Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ went above and beyond to help the community Saturday, and I was blessed enough to witness it.

Residents had a chance to get numerous necessary service or items at the church’s Free Community Medical-Mission Outreach Day last week at no cost, such as medical services, food, haircuts, clothes, school supplies, eyeglasses and books.

I will never forget the beautiful smile I saw grace the face of a woman who found a pair of eyeglasses that allowed her to see clearly.

I will always remember the joy those children had as they sifted through a tall bin of books.

The beauty of seeing a nurse walk an elderly lady to a chair in the shade after checking her blood pressure and educating her on her health status will be forever etched in my mind.

Those moments are unforgettable, because they remind me that Selma is far more kind, positive and rare than most realize.

So many people walked home elated that day, because church groups, city leaders and local business wanted to come together to support the people in this poverty-stricken area.

Selma needs to realize that the kindness I witness yesterday Saturday is not something you can find in many other places.

More than 50 volunteers endured the heat, overcame the stress and shared the time needed to help people that could not help themselves.

Some of the nurses were even willing to lend some of their medical equipment to conduct blood pressure test and check glucose levels.

Not only did they commit to their tasks, but they also did it with a genuine smile. I did not hear any of them complain about helping.

At times, Selma does have problems coming together like a community family should, but we have done it plenty of times to show that it can be done.

Pastor Grayson, with Gospel Tabernacle Church, told me that they would not be able to throw major events like that without extra help.Initially, the church would host events like the Saturday’s alone. Over the years, that changed as more people volunteered to join together.

We may have our differences, but we have proved that we can come together when it means saving those who need us most.

Like any other city, Selma has its flaws, but we have a love for each other that can help mend create a better community.

The uplifting spirit the Free Community Medical-Mission Outreach Day brought to Selma last Saturday reminded me exactly why I love Selma.