I saw a post on the NWIndianaLife Facebook page about people making a difference in our community and I wanted to tell you about my pastor Reverend Geraldine Colvin or just 'Rev'. She's the minister of Unity NWI right off of Calumet in Hammond, IN; a little church I've passed by for years without going in because I didn't know of the love that fills that little place.
In my opinion Rev is making a huge difference in NWI because she spear heads this local movement spirituality with respect and love for ALL. I hated not being able to freely worship and feeling like I was less than when I went to a place that was supposed to teach love and acceptance. Through a series of beautiful seemingly unrelated events, my life coach suggested Unity to me. Ever since I walked through those doors, my life changed because I had found the extended family I had been looking for.
Rev and my commUNITY have literally been my life saver on many occasions and I know that hundreds of other lives have been positively impacted as well. My personal story consist of a struggle over many years with depression, Bi-Polar and suicidal ideation. I had many a dark day, but every single time even without me reaching out at times, Rev was there to pull me back and remind me that my life is worthy. I type this with tears in my eyes because I remember my frantic calls at 2, 3, 4, 5 in the morning and her staying calm and just talking me through it, her physically holding me up as my body and mind betrayed me, and her just sitting and crying with me as I purged and healed. As time passed by, I opened up more and more to the people in the congregation and they have showed me the same love. This allowed the broken parts of me to mend so that I can now stand strong and freely give that to others. Over her 13 years at Unity, Rev has touched many lives by not just being a pastor, but by being a true friend a nd extending herself fully to her best ability. She has cried with people in their time of sorrow, laughed in times of joy, danced with moves like Jagger in times of celebration, and prayed silently no matter what was going on.
Last year, we had a scare at Unity and thought we were going to lose Rev due to a spontaneous illness that tried to claim her life. She had to have two parts of her spine removed and an infection ravaged her body. It was a very scary time, but she exemplified all that she taught us and let her faith guide her. Her example helped be a light for us to stand and take the reigns to keep our community going. For the months that she was out, the congregation stepped up and poured out so much generosity giving all they could, time, food, money, talent, service, etc to make sure that we were sustained.
That motivation didn't wane though, and we still step up and give the best we can all year round. Unity donates regularly to several charities that are picked annually, we hold many free or affordable classes, events and activities that enrich people’s lives through a Spirit Centered approach, and when we say all are welcome that's exactly what we mean!
Unity is so diverse within its congregation and we don't just teach love and acceptance for all, we model it. Throughout the year we celebrate all ethnicities, cultures, life styles, etc. Last year we hosted a Freedom to Marry event that helped bring awareness and light to the fight for marriage equality. We also held a diversity workshop to help break down the barriers of race/ethnicity, age, gender, etc. Also different religious practices are recognized and respected regularly such as the hanging of the Buddhist prayer cloths every year or the banners with didn't quotes from various backgrounds that hang all year round. I could go on and on because there is so much more, but I just thought that more people should know about Rev. Geraldine and Unity NWI because we have so much to give and want to give it to as many people as possible. This is not trying to covert anyone, it's just about letting people know that there are people out here who want to help, love and care for you no matter what! And to me, that's a beautiful and life saving truth!!! Thanks for listening!
If you know someone awesome who you think should be features in our NWIndiana Life in the Spotlight series, let us know at share@nwindianalife.com!