By Staci Jones | The Selma Times-Journal

The Rev. George Washington Carver Richardson has released a book that tells his story of coming to Selma as a student with just $90 in his pocket.

“Miracles and Mercies: My Life’s Divine Journey” is a biography that explores Richardson discovering his purpose in life.

“I would call it good inspirational reading with a bit of humor,” Richardson said.

Starting with Richardson’s birth and the vision that his mom had for him to become a preacher, the book tells how he was born ill and how doctors stated that he was not likely to live.

His amazing turnaround was only one of the many miracles mentioned in the book.

Richardson was believed to have started preaching at the early age of four, by sleepwalking into a crowd and reciting verbatim a sermon he had heard. He accepted his calling to preach at the age of 12 when he preached his first sermon.

Co-author Sandra Pugh Wood feels that Richardson’s years spent in Selma are the most impactful stories in the book.

“Selma was the biggest part in his life. It was his transition from young boy to man,” Wood said.

There is a chapter in the book dedicated to the five years that Richardson spent in Selma. It starts by telling how he traveled to Selma with only $90 and the hopes of attending Selma University.

He unknowingly came during the winter break, but ran across the University President who offered him free room and board with the agreement that he would clean the dorm building. He was later put on work study to pay for his tuition.

Other stories in the chapter on Selma include Richardson preaching at Union Baptist, him becoming a civil rights activist, and his encounters with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife as he served as the “field general” of Bessemer.

“The book is filled with wholesome instructions and advice on how to handle different situations you’re put through,” said Richardson.

“It tells how the Lord will cover you until the mission he put you on is fulfilled.”

Miracles and Mercies is available for order online at xulonpress.com/bookstore and at bookstores everywhere.