Jimmy Carter: Sharing a faith-filled life

Reaching out to others in the name of God can be one of the most deeply rewarding experiences any person can enjoy." Noble words from the autobiographical Living Faith, by former President Jimmy Carter—one of America's role models of volunteerism.

Carter received an international nod of appreciation when he was selected for the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for "decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development."

Carter inspires readers by weaving the development of his faith and Christianity throughout the events of his life—both good and bad. He is forthright about his failures early in his marriage to Rosalynn, and he credits his growing relationship with God as a foundational strength to supporting and improving their relationship.

"Too often we think about evangelism only as preaching the Gospel," Carter writes, "but there is also a powerful ministry in the alleviation of suffering, reaching out in harmony, respect, and partnership to others, and sharing life."

Underlying many of the challenges framing his life was the stand he took against racism, a stand which did not sit well with some of the people whose backing he needed for votes and later for his business. This struggle between social and racial customs, and what Carter felt in his own heart much of it the influence of his mother, Lilian), played a part in his life from childhood, through his years in the Navy, and into his elections for public office.

In crises—physical, emotional, financial, and political—Carter says that prayer was at the heart of his approach to problem solving. "Even when I was reluctant to share my problems and my unanswered questions with any other human being, including Rosalynn, I was always able to share them with God. ... Putting the problem in God's hands gives me a degree of peace that lets me live with the outcome, whatever it may be."

Despite being a devoted Baptist Sunday School teacher, Jimmy Carter's way of living his faith has nothing to do with a specific church ideology. He openly disagrees with some of the social philosophies supported by the Southern Baptist Church, such as women not being allowed to be ordained ministers. Living Faith discusses Carter's hope that people who trust in a divine presence can come together and rejoice in their common beliefs instead of tearing each other down over minor disagreements.

Although his time as President had its share of controversy, the second half of his life has been largely defined by the successful ministry of activism that he preaches. Carter's autobiography discusses the mission of the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia—a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of suffering. The Center, which is currently the focus of his life, he hopes will be his greatest legacy.

In his introduction to Living Faith, Carter says: "I see a number of times when what I believed I wanted most was challenged by a more difficult path. When I had the courage to choose that path, even in the midst of despair and uncertainly, I was given a glimpse of deeper truths that continue to sustain me."

For those who have watched Jimmy Carter's work over the decades, this book provides a behind-the-scenes account of his personal struggles and how his faith supported him. For the younger generation who know him only as a former President of the United States who supports Habitat for Humanity, there is so much more in his example to learn from and admire. This inspiring book stands as a role model of how living one's faith can lead to great blessings for others, as well as for oneself.