Rosalynn Carter’s birthday was celebrated on August 18 in Maranatha
Published 21:28 Monday, August 19, 2024
- The Valiant Voices choir from St. Genevieve performed at Maranatha Baptist Church in honor of Rosalynn Carter’s birthday.
Maranatha Baptist Church commemorated Rosalynn Carter’s birthday on August 18. Kim Fuller, niece of former President Jimmy Carter, taught the Sunday school lesson.
Fuller said the apostle Paul was physically unremarkable but still lived out his beliefs, unlike many who talk but don’t do what they say. She contrasted that with her aunt’s willingness to actively help others. “She was a caregiver. She was someone who felt that people needed to come out of those little dark corners of the room because they were mentally ill. It was time to step out and tell her family, ‘It’s OK.'”
Fuller spoke about the effort that Rosalynn Carter and her husband made at the Carter Center to eradicate the Medina worms.
In addition to her accomplishments, Fuller also shared a personal memory of Rosalynn Carter. “My most poignant memory occurred just one year ago in August, during the butterfly days that were dedicated entirely to her.”
She talked about celebrating Butterfly Day at the Carters’ home. “Last year I took home several butterflies wrapped in origami envelopes, and both she and Uncle Jimmy, along with their family and caretakers, released their own butterflies in the garden, the same garden where she rests today.”
Fuller recalled her aunt’s reaction. “I’ll never forget the day she released butterflies from tiny origami envelopes. She watched them land on her hand, and then she started tossing them away to make sure they flew where they were supposed to go.”
She also remembered Jimmy Carter’s reaction: “Uncle Jimmy let it land on his hand and the last thing he did was kiss one to make it go away.”
Fuller recounted Rosalynn Carter’s reaction after she told her about all the people who came to release butterflies in her honor. “Really? They’re downtown for me?”
Fuller replied, “Of course. This whole weekend is yours because people love you so much.”
Fuller drew her conclusion from her aunt’s life example: “We can all strive to be servant leaders.”
Pianist David Osbourne also performed in honor of Rosalynn Carter, playing “It is Well with my Soul.” Singer-songwriter Andrew Greer also performed “Butterfly, Fly,” a piece he co-wrote in honor of Rosalynn Carter.
Pastor Ashley Guthas addressed the congregation. “We honor the life and legacy of Roselyn Carter, a woman I never had the privilege of knowing, and yet this weekend I saw her shining spirit in the eyes of every single Saint Genevieve student, her leaders and counselors, in the eyes of the students at Georgia Southwestern as they helped distribute food this weekend. I felt Rosalynn’s warmth as I saw people hugging and embracing each other to see each other and reminisce. I got a good taste of what it must have been like to be in the presence of and loved by a real steel magnolia.”
She spoke about the example set by Rosalynn Carter. “The more I learn about Rosalynn, the more I realize that I am here at Maranatha Baptist Church as a woman and as a pastor because of Rosalynn’s influence and because she paved the way for women to go to places that were previously inaccessible to us.”
St. Genevieve’s Valiant Voices choir performed There’s Something about that Name, Morning has Broken, and Let there be Peace on Earth. The choir was directed by Peter Avendano. Patrick Guzman, a graduate of the class of 2010, shared his experience at St. Genevieve. “I have been at St. Genevieve since first grade and started working there a year after I graduated.”
He recounted how the choir came to Plains. “I was one of the first groups of the choir to actually come and sing, I believe for Mr. Jimmy’s 83rd birthday. We just kept coming back and singing and performing for both of their birthdays and the people of Plains welcomed us with open arms.”
Guzman spoke about how Rosalynn Carter developed a connection with the school. “Our principal, Mr. Dan Horn, began his relationship with Miss Rosalynn through a letter and since then he has been invited back to Plains and started bringing students to learn about the Carters, Mr. Jimmy and Miss Rosalynn. Now it’s just an ongoing relationship. Plains is our second home for St. Genevieve. It’s just always a joy to come back and visit, see the people of Plains and celebrate the Carters.”
Leah Hurst, a 12th grade student in the choir, spoke about her performance at Maranatha Baptist Church. “It was very beautiful.” She mentioned that she really appreciated the energy in the church. “It’s very celebratory. I can appreciate that.”
Hurst talked about previous performances. “We performed at one of the events they had at Plains High School for Rosalynn back in the day, and we performed here yesterday, actually at a different event.”
She shared her appreciation for the experience. “I love how much they honor Rosalynn here and how much they remember her. I think you can really feel the love in the community.”
Phillip Natividad, also in 12th grade, described his experience: “I really enjoyed being here in Georgia because everyone here is so nice.”
He spoke about his connection to Plains. “Plus, I almost feel like I’m a part of the town.” Natividad spoke about his performance in Maranatha. “I really enjoy singing, so when I sing in front of the people here in Plains, Georgia, I feel fulfilled and very honored to sing for Rosalynn, her family and her friends.”
Afterwards, cake was served in honor of Rosalynn Carter’s birthday. The students in the choir sang a song several times, delighting visitors and community members alike.
