Let me tell you a story

October 15, 2024

I flew to Americus, Georgia, for my annual summer trip to visit my parents. When I arrived on Saturday, my parents told me my timing was good. The next day, I would have the opportunity to go with Daddy to Plains, Georgia, a nearby town, to hear him preach while the pastor was away. My dad, Frank Kirkland, had retired from the full-time ministry but was available to area churches when needed. The church was the home of President Carter and his wife and my dad had had this opportunity on several occasions.

A postcard from my mother of the Carter’s church

When we arrived, the Secret Service agents allowed us to enter the rear entrance of the church. We were ushered into the sanctuary where the Sunday School class was held. People from literally all over the world attended to hear a former president teach. Tour buses were parked outside. Hence, the regular classroom was not large enough for the crowd that showed up to hear President Carter. He began by asking where everyone was from and a person from England was identified as coming the longest distance. He then shared his recent travels and gave a short summary of world events. He concluded by saying: “But it’s always good to come home to Plains.”

He then taught a lesson from a passage from the Old Testament. He was well-prepared and had obviously studied his subject.

I was invited to sit on the pew with the Carters. Mrs. Carter visited with an old friend from Plains seated in front of us.

After the service, the Carters graciously waited outside to have their pictures taken with groups that had come especially to hear him. Hence, I have this treasured picture, even with my eyes closed.

When President Carter’s latest book came out on audiobook, read by him, I checked it out of the library and delighted in listening to his voice tell his story. The book is entitled “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety.” What a treasure to hear his story! I wrote a letter to tell him my appreciation. I treasure the response I received, knowing this will undoubtedly be the last time I will receive a letter from him.

Last Sunday, October 6, 2024, the Topeka Capital-Journal produced an insert to celebrate “The life and Legacy of an American President,” Jimmy Carter on his 100th birthday. They covered his life as a Naval officer, the impact of his diplomacy as a President, and his establishment of The Carter Center whose motto is: “Waging peace. Fighting disease. Building hope.” The insert also discussed his work for Habitat for Humanity, where he dedicated a week of his time every year for more than 35 years, and his 77-year marriage. I love this quote from the newspaper feature:

“In his daily prayers Carter always asked himself, ‘Have I done my best?’ As he marks his own centennial on Oct. 1, the answer could come straight from the Book of Matthew, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’”

Considering his many humanitarian efforts, I’m sure, if he was a little younger, President Carter would be in Florida to assist in recovery efforts.

President Carter and my dad at a college function in Americus