Webster’s definition of community is a unified body of individuals. There is just something quaint about a community that is unified.

The picture perfect visual identification of a community to me is the wonderful illustrations of Norman Rockwell. The warm and fuzzy illustrations provided me with visuals of what small community life emulated.

However, one thing it lacked was diversity.

Although the painting itself was beautifully painted, it looked nothing like my neighborhood. The Four Freedom series opened up community discussions about numerous different points of views in a safe environment.

What does a modern day Norman Rockwell community look like?

I turned to Cannonsburg Village on warm Sunday evening to experience “Soul Food Sunday.” To gain perspective on what community looks like to the Baha’i community.

What is a Baha’i you ask?

I asked the same thing. I am a new member to the Baha’i community and fell in love with it.

I set out to find an excellent way to explain it by going to its website and it states: “Throughout history, God has sent to humanity a series of divine Educators—known as Manifestations of God—whose teachings have provided the basis for the advancement of civilization. These Manifestations have included Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad. Bahá’u’lláh, the latest of these Messengers, explained that the religions of the world come from the same Source and are in essence successive chapters of one religion from God. Bahá’ís believe the crucial need facing humanity is to find a unifying vision of the future of society and of the nature and purpose of life. Such a vision unfolds in the writings of Bahá’u’lláh.”

I found that this community is warm, friendly and eager to be of service.

They come from different backgrounds both religious and geographically. They welcomed each individual with a smile and offerings of food.

YES!! Food!!

Food that any foodie would be excited to try. Food made from diverse backgrounds. The food wasn’t the only thing lifting my spirits the messages from the readers and performers from Christians, Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus all coming together to share a small stage to educate us all in how similar our beliefs are in a set theme. The theme of oneness.

A small community of individuals coming together to learn from one another to ask questions. My job as a guest and truth seeker is to just listen and learn.

Imagine if you will for one moment what the world would look like if we were one human race, one human family and our duty was kindness. I encourage to stay curious and come out and be open and show community support to our Murfreesboro Baha’i community.

They meet from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. on the last Sunday of the month at the Lions Clubhouse in historic Cannonsburg. For more information, please contact murfreesboro.tn.bahai@gmail.com.

Your Community Connector,

DR