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Peace

In a world plagued by violence, barbarity and war, it is hard to conceive of ever living in peace. Yet, that is a dream cherished by the three women who won the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize: Leymah Gbowee, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Tawakel Karman. All are crusaders who fight for peace against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Of the three, Leymah Gbowee is the one to whom I most relate. She is a “normal” woman of African descent — much like me, but who endured and accomplished so much more. She did not grow up in privilege. She became a mother in her teenage years. She suffered deprivation as a refugee and years of abuse by the men in her life and as punishment for her activism. It is hard to imagine how she overcame so many odds to emerge as a game changer on the world stage. But she did.

Her activism paved the way for the regeneration of Liberia after generations of conflict and a brutal 14 year war. Her commitment to peace and social justice is a shining example of what a “normal” person can do.

Gbowee is the central character in “Pray the Devil Back to Hell” — the 2008 film that documents her role in the Liberian struggle. Her autobiography — Mighty Be Our Powers — was published last year to great acclaim.

Against this background, you can imagine the absolute JOY I felt last week when Ms. Gbowee read Gather at the Table and gifted Tom and I with her endorsement:

“Gather at the Table is an honest exploration into the deep social wounds left by racism, violence and injustice, as the authors work through their own prejudices in search of reconciliation — and ultimately find friendship.” ~ Leymah Gbowee, 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate 

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3 Responses to “Peace”

1. Bernadine Anderson says:

   July 16, 2012 at 7:58 pm

   Congratulations Sharon & Tom upon the publication of your book and its debut in October 2012.

   An extra "congratulations" upon receiving the recognition and endorsement by Leymah Gbowee, 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate. That recognition about the value of your book is a reward for all the hard work you put into the development and completion of "Gather at the Table."

   Reply
2. Isaac says:

   July 17, 2012 at 1:50 am

   Great Job

   Reply
3. June Nicholson says:

   July 17, 2012 at 2:17 pm

   I never doubted that you would be recognized by the most influential people once they read your book. This is the beginning of many more compliments coming your way. Congratulation again.

   Reply

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