I recently had a wonderful opportunity to sit with Rabbi Rami Shapiro at a writer’s mixer in Murfreesboro, TN. There was a sense of sacred expectation as I had read his book on forgiveness in my spiritual direction coursework. Additionally, Wisdom Tree Collective used his book The World Wisdom Bible as a focus in our Centering Prayer & Lectio Divina session, which I help to facilitate.
Rabbi Rami and I, along with others around the table, spoke about religion, books, and life in general. I mentioned how I was a Christian and belonged to the Order of the Daughters of the King.
Religion has the potential to divide us if we aren’t careful. But that evening, our discussion on religion reminded me how it also has the power to unite. Rabbi Rami mentioned that all the central tenets of faith have the same universal truths.
At its best, religion reminds us of the sacredness of every person. We can choose division, which walls us off, or we can build a bridge and deepen our capacity to love.
There are also other commonalities that allow bridgebuilding. Around the table, we shared about favorite authors and books, writing experiences, and the love of family and friends.
On this evening in Murfreesboro, gathered around a table of storytellers and wisdom seekers, I was reminded that the sacred often shows up in simple spaces. Even in shared laughter, honest questions, and community. And sometimes, bridgebuilding begins not with grand gestures, but with a simple conversation, a favorite book, or the courage to say, “This is who I am.”
In that sacred space, we didn’t erase our differences; we honored them. And we found ourselves more connected because of it. I received my time there as a blessing.
Events – Dapper Owl Coffee events for writer’s mixers, silent book club and more.
A newsletter by Katie Rea.
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