By Jerria Martin
Martin is the Director of Hope Ministries and interim director of Main Street Selma.

There is hope in mentors God bless mentors. Through the years, how many mentors have positively impacted your life?

Can you recall the folks who believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself, the fine men and women who saw the best in you and wouldn’t let you go until they saw you reach your full potential?

Who did that for you? When was the last time you thanked God for them?

We must be grateful for our mentors, understanding that they are a special gift from God.

Award winning Christian author, Janet Thompson, describes in her latest book: “Mentoring is: sharing life’s experiences and God’s faithfulness.”

As I reflect back over my life, I realize so many wonderful people were involved in shaping me to be the woman I am today.

From my first grade teacher, Allison Neighbors Kelley, to the ladies of the Zeta Eta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

So many great women poured their love, wisdom and knowledge into me, filling me with the hope of Christ.

The most awesome fact about mentors is that we are never too old to be mentored, there will always be someone wiser or more knowledgeable than we are.

I am most grateful for my most recent mentor.

As interim executive director of Main Street Selma, I have had the tremendous opportunity to be mentored by Shebra Ross Kidd, as she transitions into retirement.

As I’ve shadowed her, her bright personality and friendly spirit has taught me several life lessons.

I’ve seen God’s faithfulness expressed in her compassionate actions towards Selma’s people.

Thus, I must say a heartfelt congratulations to Kidd on 15 amazing years of service to Main Street Selma (Downtown Selma Association).

As executive director, Shebra has worked tirelessly to beautify and revitalize downtown Selma while running our day-to-day operations.

One of her most successful events has been the annual Monster March, which has drawn crowds of over 300 ghosts, ghouls and goblins to downtown Selma to receive candy from local merchants and prizes for best costumes.

I applaud Shebra for her commitment and dedication to lifting Selma and serving our communities.

We will miss you dearly. Job well done!

Please join us in celebrating Shebra’s retirement at Charlie’s Place on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m.

Most of all, be grateful for the people God has strategically placed in your life to teach you his lessons and to show you his ways because there is inspirational, unwavering, and life-giving hope in mentors.