By Jerria Martin
The Selma Times-Journal

There is Hope in Unity.

There is power in working together!

Mother Teresa reasoned, “I can do things you cannot. You can do things I cannot; together we can do great things!”

Selma is truly an appealing city, but what makes her so wonderful is all of her gifted, talented, passionate and God-fearing citizens.  When our citizens come together, it’s beautiful. This past week I have witnessed the power of unity at work on numerous occasions.

On my way home from giving my midterm exams at Wallace on Tuesday, I drove by an elderly man that was stretched out on the cold pavement. He was conscious but unresponsive. A few good Samaritans had already stopped before I turned around to park. One person immediately ran across the street to the fire department to seek assistance, while another person hopped into her car to drive to the man’s house to inform his family of what happened, and I stayed with him and quickly pulled out my phone to call for the paramedics. Within five minutes two firefighters, one police officer and his faithful dog and two paramedics were there to rescue this elderly man and ensure his safety. By the time they loaded him in the ambulance, he was already talking and regaining his strength. Unity saved this man’s life. You see, together we can do great things!

On Tuesday night, I was invited by the Rev. Dr. Jerry Light to join the ministers organizing the Unity Walk on Sunday, March 1st. This was easily one of the most hopeful, inspirational and motivational meetings I’ve ever attended. To see men and women of God putting their hearts, minds and strength together to bless our city was awe-inspiring! It was a spirit of unwavering hope in the room. Our unified team made me feel more empowered than ever! We walked away knowing that we were all going to be used by God to make a profound difference in our city and I am completely positive that we will.

This is confirmed by one of my favorite quotes on unity from Latin writer, Publilius Syrus, who declared, “Where there is unity, there is always victory.”

I am convinced that if we truly want a transformed and victorious Selma, we must come together. We must work together, build together, pray together and fulfill God’s will for Selma together. Even the greatest journeys begin with taking the first step. That’s why on Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m., we must walk together, take that first step together, as one Selma.

“We are one in the spirit. We are one in the Lord, and I pray that our unity may one day be restored. Then they’ll know we are Christians by our love, yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”

Surely there is hope in love, and there is life-giving, breathtaking and miraculous Hope in Unity.