The Problem America Shares with the Middle East

The Solution We Are Afraid to Try A relative of mine who had earlier divorced in his wife, created a scandal in our family with his relationship to another woman.  There were two horrifying things about the relationship. First they were a man and a woman living together and not married. Second, she was black […]

Continue reading→

An Arab Fourth of July, An American Ramadan

  On the Fourth of July my husband and I happened to be in Dallas, Texas, where we were visiting a young couple from Lebanon.  We have known the wife since she was a cute little seven year old.  Now she has a hospitable husband and two handsome little boys. That evening we all drove […]

Continue reading→

Deafness, Talk and Terror from the Middle East

  In the last ten or more years of her life my mother was quite deaf. The results of her deafness were fascinating once I learned to step back and think about them. First, she tended to fill her silence by talking a lot, a thing she had never done before. Second, she interrupted other […]

Continue reading→

Uxt Mary, Incomparable Middle Eastern Woman

  On International Women’s Day it occurred to me that I should write a story about a Middle Eastern woman, a story that would be a tribute to the brave and noble women of our world.  Then I become indecisive, knowing so many women— smart women, strong women, abused and used women, courageous, creative, happy […]

Continue reading→

In One American Man, the Diversity of the Middle East

Adam Shoemaker, born Muslim and Jewish, is a Christian. In his own person he has struggled with problems that tear the Middle East, America and the world, giving him a unique and instructive view of religious diversity.  His wisdom offers all of us a spiritual path toward peace.  I am grateful for the opportunity to […]

Continue reading→