An Update from New Orleans
By David E. Crosby, Pastor
First Baptist New Orleans
A former president in his mid-80s is entitled to do whatever he wishes with his time. So it wrinkled my brow to see President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalyn, on their knees affixing boards to a porch in the Upper Ninth Ward this week.
I decided, watching them work, that this presidential couple really believe they are changing the world with these small acts of kindness. Looking around, I saw many of the hundreds of volunteers who graced our city this week pausing in their own work to observe this famous man and woman accomplishing their humble service. These young faces, eyes shining, are portraits and symbols of faith and hope. They come to our city with the express purpose of lifting our spirits, holding up our arms, and joining us in the grunt work that moves our community forward.
Former presidents in their 80s seem empowered to say whatever they wish, as President Carter has demonstrated over high-level objections. They also appear empowered to do whatever they wish. And driving nails to build decent and safe houses for working people is just what this president wants to do.
He and Rosalyn are all smiles as they greet people, grab their tools, and hit the deck with gusto. They request routinely that admirers not interrupt their construction time so that they can get something done.
Harry Connick, Jr., and Ellis Marsalis dropped by to greet the volunteers and visit with the Carters. I thanked Harry for giving high visibility to our work of rebuilding, but he turned that thank you right back on me. The Carters did the same, and instructed me to pass on their gratitude to my congregation.
Sometimes, around some people, it is hard to get a thank you in edgewise. I suspicion that people who are busy trying to change their world are also very grateful as a matter of disposition.
Our environment here in New Orleans is being changed one hammer stroke at a time. For us, the progress is visible and palpable. It may be hard to extrapolate our progress to the rest of the world, but all the same principles apply whether we are looking at changing a city or changing a world. The accumulated effect of millions of tiny hammer strokes is the rebuilding of a devastated region. If multiplied throughout the world, the goal of eradicating poverty housing seems truly within reach.
Of course, the only people who hope for and expect such a transformation in our city or our world are the people swinging hammers. Hope springs eternal only when we are busy building what we hope for. If despair or resignation benched us, our inactivity reinforces the despair and quells the hope.
Billy Puckett, construction manager for the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, challenged a thousand volunteers one morning this week to persevere in their good work. Perseverance, he said, would build character. And character produces hope.
When you see the Carters kneeling at their work, your own heart swells. You start to imagine a world where people give of themselves in this way. You begin to believe that people can make a difference. Their determination and courage ignite hope in you, the observer. Maybe genuine hope has always traveled on these arcs of imagination and admiration that connect people. Maybe hope always emanates from the sweat of honest labor and the embrace of active love.
Every news item I read about the Carters makes me proud to be a Baptist (same kind they are – CBF). He has surely been the most influential and giving of our ex-presidents, using his influence for peace among nations and eradicating disease through the Carter Center. As a former Louisianian (still one at heart), i appreciate so much their efforts at rebuilding in New Orleans.
As a Baptist and a Conservative, I am not proud of our Ex-President, Mr. Carter, nor was I ever proud of him as our President. For those who have short memories or for those who didn’t experience the long Four Carter Years, those were some of the worst times, economically (inflation sored to new highs and jobs were scarce) and politically (toppling IRAN which gave us the enemy we have today) in our Nation’s History. He may have friends in New Orleans that appreciate what he has done, hammering for Habitat. But, in my opinion, he was one of our Worst Presidents and continues to be one of our Worst Ex-Presidents. Jimmy Carter apparently believes he’s doing God’s Will by loving our enemies, by changing their hearts, but evil Arab leaders don’t respond that way. They know us better than we know ourselves. The KORAN allows them to lie to ‘infidels’ and plot the destruction of Israel. Pretty soon we’ll know when the armies surround Israel and the Gospel is preached to all the world, as Jesus predicted. Jimmy still thinks he’s President, but thank the LORD, he is not. At least he’s doing all he can to bring us closer to the End. I guess a thank you is justified.
M Gallion,
Jimmy Carter was probably in over his head as president. That said, he certainly seems to be a sincere Christian, and he is certainly doing good work. He could be making millions on the lecture circuit. Instead, he’s building houses…and bringing publicity to Habitat for Humanity, a worthy cause if ever there was one.
David, thank you for your inspiring article. I think you are right: People who are working hard to change the world tend to be much less cynical, and much more gracious, than those of us who would rather gripe about the state the world is in than do something about it. I needed that reminder.
I’m was not trying to start a debate about Mr. Carter’s Christianity or where his heart is. I admire him for helping Habitat, which I have done also. But, you are definitely right in your assessment about him being over his head as president and in my opinion, over his head and authority as ex-president to try to negotiate with terrorists bent on Israel’s destruction. From my own experience, I am being pragmatic when it comes to the miserable Carter years, and simply stating facts when it comes to the Carter excursions to visit with terrorists recently. And from my vantage point, the state of the world is exactly where Christ predicted it would be. The Gospel is going out around the world and the armies of most countries are gathering against Israel.
I would also encourage all to read of the recent Baptists together meetings in Atlanta of which Jimmy Carter was instrumental in hosting. This was a group that has a great desire for unity — and to achieve the unity they provide numerous opportunities for compromise. Though I am not questioning the walk of Jimmy Carter, let’s not be too quick to hold him up as an example, except maybe as a good humanitarian as seen in his Habitat emphasis. Otherwise, there are some real problems. Most, if not all, SB who consider themselves conservative would be very cautious to call him a leader in Baptist causes.
As we all age, we seem to elevate our importance, sometimes, to the destruction of our purpose on this earth. Jimmy Carter is free to speak his convictions and go where he chooses but when it goes against the aims and purposes of our leaders, then he is overstepping his authority. Being an ‘ex’ doesn’t imply knowledge or ability, only that you once was! My disagreement with Carter is his liberal theology. Any person or group that seeks unity without regard to doctrine is doomed to failure. May God help me to continue learning that wisdom doesn’t come with age…it comes from God!
Amen, Bro. Ron. Amen!