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As the world reflects on the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, the Reverend Mashaun D. Simon sees a man whose ministry and authenticity continued to shape lives well beyond his time in the White House.

Carter, who taught Sunday school and welcomed thousands of visitors to Plains, Georgia, during his post-presidency years, left an indelible mark on those who encountered him.

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Simon, who is studying pastoral theology and grief, sees Carter's passing as an opportunity for societal reflection. He believes it calls for a renewed commitment to continuing Carter's work.

"It's a sad moment because he is so cherished but I think also it's a watershed moment for us to be reminded to find the best ways to be impactful in our lives," Simon explained. "Creating not necessarily the same legacy that he did, but one that can be just as honorable."

Carter, the 39th U.S. president, passed away Sunday at age 100 in his Plains, Georgia, home. More than 40 years ago, he was a little-known Democratic candidate when he unexpectedly defeated Republican incumbent Gerald Ford in the 1976 presidential election.

Simon recalls meeting former President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, during his senior year at Emory University, where, as student body president of the Theology School, he gave the blessing and invocation at a school dinner attended by the Carters.

"It was a great opportunity, very unexpected," Simon recounted. "I had no clue that when I ran to be student body president that one of the privileges of that experience would be to have an opportunity to sit down with former President Carter and his wife Rosalynn."

Carter is known as much for his post-presidency humanitarian efforts as for his time in the White House. He leaves behind a profound example of leadership rooted in compassion. Simon urged others to honor Carter's legacy by striving to create their own positive impact.