There are many negatives that people these days put on the legacy of President Jimmy Carter. But even if you think he was a bad president/leader, and for some, maybe think he is meddlesome in current international affairs... I don't know anybody who doubts that he is a good human being.
Jimmy Carter was never poor- he wasn't a peanut farmer- his parents owned peanut land. Carter was a U.S. Navy submarine nuclear officer with a degree in physics- so he wasn't a dumb hillbilly, either.
For those who care greatly about their faith, Carter has been more than inspirational. In his elderly years, he still helps to build homes for others through Habitat for Humanity, and not just as a photo stunt. Those on the right might not like him going to other countries "on his own," but dammit, he was a US President, and just trying to do what he thinks might do some good.
I consider myself very light in faith- but I am a man with some faith. I believe in science, but I also believe in the good parts of common faith's teachings. And Jimmy Carter has shown these through his life's works more than anybody I've experienced in my life, aside from one of my grandmothers.
Faith isn't something a person uses to prop themselves up after their world has fallen- A person's faith prevents their world from falling, no matter how deep it goes. I don't mean that bad things don't happen to people of faith- I only mean that, for some people of great faith that I've seen, even the worst shit luck bad stuff won't deter them- they persevere no matter what. People of no faith do this, as well, but I think those with it are able to rally their emotions and strength more solidly. No elixers- just a belief that something positive will prevail.
Still, regardless of his politics and whatever yours might be, I think that when it comes to living your faith, Jimmy Carter was about the most truthful politician of the last 100 years