This old social media slider from a previous “President’s Day” post popped up today… it was created years ago, when our personal and global concerns and specific cares were different than those of today… and yet, it offers messages and reminders that resonate ever-True…

As we pray for the Carters — for one man’s gentle transition and for strength that supports his family members and closest friends, and as we who so deeply love this humble peacemaker brace for inevitable grief — that tearful truth that is born of love and loss, let us also consider and embrace what matters about this humble servant…

Let us do more than chat about his goodness and contributions to society… let us talk his talk, and walk his walk — with purpose.

Let us choose kindness, for our neighbors — those we know and love and agree with, and also those we do not know and do not agree with and have not yet loved.

Let us celebrate the beauty of mosaics — of diversity and change and acceptance, and let us believe in the possibility and power of peace, and the hope of Heaven…

Let us honor President Carter’s life and legacy with words and actions that echo his way of be’ing — a gentle strength that inspires others, and that serves others, and that creates a better world — for others and for ourselves.

I know Mattie will be so happy to share the glory of Heaven with his dear friend, Jimmy… even as we on earth will ache with his physical absence.

Sigh… I love you, my friend.