Memoir talks of Green Bay visit, film screening
Book endorsed by Dalai Lama, international religious leaders
May. 25, 2012 |

What does Green Bay have to do with "interfaith activism"?

A chapter in the new captivating, can't-put-it-down memoir "Minefields and Miracles: Why God and Allah Need to Talk" by journalist, documentary filmmaker and public speaker Ruth Broyde Sharone tells of the author's visit to Green Bay several years ago to screen her award-winning film, "God and Allah Need to Talk" and to introduce her plan for "Interfaith Pilates, a global stretch for peace."

After her talk, a women's interfaith group started to meet locally and still is going strong. Hundreds of others expressed interest that day in doing more to promote interfaith goodwill in Green Bay.

After describing her family origins and Jewish upbringing, Sharone explains how she came to dedicate her life to moving the world toward peace, "one individual at a time, one community at a time."

Believing that peaceful co-existence is definitely possible among Christians, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists and people of all faiths and traditions — atheists included — Sharone travels the U.S. and the world, bringing together grassroots interfaith groups and urging them to stretch for peace. For her, "there are no strangers, just people we haven't yet met."

Sharone's book, endorsed by the Dalai Lama and other international religious leaders, recounts candidly and humorously how she has dealt with the "minefields" of her work — prejudice, stereotypes, historical feuds. One reviewer wrote, "Ruth's charm and chutzpah catch your attention.

"And she holds your attention — almost leaving you breathless at times — with her fascinating stories, her exuberant passion for being. She describes her life's journey with humor and grace and loving care, conveying a sense of awe and gratitude."

Sharone describes herself and her colleagues as "border crossers, because even as we recognize the philosophical and religious borders that separate us, we do not allow them to keep us from honoring our fellow travelers."

The book, which includes a section of discussion questions for book clubs and church study groups, is published by Green Bay publisher Mixed Media Memoirs LLC and can be purchased at the Reader's Loft or online at www.minefieldsandmiracles.com.