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Book Review Archives
Title: Wilma -- A Lady of Courage and Dignity
Author: Jim Oates
Publisher: Guardian Books
Copyright: 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1-55452-449-5
Genre: Biography
Book Size: 135 pages
Reviewer: Deborah Porter
Available Through: Essence Bookstore
When slightly timid Jim Oates first saw Wilma Ciphery drive by in a green '54 Chevy, it may have been the car that first caught his attention, but it was the pretty girl behind the wheel that left him smitten. Jim knew she was the girl he had been praying for, and with a bit of help from his sister, was able to meet his future wife in person the following Sunday at church.
That was the start of a truly moving and enduring love story, told with gentle sweetness and humor. I found myself chuckling one minute and misty eyed the next as I read Wilma -- A Lady of Courage and Dignity.
Seen through the eyes of her loving husband, Wilma shines as a beautiful woman -- inside and out -- who was a tower of strength for her family through both the good times and bad.
Tributes to his partner of 45 years fill the pages of this little book, such as this particularly lovely one:
"God opened Adam's side and from a rib fashioned the most beautiful woman who ever lived. God did not take Wilma out of my side, but He might as well have. He gave her to me, and she became a very real part of me (the second most beautiful woman in the world)."
The author's gentle sense of humor was also shown time and again, with such little gems as this:
"One of Wilma's cousins had just modernized their home, installing an indoor bathroom; they gave us their old outhouse, a luxury model with two holes. For six years we enjoyed this remarkable outdoor facility. It was quite nice sitting out there from spring to fall, but the winters were not quite as pleasant as there was always an icy updraft."
This reviewer was definitely left wondering over the image of that luxury two-holed outhouse (with updraft), and I could almost imagine Mr. Oates' eyes twinkling as he wrote that paragraph.
As the four children grew and moved away from home, it was particularly inspiring to see how empty nest syndrome did not appear to be an issue for this excellent mother. Apart from becoming the custodian for their church, Wilma also enjoyed using these latter years to travel with her devoted husband. This is definitely not one of those stories where a husband and wife drift apart once the children leave home. If anything, the connection between Jim and Wilma became even stronger; a bond which truly was a gift from God when viewed in light of the major illnesses that would afflict first Jim, and then, tragically, Wilma.
Although there are some minor repetitions throughout the book, and the flow is a little choppy as the author jumps back and forth in time from chapter to chapter, these little issues did not detract from my enjoyment. It was, quite sincerely, one of the most delightful and heartwarming books I've read in recent months. The simplicity of the life led by this couple, together with their absolute devotion to God, each other and their children, was inspiring.
Wilma -- A Lady of Courage and Destiny is a testimony to faith, family and enduring love. Although not a long book, the simple warmth and gentle humor of Wilma and Jim's intertwined story made this a particularly enjoyable and moving book. The reader is left feeling privileged at having been allowed entrance, if only briefly, into the heart of the Oates family, and for the opportunity to meet a quite inspiring lady of dignity and strength.
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