BUILDING A BETTER GREENSBORO, TOGETHER.

Stepping Up in Faith: Nicky Smith’s Reflection on Mary’s Story and City Council Candidacy

Nicky Smith is a seasoned business leader with over 45 years of experience, a dedicated community advocate, and a candidate for Greensboro City Council. Passionate about fostering economic growth, supporting families, and creating a safer, thriving community, Nicky brings a proven track record of leadership and a vision for Greensboro’s future.

With Faith and Purpose: How I Draw Inspiration from Mary’s Story to Serve Greensboro’s Community

In reflecting on this powerful sermon, I am struck by two central themes that resonate deeply with my journey as a candidate for Greensboro City Council: the fear of inadequacy and the fear of the impossible. Hank Aaron’s words, “In God’s eyes, everyone is someone,” paired with the angel Gabriel’s assurance to Mary, “With God, nothing is impossible,” are not just profound statements of faith but guideposts for my path forward.

The Fear of Inadequacy

Like Mary, I have moments when I feel the weight of the challenges ahead. Representing a diverse and vibrant district filled with people who bring unique experiences and needs is a significant responsibility. It’s easy to question whether one person can truly make a difference. Do I have the right experience, the right voice, and the right tools to ensure every community member feels seen, heard, and valued?

Yet, this sermon reminds me that God does not choose us for our resumes or accolades. God chooses us because of who we are and because He sees potential in us that we may not yet see in ourselves. Hank Aaron’s reminder that “everyone is someone” underscores why I’m running: to amplify the voices of everyone in our community, no matter their background, position, or status.

In God’s eyes, no one is too small to make a difference, and there is no such thing as “not enough.” That truth encourages me to embrace this candidacy with confidence and humility.

The Fear of the Impossible

Running for public office, especially as someone who seeks to bring change, can feel daunting. Some might say it’s impossible to unite diverse perspectives, to overcome systemic challenges, or to create a city council that genuinely serves all its people. But as Gabriel assured Mary, “With God, nothing is impossible.”

This promise transforms what feels like an impossible task into a faith-driven mission. It’s not just about my strength or abilities; it’s about trusting that God is with me in this calling. Like Mary, I don’t step into this journey because I have all the answers. I step forward because I believe that we can accomplish what others might deem impossible with faith, persistence, and community support. We can create a Greensboro where every voice is heard and valued.

Motivated by the Message

This sermon has inspired me to lean into faith, embrace the challenges ahead, and see this candidacy as an opportunity to bring light into the world, just as Mary brought Christ into the world. I am motivated not by personal ambition but by the conviction that everyone deserves a seat at the table, that every voice matters, and that we can create lasting and meaningful change together.

I carry this message as I move forward: I am not inadequate because God has equipped me with favor and purpose. The task is not impossible because God is with me. And the people I serve are not insignificant because everyone is someone in God’s eyes.

This is the spirit with which I step up to serve Greensboro. My faith fuels my commitment to ensure every voice in District 4 is heard and valued. I hope we can achieve something together. With God’s guidance, the impossible becomes possible, and together, we can make a difference.

–Nicky Smith
Candidate for City Council District 4