Have you ever thought about what defines your character and what others see in you as you that defines your character without any words spoken?
For me to do justice for this topic, today’s blog is intentionally a bit longer.
I could give you various quotes instead I’m giving you various insights to ponder. Something inside of me always goes back to the character of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr as it relates to my character and leadership.
Why might you ask? Because I wanted you to understand the word character while honoring our 39th President of the United States.
“The ultimate measure of leaders is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand in times of challenge and controversy.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr | The Ultimate Measure Of A Man Quote | Successful Spirit
I’m always interested in how others see me. Not that it matters that I’m going to change; however, to better understand my character because within my faith I want them to see Christ in me just like many use us saw Christ in Jimmy Carter.
Also, I believe it is worth mentioning the character of Jimmy Carter who died peacefully in his home, on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100 is one that some didn’t fully understand until he died.
Not long ago I came upon the YouTube video below of Vusi Thembekwayo, which helps my blog this week.
“You are ahead of where you are and will die before the world gets to where the world gets to know.” ~ Vusi Thembekwayo
That quote alone speaks volumes about Jimmy Carter.
Experience Vusi Thembekwayo’s Inspiring Leadership Talk in India!
When you think about our 39th President of the United States being awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts, advancing democracy and human rights, and promoting economic and social development; this alone is a milestone achievement.
I’m also sure his family and friends have truly appreciated the life lessons learned from his lifetime as well as I.
Jimmy Carter was ahead of his time which we learned about this past week.
What an honor as I watched this past Thursday (January 9, 2025) along with the rest of the world the State Funeral of former President Jimmy Carter being televised from Washington National Cathedral.
The Washington National Cathedral is beautiful and is the second-largest cathedral capable of seating 4000 people.
Washington National Cathedral | History & Facts | Britannica
It was also a National Day of Mourning that I took advantage of in listening intently to what was being said about Jimmy Carter.
President Jimmy Carter’s character was on full display.
In addition, having the Reverend Andrew Young speak at this historical event was an added touch. I thought about the character of Rev. Andrew Young as he spoke about his time with Dr. Martin Luther King and being able to give his eulogy comments for President Jimmy Carter. Both men Reverend Andrew Young spoke about embracing the civil rights movement. Although the Reverend Andrew Young was unable to stand at his age, what a remarkable presence he made.
Joshua Carter, the grandson of Jimmy Carter spoke about his grandfather’s Sunday School Classes and Bible lessons taught each Sunday.
Joshua Carter, grandson of Jimmy Carter, reads at state funeral | Watch
Joshua also told us what he learned about the “growing chasm between the richest and the poorest people on earth.” We can infer from listening to Joshua Carter that there was so much humility being displayed each Sunday as his grandfather helped those in need.
Joshua read a scripture from the Apostle Paul’s Letter to the Romans: (Chapter 8: 1-18 38, 39)
Romans 8:1-18,Romans 8:38-39 NIV – Life Through the Spirit – Therefore, – Bible Gateway
Romans 8 NIV – Life Through the Spirit – Therefore, – Bible Gateway
Jimmy Carter honored for humility and service at funeral | AP News
In addition, I learned there were some notable quotes associated with Jimmy Carter’s character.
Jimmy Carter’s funeral had many notable quotes | AP News
In case you missed it I have provided several links to review.
I also took note of the character being displayed of all the five living Presidents in attendance and how they interacted with each other.
Being part of the President’s Club is another aspect of the character that is something to consider.
Interestingly enough, I watched the dynamics of each member of the President’s Club and their character, particularly as George Bush walked in and how the various people already seated greeted and acknowledged each other.
Until you understand the premise of “ingroups and out-groups”, then you won’t understand what I am saying.
What are ingroups and outgroups, you may ask?
Ingroups and Outgroups: How Social Identity Influences People – Effectiviology
I challenge you to re-watch the recording for yourselves, it’s over three and a half hours long. However, it is worth every minute of watching the characters involved in this historic event.
‘A life of service’: President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral, Georgia memorials replay
Jimmy Carter funeral: All 5 living presidents attend ceremony
Initially, I thought about the song by the Shirelles- “Mama Said. “Mama told me there would be days like this when people look at you differently.
Jimmy Carter’s funeral captures the American story at a fraught political moment | CNN Politics
The other aspects of character particularly were those chosen for specific duties during his funeral. The character of the men and women who brave the cold and whipping winds was amazing.
Band plays “Hail to The Chief” as Carter’s casket is transferred to horse-drawn Caisson
Being a military person of 30 years, I know what it takes to be chosen for those in the special honor guard.
What it takes to be a presidential pallbearer
Having the honor to attend President Obama’s Inauguration (2009), in Washington D.C. it was one of the coldest days I had experienced in a long time. It’s a moment in time I will never forget.
I can envision it was no different for President Carter’s Funeral in 2025.
Inauguration Spectators Brave Frigid Temps : NPR
Jimmy Carter funeral: Frigid temperatures expected as nation honors late president | FOX 5 DC
If you watch the video the wind whipped the person holding the Presidential Flag. That person had to have plenty of character. He needed all his weight to control the flag.
Also, watching the family waiting for several minutes in the cold for the casket and color guard to appear was another example of character as they played “Hail to the Chief.”
In case you’re wondering about the importance of “Hail to the Chief” you can better understand it here below because it is an honor to receive it.
Why Do We Play ‘Hail to the Chief’ for the President? | Smithsonian
I’ll close, by saying thank you for allowing me today to honor a man with great character and by allowing others to see his light shine.
“Your actions define your character, your words define your wisdom, but your treatment of others defines REAL you.”~ Mayur Ramgir
Today, I challenge you to let your light shine brightly by allowing others to have the proper perspective about you. The question is what do they see that words cannot express who you are with your character on display for all the world to see?
This is a great piece McKinley. I missed the funeral, but will watch it now, with your encouragement.
I believe Jimmy Carter’s character was under appreciated, primarily because there wasn’t enough “dirt” for the news to report!
One of my cousins served with him on several Habitat projects globally and said he was just as down to earth as could be. She sat across the table from him during a lunch and they both ate the same sack lunches.
Jane,
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule because you encourage me to do more, knowing what do traveling the world. I appreciate your support. I always take about six degree of separation and knowing that “One of your cousins served with him on several Habitat projects globally” is a testament to the credibility of this blog.
Best wishes to your cousin and please share this with him.
McKinley
McKinley your thoughts as usual are a direct hit with me. Your thoughts challenge me in a good way. What others see about my character that words cannot express is something I have given little thought. I take criticism seriously but not personally. If there is truth in the criticism, I try to learn from it. Otherwise, it rolls right off me.
I am what I will call a tempered striver. I work hard and strive for excellence but not at the constant pace prior to my retirement. Post retirement I recognized what I had done set me up for boatloads of joyless accomplishments.
As I listened to the various speakers on President Carter’s life, my thoughts were he was a person who had a balance of personal accomplishment, full life, and true self.
Dr. Ola Fox,
Thank you for being a contributor to a message that was in my heart to deliver. I had a conversation with my youngest sister today and she asked me about retirement. Although I too am in my post-retirement, I told my sister that “I want God to get out of me everything.” Jimmy Carter was one that allowed God to use him in way we can’t imagine. You make a great point about Jimmy Carter being “A person who had a balance of personal accomplishment, full life, and true self.” Teaching Sunday School and the comments from Joshua Carter said it all.
McKinley
McKinley,
Thank you for adding more clarity to my readings about the life of President Jimmy Carter. I watched some of the funeral on January 9th via television. I am inspired by President Carter’s respect for humanity and his belief in equality and service to all mankind.
His character ………..certainly exemplary.
Lucretia,
Thank you for adding value for today’s blog as I highlighted the character and life of President Jimmy Carter. There are too many lessons Jimmy Carter left us about “humanity and his belief in equality and service to all mankind.” His character was without a doubt exemplary.
McKinley
We all have the opportunity to make a difference in the world.
Some contributions are direct, while others are indirect.
I recently watched part of Jimmy Carter’s funeral, and what stood out to me was the way the living former presidents showed respect for one another. Despite the harsh words exchanged during elections—words that were purely political—they ultimately respect each other’s contributions. Each of them has made an incredible impact in their own way.
As for me, I hope to leave my own footprints by making a difference through my art. Using my ability to tell stories visually, I aim to share my life experiences with others. Visual art is a powerful tool that makes it easier to connect with people and explain the journey of life.
Caroline,
Your choice of words “Some contributions are direct, while others are indirect” provides great wisdom. I believe there is a specific code among our living Presidents and while “Some contributions are direct, while others are indirect” there was for all to see the mannerisms which speaks for itself. My prayer is that from the passing of Jimmy Carter each will reflect on their life when someone reads their eulogy it will speak well of them.
McKinley