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As I covered former President Jimmy Carter’s death, I was struck by how connected he remained to friends and neighbors even into his 90s.
Carter wasn’t sitting at home watching TV and waiting to die. He was out volunteering and teaching Sunday School.
Similarly, Carter didn’t withdraw from the world after failing to win a second term in the White House. Instead, he found a new way to serve, seeking out new relationships with other leaders across the country and around the world.
As I read about Carter’s adventures, I kept thinking, “I want to live like this guy lived.” I felt inspired to build stronger connections to my community — and spend a little less time on my couch.
As I wrestled with thoughts like these, I stumbled on the perfect X post.
The Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest who is editor-at-large of America magazine, shared a letter that his nephew had received from Carter in 2019 after asking the former president for advice on how best to be a public servant.
Here’s what Carter wrote, in part:
“No matter what the future holds, there are a few things that young people must do to ensure success: Study hard in order to excel in college and learn as much as possible about the things that particularly interest you; be tenacious in fulfilling commitments, whether to others or to yourself; volunteer your time and talents to community projects, learning all you can about the specific needs of the country or state in which you live; and treat everyone — family, friends and strangers — with honesty and respect.”
So there’s my homework. Wish me luck!
Fresh off the press
Oldest living Olympic medalist, a Holocaust survivor, dies at age 103
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Authorities identify suspect in New Orleans attack that killed at least 14 and injured dozens
Debates over red dye safety are coming to a head
Term of the week: Jobar Synagogue
The Jobar Synagogue in Jobar, Syria, is one of the oldest synagogues in the world. After the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, it’s newly accessible to Syrian Jews, who for years steered clear of the area due to ongoing violence, according to The Associated Press.
“Syria’s 13-year civil war left the synagogue partially destroyed. Walls and roofs have collapsed. Some artifacts are missing,” the article said.
The Jewish community in Syria, comprised of about nine people (yes, you read that right) plans to rebuild the synagogue, which is also called Eliyahu Hanavi synagogue, with the help of Jews in other countries.
“The new rulers of Syria, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have said they will allow members of all religions to perform their religious duties freely,” The Associated Press reported.
What I’m reading…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was on the scene in Plains, Georgia, Sunday to see what worship was like at former President Jimmy Carter’s church the first week after his death.
A New York man recently threw a one-of-a-kind party celebrating 50 years since his last haircut. Andy Chertow, who wears both his hair and beard in dreadlocks, has no plans for a trim anytime soon, The Washington Post reported.
Don’t miss Pew Research Center’s look at the religious makeup of the incoming Congress. Researchers found that the House and Senate remain overwhelmingly Christian, although they’re gradually becoming more religiously diverse.
Odds and ends
In the journalism world, it’s contest season, which means I’ve been going through my work from 2024 and picking out some favorites. Here are a few pieces I’m especially proud of:
Thanks for supporting my work over the past 12 months!