Earlier today, President Carter passed away at the age of 100. He served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981 and is widely regarded for his unwavering commitment to human rights, environmental issues, and international diplomacy. His key achievements include brokering the Camp David Accords, establishing the Department of Education and Department of Energy, and signing the Panama Canal Treaties.

His post-presidency is not just celebrated in the United States, but across the globe. In 1982, he founded the Carter Center. The Center’s work has included overseeing more than 100 elections in 40 countries, mediating conflicts, and leading the fight against diseases such as guinea worm disease. His hands-on approach to humanitarian work, including building houses with Habitat for Humanity well into his nineties, has inspired people worldwide.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, a testament to his global impact and recognition. His efforts in promoting peace and human rights were acknowledged on the world stage. A prolific author, he released more than 25 books touching on his beliefs in God, country, and kindness.

My favorite quotations from President Carter…

America did not invent human rights. In a very real sense . . . human rights invented America.

My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.

Failure is a reality; we all fail at times, and it’s painful when we do. But it’s better to fail while striving for something wonderful, challenging, adventurous, and uncertain than to say, “I don’t want to try because I may not succeed completely.”

Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries.

When people are intimidated about having their own opinions, oppression is at hand.

We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.

What are the things that you can’t see that are important? I would say justice, truth, humility, service, compassion, love. They’re the guiding lights of a life.

You only have to have two loves in your life…for God and for the person in front of you at any particular time.

We should live our lives as though Christ was coming this afternoon.

God always answers prayers. Sometimes it’s “yes.” Sometimes the answer is “no.” Sometimes it’s “you gotta be kidding.”