Exiting the Weary Land

About the Book

            Exiting the Weary Land, based on a true story, is a creative tale fabricating experiences encountered by a Black female (Sister, the main character) in the Creole South during the 70’s, 80’s, and 90's continues to chronicle her adult years. Sister recounts her life experiences to establish the point that one can experience life’s hardships, its sorrows and joys and yet stand such trials with God’s help. Sister reflects upon past events originating from personal truths. She receives help through the power of God during a time of rejection, hurt and unfaithfulness while transcending oppression and life’s tribulations.  It chronicles events that unfold in the life of a close companion that gives her the motivation to exit from a weary land of mixed emotions, pain, and sorrow and enter a better place, but yet behold the attributes of love, deliverance and forgiveness in the process. With dynamic imagery, the author recalls special memorable events and presents a colorful detailed description, which encompasses family, relatives, friends, and others. Reading this book is a must! After you open its pages, you will soon discover why!

About the Author

Willie M. V. Stephens, anointed worker for the Lord Jesus, is an inspiration to both young and old from all walks of life. Since childhood she has been a firm believer in God, stressing the importance of serving the Lord, possessing good moral values and obtaining education to be used to His glory. She emphasizes that through God’s power, with enduring faith, prayer, fasting and hard work, anything is possible.

            She is often heard saying “Get education to the glory of God, putting Him ahead. It is He who fashioned you with learning abilities; He is God! Reach for the skies. I am a mother of nine, not one, two, three, or eight…but nine. All are in my heart…what I want for one, I want for the others.”

            Willie has held numerous jobs with institutions and agencies such as the LSU Cooperative Extension, Community Action, Juvenile Detention Center, several hospitals and home health agencies. She is the mother of nine children (whom she dedicated to God while still in her womb), and her many talents include designer/seamstress, poet, gospel songwriter, etc.

            It was while going through the valleys of abuse, worry, despair, illness, and tragedy that God began to talk to her. She encourages that every day and every night we must walk with God to build a bridge to that heavenly mansion not made with mortal hands. He knows when the answers are needed. Through trying times, she would stress we must “look for a brighter day.” During illness she would emphatically declare what is found in Isaiah 53:5 “…with His stripes we are healed.” Willie feels that God can be trusted for anything. Even when our courage has been wrung dry, we should yet trust and worship God. She believes worship is a weapon and a burden destroyer. Willie continues to be a great inspiration to her children and countless others. This story is reminiscent of the struggles and triumphs of characters in a land and time that both took and gave. The author introduces and unknown era to some of us and reminds others of what once was. For in all, she gives God the honor!