Creating Community from Within

I once read a story of a town in ruin, a town filled with resentment and despair. The people distrusted one another and no longer worked together. The town was falling apart. One resident left to seek wisdom from a wise person who lived in the forest. After a long journey, the resident found the wise one.

“What must we do to revive our community?” the resident asked.

The wise one replied, “You must remember that when you look upon each other, you are seeing the face of God.”

The resident returned to the town, unsure of the wisdom shared. The mayor asked the resident to repeat the wise one’s words. Soon, the message spread, and the people began to treat each other with respect and kindness. Resentment turned to friendship, and despair turned to hope. The community began to thrive again, remembering that everyone they met was the face of God.

In the four years that I have been a part of the Wisdom Tree Collective (WTC), they have set the bar high with regard to their inclusiveness. WTC reminds us that each person we meet is the face of God. Individuals are granted a place of safety to be our true, authentic selves. A place where we can be vulnerable and open to the challenges of life.

There have been many stories within the program from instructors, mentors and students alike who have felt hurt or suffered rejection by organized religion. A wise pastor once mentioned in a sermon about how churches were formed by imperfect people. Don’t ask if a church will hurt you, but when.

This being said, I don’t want to say to abandon all hope. Everyone needs a sense of place.

A sense of place—whether it’s in a community, a physical space, or within relationships—is essential to our well-being and sense of self. God built us for the need of relationship.

We do need a discerning spirit for determining what is the right place for us.

When we find ourselves in environments where we feel drained, unappreciated, or even hurt, it can be deeply disorienting and discouraging. These situations can undermine our energy, self-worth, and ability to thrive.

Being surrounded by people or places that don’t foster a healthy, supportive atmosphere can create feelings of isolation, disconnection, and even betrayal, especially when those who are supposed to care for us are the very ones causing us pain. These experiences often make us question where we truly belong and where we can feel safe, seen, and understood.

On the other hand, when we find places and communities that uplift us, where we feel valued and accepted for who we are, it becomes a powerful source of nourishment. These spaces allow us to be vulnerable and grow, enabling us to contribute our authentic selves to the community and engage in meaningful relationships.

Yet, Mahatma Gandhi reminds us to "Be the Change You Wish to See in the World." If we are not finding such places which fill our spirit, we are empowered to then do something about it.

The challenge then is not just to seek out these places, but also to create them—like what Kasey has done with the Wisdom Tree Collective. Building environments where people feel accepted, valued, and supported is key to fostering a sense of place that nurtures rather than drains. We can do this within the context of our own lives, whether in our own families, faith communities, or broader social circles.

Creating such spaces is essential for building strong, thriving communities. We can start small by simply building connections with others, offering kindness, and embracing diversity. We can empower each other and encourage growth and positivity. Together, we have the power to build places where everyone feels valued and uplifted. It’s up to us to shape the community we want to see, making a meaningful difference in one another’s lives.

~Katie Rea, WTC Writing Coach