Over the past few days I have listened to interviews with a
former President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, and a man seeking to
become the next President of the United States, Donald Trump. I couldn’t help
be notice the extreme contrast of these two men.
Blessed are the
peacemakers for they will be called the children of God…
Jimmy Carter’s life
started out in the rural south on a peanut farm run by his dad. He grew up in
an African American community and his childhood friends were African Americans.
He learned at a very young age about inequality and this developed his
character for life. He was a one term President that boasts of being a
President of peace. His claim to fame is not as a great politician. He is a man of deep compassion, faith and peace. This is clearly seen in his
post presidency life. Jimmy has dedicated his life in the service of others in
such humanitarian efforts as Habitat for Humanity, and in 1982 he established
The Carter Center, that has had a global impact on eradicating human disease
and suffering throughout the world. Jimmy has also helped to negotiate peace in
countries around the world. In 2002, he
was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work. He has lived an exemplary life
from his deep convictions of faith. When I listen to him speak about his life I
hear a man of humility and love for his God, his family, and the world. His
life can be defined as a life of service to humanity and his desire to
alleviate suffering where he can.
It is easier for a
camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the
kingdom of God…
Donald Trump’s life started out in New York City. He grew up
under the influence of his father, a successful real estate developer. Donald
attended private schools and learned from a very young age to desire a life of
power and wealth. As a young man he was groomed to become a successful
businessman while working for his father. In 1973, his company was accused of
violating the Fair Housing Act by refusing to rent to African Americans. Donald Trump has had a global impact through
his development of Resorts, Casinos, Hotels, and his own Trump line of
products. All of these investments are targeted for people of privilege. When I
listen to Mr. Trump boast of his accomplishments, he likes to emphasize his power
and influence. He talks about his ability to get things done. He wants to
intimidate the world by having a stronger military force. His solution for
world peace is through power and intimidation rather than negotiation. His
style of leadership exemplifies the use power to get what you want. I don’t hear
him talk about relieving suffering in this country or in any other part of the
world. He is a businessman and he thinks like a businessman. His slogan is
“Make America Great Again.”
So what makes America great?
We often hear of America being a great nation because of our
freedom. Yes, we are free is many ways. We are free to spend our lives seeking
wealth and fame. We are also free to choose a life of service to others. We
have these choices. However, many Americans are living in poverty or near
poverty so they do not have these choices. Their lives are focused on putting food on the table and a roof over
their heads. We have many problems in this country and so it is vital that we
have leaders who care for the people struggling in our nation. A chain is only
as strong as its weakest link. I am looking to support leaders who lead with
their heads and their hearts. If we want to be a great nation and an example to
the world then we need to take a good long look at how we are caring for our
own. The world is watching.
For I was hungry and you gave
me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a
stranger and you invited me in, I needed
clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was
in prison and you came to visit me.
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