Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, is widely recognized not only for his political achievements but also for his profound commitment to Christian values. A devout Southern Baptist, Carter has consistently lived out his faith through service, humility, and a deep commitment to justice and compassion. His interpretation of Christianity emphasizes action over words, service over power, and love over judgment. But how does this compare to the way many Christians live and express their faith today?
Let’s explore what it means to be a “Carter Christian” and how it contrasts with some modern expressions of Christianity.
Carter’s Commitment to Service
From teaching Sunday school into his 90s to founding the Carter Center, which works to alleviate human suffering and promote democracy, Jimmy Carter’s life is a testament to his belief in serving others. His post-presidency years have been marked by tireless humanitarian work, including building homes with Habitat for Humanity and eradicating diseases like Guinea worm.
For Carter, faith is inseparable from action. He once said, “My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can.” His example challenges Christians to reflect on whether their faith inspires similar acts of selfless service.
Carter’s Interpretation of Christian Values
Carter’s Christianity is rooted in the teachings of Jesus: love your neighbor, care for the poor, and seek peace. He has been a vocal advocate for human rights, often standing up for marginalized communities. For example, he left the Southern Baptist Convention when it took positions he felt contradicted biblical teachings on equality and justice, particularly regarding the role of women in ministry.
This contrasts sharply with some modern Christian practices that prioritize political power, material wealth, or rigid doctrines over compassion and inclusivity. Are we following the example of Jesus, as Carter strives to, or are we allowing cultural and political ideologies to shape our faith more than the Gospel?
Faith in Action vs. Faith in Words
Carter’s life underscores the biblical call to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). Yet today, many Christians focus more on what they believe than on how they live. Public declarations of faith, social media posts about morality, or attendance at church services are often seen as markers of devotion. While these practices have value, Carter’s example reminds us that faith without action is incomplete.
Are we as willing as Carter to roll up our sleeves and work alongside those in need? Do we prioritize building bridges over winning arguments? These are critical questions for any Christian seeking to live authentically.
Carter’s Legacy: A Challenge for Modern Christians
Jimmy Carter’s life challenges us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith. Are we embodying the love, humility, and service that Jesus modeled, or are we more focused on defending our beliefs and maintaining comfort? Carter’s example serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian life is not about striving for power or prominence but about lifting others up and bringing hope to the world.
So, are you a Carter Christian—committed to living out your faith through service, humility, and love? Or does your faith look different? The answer to this question can profoundly shape not only your personal journey but also your impact on the world around you.
#BuyLocal2025: Changing the Flow of Money to Support Local Businesses
As 2025 approaches, a new movement is emerging to encourage mindfulness and sustainability in how we spend our money. #BuyLocal2025 invites us to reflect on our buying habits, encouraging us to invest in local businesses instead of large corporations.
The Power of Buying Local
Every dollar we spend shapes our world. Supporting local businesses keeps money within our community, strengthens local economies, and fosters a sense of connection. Unlike large corporations, which often siphon money out of communities, local businesses reinvest those funds in ways that directly benefit our neighborhoods.
For example:
- For every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays in the community.
- Local businesses create unique offerings and personalized service, which strengthen the character of your town or city.
Why #BuyLocal2025 Matters
Supporting local businesses isn’t just about economics—it’s about creating a healthier, more sustainable future.
- Environmental Impact: Local businesses often source products nearby, reducing carbon emissions from shipping.
- Community Spirit: Buying local strengthens bonds within neighborhoods, fostering trust and collaboration.
- Economic Stability: A thriving local economy is more resilient in times of crisis, creating jobs and opportunities.
How to Embrace #BuyLocal2025
- Shop Small, Shop Smart: Prioritize locally owned stores for your daily needs. From groceries to gifts, look for alternatives to big-box retailers.
- Support Local Farmers and Makers: Visit farmers' markets and purchase handmade goods from local artisans.
- Dine Differently: Skip chain restaurants and discover family-owned eateries.
- Get Involved: Follow local business directories and share your favorite spots with friends.
A Call to Action
Imagine the world we could create if more of us embraced #BuyLocal2025. When you shop small, you’re voting for a stronger, more vibrant community. You’re choosing to support the people who pour their heart and soul into their work, who know your name, and who genuinely care about making your neighborhood a better place.
Let’s make 2025 the year we put community first. Start today. Share your journey, celebrate local businesses, and inspire others to join the #BuyLocal2025 movement. Together, we can create a future where thriving local economies are the norm—and big corporations no longer dictate the flow of wealth.
Join the movement. Buy local. Build community.
The following is from Alan’s revised book being re-released in October 2024 entitled:
Marketing Mastery:
Avoiding Common Mistakes for Authors
Chapter 8: Over-Promoting Their Book
While promoting your book is essential, over-promoting can be counterproductive and turn off potential readers. Striking the right balance between promotion and providing valuable content is key to maintaining reader interest and building a loyal following. This chapter will explore the pitfalls of over-promotion and how to avoid them.
The Dangers of Over-Promoting
Over-promoting can lead to reader fatigue, decreased engagement, and a negative perception of you as an author. Constantly pushing your book without offering value can make your audience feel overwhelmed and disinterested.
How to Avoid Over-Promoting
1. Provide Valuable Content
Focus on creating content that provides value to your readers, rather than solely promoting your book. This can include writing tips, industry insights, personal stories, and engaging discussions.
Example: Share a blog post on your website about the inspiration behind your book, offering insights into your writing process and the themes you explore. This provides value to your readers while subtly promoting your book.
2. Use the 80/20 Rule
Adopt the 80/20 rule, where 80% of your content provides value and 20% is promotional. This ensures that your audience receives a balanced mix of valuable information and book promotions.
Example: If you post five times a week on social media, ensure that four of those posts are valuable content, such as writing tips, book recommendations, or engaging questions, and one post is directly promoting your book.
3. Engage with your audience
Build genuine relationships with your readers by engaging with them on a personal level. Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and show interest in their opinions and feedback.
Example: Ask your followers about their favorite books in your genre and engage in conversations about their recommendations. This not only builds rapport but also provides you with valuable insights into your audience’s preferences.
4. Offer Exclusive Content
Reward your loyal readers with exclusive content, such as bonus chapters, sneak peeks, or special discounts. This creates a sense of value and appreciation without overwhelming them with promotions.
Example: Offer a free bonus chapter of your book to newsletter subscribers as a thank-you for their support. Promote this offer on social media to attract new subscribers.
5. Host Interactive Events
Organize events like Q&A sessions, book readings, and writing workshops that provide value and engage your audience. These events offer a platform for promotion while primarily focusing on delivering valuable experiences.
Example: Host a live book reading on Facebook where you read a chapter from your book and answer audience questions. This interactive event promotes your book while engaging your audience.
Examples of Balanced Promotion
Case Study 1: Veronica Roth's "Divergent" Series
Veronica Roth balanced the promotion of her "Divergent" series by sharing insights into her writing process, character development, and world-building. This approach provided value to her readers and kept them engaged without feeling overwhelmed by promotions.
Case Study 2: Austin Kleon's "Show Your Work!"
Austin Kleon promotes his book "Show Your Work!" by sharing practical tips and advice on creativity and productivity through his blog and social media channels. This valuable content keeps his audience engaged and interested in his work.
Over-promoting your book can alienate your audience and decrease engagement. By providing valuable content, using the 80/20 rule, engaging with your audience, offering exclusive content, and hosting interactive events, you can strike a balance between promotion and value, maintaining reader interest and building a loyal following.
The digital landscape has undergone significant transformations over the years, and the latest frontier on the horizon is the Metaverse. As technology continues to evolve, so does the way we consume and interact with content. In this blog post, we'll explore the potential impact of the Metaverse on the publishing world and how it is poised to revolutionize the way we create, share, and experience content.
Understanding the Metaverse:
The Metaverse refers to a collective virtual shared space that is created by the convergence of physical and virtual reality. It is not a single, centralized entity but a network of interconnected virtual spaces where users can engage with digital content and interact with each other in real-time. This immersive and interactive environment is shaping up to be the next big leap in the evolution of the internet.
Changing Dynamics of Content Creation:
In the traditional publishing world, content creation has primarily been a one-way street, with authors producing content and readers consuming it. The Metaverse, however, blurs these lines by offering a dynamic and participatory platform. Content creators can now engage with their audience in real-time, fostering a more interactive and collaborative creative process. This shift opens up new possibilities for storytelling, allowing users to actively shape the narrative and become co-creators of the content they consume.
Virtual Bookshelves and Libraries:
Imagine stepping into a virtual library where books come to life, and readers can explore literary worlds in a three-dimensional space. The Metaverse has the potential to transform how we perceive and access literature. Virtual bookshelves could house digital copies of books, allowing users to interact with the content in innovative ways, such as immersive reading experiences or book clubs conducted in virtual spaces.
Expanding Distribution Channels:
The Metaverse introduces new distribution channels for publishers and authors. Virtual book launches, author meet-and-greets, and interactive book readings could become common occurrences in this digital realm. Publishers may find themselves exploring partnerships with virtual platforms to reach a wider audience, transcending geographical boundaries and time zones.
Enhanced Multimedia Experiences:
Traditional publishing often limits content to text and static images. In the Metaverse, content can come to life through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. Imagine reading a book where characters and scenes materialize in front of you or exploring an interactive map of a fictional world. The Metaverse enriches the reading experience by adding layers of multimedia elements, making storytelling more engaging and immersive.
Challenges and Considerations:
While the Metaverse holds tremendous promise, it also poses challenges. Privacy concerns, content moderation, and the need for robust infrastructure are some of the issues that need careful consideration. As the publishing world navigates this uncharted territory, collaboration between stakeholders, including tech developers, publishers, and regulatory bodies, will be crucial in shaping a responsible and sustainable Metaverse.
The Metaverse is not just a buzzword; it's a paradigm shift that has the potential to redefine how we consume and engage with content. In the publishing world, embracing the possibilities of the Metaverse opens up new avenues for creativity, collaboration, and immersive storytelling. As we step into this virtual frontier, the future of publishing looks both exciting and transformative.
You can learn more about understanding the metaverse in B Alan Bourgeois's book "Top Ten Ways Authors Can Embrace the Metaverse" available in Print, eBook, and Audiobook
