Mellow Jimmy Carter Finds Joy in Sharing

[Khephra]

Mellow Jimmy Carter Finds Joy in Sharing
By REUTERS

Filed at 8:15 a.m. ET

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Jimmy Carter has reached that mellow stage in life when the demons of the past can be confronted without making a hell out of the present.

What's more, the former U.S. president who transformed his humiliating 1980 exit from the White House into an extraordinary second act as a respected statesman, is sharing some of his most personal experiences without fear or favor.

Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to resolve numerous conflicts around the world. But ``Sharing Good Times'' is a collection of essays published recently about what he calls ``the things that matter most.''

``I really have learned, with some degree of difficulty over the years, to reach out to others,'' Carter, 80, told Reuters in an interview.

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/politics/politics-people-carter.html

[Zenlitened]

1. If Jimmy Carter was the model of religious belief in this country...

... I think there'd be far fewer flame-wars on this board.

[RubyDuby in GA]

2. You couldn't be more right

I'm not necessarily a religious person, or even very spiritual for that matter, but I am fortunate enough to live near enough to Plains that I can go hear him teach Sunday School at his church there. The times that I've been have been some of the most wonderful experiences. If everyone practiced that kind of tolerant, inclusive spirituality, this world would be a far better place.

He truly is an inspiration.

[Lisa]

8. that's so cool!

It's very rare to find people who are intelligent, creative, and compassionate like that.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

3. So this is what? His 18th or 19th book since leaving office?

That is unprecedented.

[HeeBGBz]

4. I saw him on two interviews last week

His kindness and humor and thoughtfulness and joy amazed me. He was bubbling with happy over the simple things in life and talking about his painting. He was humble and introspective. Very much a kind grandfatherly presence.

To me he is everything a Christian should be. At least, the follower of Christ ideal that I grew up with. Not the Rambo Jesus of the fundie world.

[Stinky The Clown]

5. Jimmy Carter is the very embodiment of quiet good

The quiet Christian.

The quiet helper.

The quiet statesman.

The quiet model for a good life.

God Bless Jimmy Carter.

[Historic NY]

6. I agree a better ex-president than president........he makes a difference

in life around the world. That in itself, to make the world a little better place than when we came into it, should be eveyones creed.

[Az_lefty]

7. Jimmy Carter has proven to be a truly wonderful man. n/t

[CBHagman]

9. I'm glad he's still with us and still has his wife of many years.

Jimmy Carter appeared in a public service announcement about cancer some time ago. You'll remember that the disease claimed his brother and sister. He knows he's fortunate to be here, and it's even better that he has spouse and family around him. I hope he is with us (and in good health) for years to come.

[yorkiemommie1]

10. read this, georgie

this is a WISE man

[abelenkpe]

11. you know george doesn't read the news

but you're right. Jimmy Carter is a truly wise and honorable man.

[yorkiemommie1]

12. oh, yah forgot

well, anyway, i doubt he has any use for wisdom.