Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s extensive hospice stay prompts reflections on his faith-fueled life.
Having been in hospice care since February 2023, Jimmy Carter has outlived typical hospice durations, highlighting both his resilience and deep-rooted spirituality.
According to Deseret News, former President Jimmy Carter has marked over a year in hospice care, continuing to share moments with his loved ones as his 100th birthday approaches in October. His prolonged stay in hospice, though atypical, mirrors his life's remarkable breadth and the strength of his Christian convictions.
Jimmy Carter's relationship with his wife, the late former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023, defined his personal and professional life. “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished," reflected Carter.
He often emphasized how Rosalynn’s wisdom and support were crucial to his many roles, from the White House to their joint endeavors in humanitarian causes. Her passing after they had shared more than seven decades marked a poignant moment in Carter’s journey, one accentuated by the couple’s mutual dedication to service and faith.
Jimmy Carter’s faith has significantly influenced his approach to governance and humanitarian work throughout his career. His moral compass was particularly evident during his presidency when he sought divine guidance for decisions affecting the nation and beyond. Carter’s deep-seated beliefs in equality and justice shaped his policies and his post-presidential humanitarian efforts.
The former President once shared, “The most fervent and constant prayers of mine were while I was in the White House because I knew there was enormous responsibility on my shoulders, and we faced some very difficult decisions, too, concerning the lives of tens of thousands of people." He added that his prayers were for wisdom to keep the country peaceful and secure.
Carter's affiliation with his faith extended beyond his presidency, as exemplified by his ongoing involvement with Habitat for Humanity and his decision to part ways with the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000 over differing views on women's roles and homosexuality.
I’m familiar with the verses they have quoted about wives being subjugated to their husbands. In my opinion, this is a distortion of the meaning of scripture… I feel the Bible says all people are equal in the eyes of God.
Jimmy Carter has been a proponent of peace and human rights throughout his life, leveraging his platform and spiritual beliefs to affect change globally. His negotiation of the Camp David Accords is a highlight of his commitment to peace, guided by his faith.
“My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long on as I can with whatever I have, to try to make a difference.” This ethos is reflected not only in his signature global initiatives but also in the smaller, community-focused projects like Habitat for Humanity.
As Jimmy Carter approaches his centenary, his lifetime of service underscores a legacy intertwined deeply with his Christian faith — a journey of humility, partnership, and enduring commitment to principles that transcended the confines of his political life.
Looking back, Carter's decisions during critical moments of his presidency, his alignment on social issues, and his unwavering dedication to faith and humanity paint a comprehensive picture of his character and legacy. As he continues to inspire, it is clear that his journey and beliefs will be remembered far beyond his years.
