By Jerria Martin
The Selma Times-Journal

There is Hope in Faith: The Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr. once quoted, “Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.”

Have you ever had to take a leap of faith, blindfolded?

Two years ago I stepped out on faith answering the resounding call of God to come home to help bless Selma. I knew that the task would be challenging; especially seeking employment, which was one of my most challenging task.

But nevertheless, I stepped out on faith anyways, trusting God to lead and guide me. With every step that I take I realize more and more God’s plan and vision for me and how he’s using me to lift our dear city. Upon answering God’s call I’ve had the opportunity to represent Selma throughout Canada, in Italy, Turin, Milan, Amsterdam, and in several states at several universities throughout the U.S., including American University in Washington D.C. and most recently the University of Michigan as a guest lecturer.

It brings me great joy to share Selma’s faith journey abroad and to see the audience so eager and excited to hear our good news! We as Selma’s people all know that Selma has come a long ways, but we must remember that we’ve come this far by faith!

There is great strength in faith. Jesus reminded us that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains, so just imagine what faith the size of 20,000 helping hands, 20,000 open hearts, and 20,000 embracing spirits can do as the citizens of our Selma come together, trusting in our faithful God. This conviction empowers me to say that as long as I’m here I’m going to do everything in my power to lift our city because I have faith in God and faith in Selma’s people.

Saint Augustine professed, “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.”

I came back to Selma believing in her beauty: I’ve had the opportunity to work with and to see groups like Grow Selma that is working on the Mill Village Community Garden that will both bring beauty to an abandoned area and provide healthy resources for all of Selma.

I came back believing in her youth; I’ve witnessed and worked with groups like 21st century that I’ve help raise over $150,000 to implement programming in our communities to train young people to be community focused leaders.

I came back believing in her diversity; I had the distinct pleasure to witness and march with some 1300 Selma citizens coming home united in faith.

From my faith journey thus far, I can conclude that if we step out on faith, trusting God to lead and guide us, working together; we will build a better, stronger, more united, and hopeful Selma Because there is compelling, redeeming, and auspicious hope in faith!