgia. This story blows my mind.
Over the next few months, which will be stressful given what I am already experiencing, I will keep Jimmy as my inspiration. Sometimes the unexpected is a good thing.
