Dear Ashley Johnson,

I was in Birmingham last week at a church conference and was very busy with my assigned task through out the week. While away I normally use my online subscription to The Selma Times-Journal to keep up with the news back in Selma.

Late one night I arrived back at the Marriott and went online to read the news, only to find your article that you were leaving Selma. I was sad and glad for you at the same time. Sad that you were leaving because I would miss the passion and suspenseful turns in your writing that is always included in your stories. Glad because at your age and the season of your life you should look for opportunities to utilize your gift to its greatest capacity.

I know that wherever go, you will be an asset to that newspaper and to that town.

I must tell you that I am more impressed at the last article you wrote because you mention the great qualities of Selma that is sometimes overlooked.

You talked about the small simple things as well as things that we consider of grave significance. Several who have left Selma gave the city a bad name, but according to your own words, you are leaving better than when you arrived here.

I can tell you without a doubt that Selma is better because you came by this way.

Thank you for all the wonderful articles about this great city and especially those stories you covered for my church, Gospel Tabernacle Church.

You were always passionate and regardless of what we were doing, the way you told the story enhanced the ministry even more.

Thank you so much for the wonderful stories you covered for us.

God bless you in all your endeavors and may your dreams be fulfilled.

Blessings be yours,

Pastor John E. Grayson

Gospel Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ