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Self Talk | Pastor Clay
As I write this article, I recently received the news flash that President Jimmy Carter has died after over 100 years of living. I have a fondness for Jimmy Carter. It might have to do with his being the first presidential election I have a solid memory of, or that he taught Sunday School at his church for decades after serving as President of the United States. It could be related to all the humanitarian work he did, and especially swinging a hammer for Habitat for Humanity, or it could be related to meeting him personally twice. One of those times was at the first meeting of the New Baptist Covenant organization which he helped create. I sat in the front, and he and his wonderful wife sat next to me. We chatted and then worshiped together.
I have read some of his books, listened to several speeches, and at times found myself affirming what he wrote and said and at other times thinking he was off base, but at all times respecting a man who made it his life goal to live out his faith by what he did and how he treated others.
Here’s how Carter described his commitment in his 2010 autobiography A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety: “My religious faith had become a minor issue during the [1976] campaign, when I responded ‘yes’ to a reporter’s question, ‘are you a born-again Christian?’ Some reporters implied that I was having visions or thought I received daily instructions from Heaven. My traditional Baptist belief was that there should be strict separation between church and state. I ended the longstanding practice of inviting Billy Graham and other prominent pastors to have services in the White House and our family assumed the role of normal worshippers in a church of our choice.” (Time.com)
At any rate, I spend time reflecting on people who ended this life in 2024 that had an impact on my life, love, and ministry, with Jimmy being the most recent one. Kacy’s dad, Randy, comes to mind, a man whose passion to worship Jesus often produced joyous tears. Pastor Ken, whom I barely knew but was honored to share in the celebration of his life, left imprints of care and love on many people I have met. And one of my college professors, Tony Campolo, who was the speaker at the youth conference when my life was united with Jesus the Christ.
With gratitude to God for sharing these lives with me, there is also a resolve: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1).
Running with you in 2025! Grace and peace,
Pastor Clay