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Jimmy Carter's quiet courage

The soft-spoken older man in the gray suit had taught Bible classes before. When Jimmy Carter sauntered up to the microphone last Sunday at his hometown Baptist church in Plains, Ga., it was the 689th time the former president taught the Bible there.

This session would be different, however. This was the first time that Carter, 90, would teach Scripture since disclosing that a deadly cancer had spread from his liver to his brain.

People camped out overnight to get a seat for this class.

What his listeners heard--and what millions of Americans got a glimpse of--was inspiration. And grace. They saw a quiet courage as Carter dealt publicly with the kind of news that can be devastating for a person or family to process. They saw Carter draw on his faith in God to carry him through.

Carter's post-presidency has been one of indefatigable public service, from building houses for the poor, to fighting disease in Africa and monitoring elections and human rights abroad. Carter is known for a sunny disposition that hasn't kept him from occasionally scolding a Republican or others he's disagreed with.

Some of his admirers are willing to leave politics aside. One TV reporter interviewed Tyler Knierim, 19, of Terre Haute, Ind., who drove 650 miles to hear the Bible taught by someone known for living out his Christian calling of love and care for others.

We join those Americans who hope that Carter's work is not yet done.

Editorial on 08/29/2015

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