There was steel behind that grin and grim determination beneath that polite exterior.

You don’t become the conscience of the world by being timid.

Jimmy Carter, like our best leaders was never afraid to sacrifice his popularity in the pursuit of truth. He could be a challenging friend and a trying leader. It was never out of malice, it always had a purpose, and it was always done in the name of the greater good.

I have spent the past ten years writing about this man and his life.  I’ve met most of the people who populated his White House, helped him get elected, and even some of his foes who worked to make him a one term president. When speaking to them without exception the word “courage” came up as many times as the word “grin” or the town of Plains.

 It was his default setting- expecting from everyone what he demanded of himself.

The 100 lifetimes that this one man crammed into his hundred years wasn’t easy and it wasn’t nearly enough to achieve all its desired good. But it was never boring, it was never lacking in meaning, and it was always done with the sincere courage of a man comfortable with his limitations; but never governed by them.

In these uncertain times, the loss of this man can feel like another blow for truth and justice. Especially for those like me who were inspired by his example.

But, it’s important to remember that what made James Earl Carter Jr — President Jimmy Carter were very real human qualities.

Qualities that anyone can possess and that are not confined to any one individual. He was merely a living representative of these qualities, a breathing witness of all the good a person can achieve if they govern their lives on these principles.

We lost nothing this week.  
His lasting example is still here and there is still work to be done.

Honor him by being courageous in your actions, purposeful in your deeds, and noble in your intentions.

Good night Mr. President, we’ll take it from here.