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My Sunday Best: Pearls of Wisdom, Wit, Grace, and Style
Her hats made us smile.
Her smile gave us hope.
"People from all over the world have said my Sunday selfies have blessed and inspired them. Who would have thought photos of an eighty-two-year-old church lady in a hat could do such a thing?"
Earlier in her life as an educator, Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly helped desegregate the Tulsa school system, served as a school superintendent, and had a high school library named after her. But it was her determination to stay positive and stay connected during the first year of the COVID pandemic that made Dr. Wimberly a household name around the world.
After posting selfies in her Sunday best for fifty-two consecutive weeks during one of the most difficult times in our country’s history, Dr. Wimberly became a viral sensation—for her hats, her smile, and most of all, her joy.
As My Sunday Best beautifully shows, underneath Dr. Wimberly’s stunning church finery is a wise, warm, and witty octogenarian who's still committed to the values she learned in
Faith in God and countryDevotion to familyA positive attitudeA life of service
My Sunday Best includes color photos of all Dr. Wimberly’s famous selfies (no repeating outfits!), fascinating true stories from a woman who lived history and made history, words of wisdom, and prayers of devotion and gratitude. This gorgeous book offers a glimpse into the life and spirit of a woman who inspired a nation. As Dr. Wimberly reminds us, loving God, loving people, and having fun are the hallmarks of a life well lived.
Her smile gave us hope.
"People from all over the world have said my Sunday selfies have blessed and inspired them. Who would have thought photos of an eighty-two-year-old church lady in a hat could do such a thing?"
Earlier in her life as an educator, Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly helped desegregate the Tulsa school system, served as a school superintendent, and had a high school library named after her. But it was her determination to stay positive and stay connected during the first year of the COVID pandemic that made Dr. Wimberly a household name around the world.
After posting selfies in her Sunday best for fifty-two consecutive weeks during one of the most difficult times in our country’s history, Dr. Wimberly became a viral sensation—for her hats, her smile, and most of all, her joy.
As My Sunday Best beautifully shows, underneath Dr. Wimberly’s stunning church finery is a wise, warm, and witty octogenarian who's still committed to the values she learned in
Faith in God and countryDevotion to familyA positive attitudeA life of service
My Sunday Best includes color photos of all Dr. Wimberly’s famous selfies (no repeating outfits!), fascinating true stories from a woman who lived history and made history, words of wisdom, and prayers of devotion and gratitude. This gorgeous book offers a glimpse into the life and spirit of a woman who inspired a nation. As Dr. Wimberly reminds us, loving God, loving people, and having fun are the hallmarks of a life well lived.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published March 21, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 18, 2024
Uplifting and Refreshing
February 22, 2023
Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly is a mover and shaker in the Tulsa, Oklahoma, education world. What makes her stand out is her inimitable style, her faith, and her love of children. When the world shut down because of Covid-19, and churches were meeting by Zoom or other streaming services, La Verne decided that she would bring her best to God, even in her dining room. So every week for a year, she got dressed in a different outfit and hat, never repeating for the whole year. It was quite the feat, but her outfits and hats were absolutely lovely. I once read a comparison of style and fashion that said that fashion is a "me, too," kind of living, whereas style is an "only me" situation. Dr. Wimberly is an "only me" kind of girl, and she does it with dignity, aplomb, and just a little bit of sass.
Quite a number of year ago, I came across a book called "Having Our Say," written by two 100+ year old sisters who had much of the same attitude as Dr. Wimberly. Their wit and repartee were very similar, as well as their outlook on life.
One thing the reader learns about Dr. Wimberly is that she doesn't let the grass grow beneath her feet. She's on the go and loves to travel. Cruises are among her favorite modes of seeing and doing new things.
This is a quick read with quite a bit of depth to it and it gives the reader a whole new outlook to life. It's meant to be lived and Dr. Wimberly lives well.
Four Stars.
Nelson Books provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Quite a number of year ago, I came across a book called "Having Our Say," written by two 100+ year old sisters who had much of the same attitude as Dr. Wimberly. Their wit and repartee were very similar, as well as their outlook on life.
One thing the reader learns about Dr. Wimberly is that she doesn't let the grass grow beneath her feet. She's on the go and loves to travel. Cruises are among her favorite modes of seeing and doing new things.
This is a quick read with quite a bit of depth to it and it gives the reader a whole new outlook to life. It's meant to be lived and Dr. Wimberly lives well.
Four Stars.
Nelson Books provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
February 25, 2023
Are you in the need of an uplifting message or just need something to smile about today? This book is perfect for you! The inspiring author didn't let the Covid restrictions stop her from dressing up for online church services like she always did for in person services. In fact, she got dressed up and shared her picture on social media and a verse for the day to encourage others. Her life is a message by itself. Living to serve the Lord and be an example and encouragement to others. You can't help but be energized by her and her "Sunday Best." I really enjoyed reading this book and plan on sending it as a gift to some of the ladies in my life.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Nelson Books from Thomas Nelson, for the temporary digital ARC that I read and gave my honest opinion of.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Nelson Books from Thomas Nelson, for the temporary digital ARC that I read and gave my honest opinion of.
April 6, 2023
Such an encouraging book!! Dr. LaVerne shares her life through selfies, Scripture, prayers and words of wisdom. She explains her high and lows in ways that allow the reader to weep and rejoice with the author. Definitely a good read.
May 25, 2023
During the pandemic, when her church started meeting online, La Verne Ford Wimberly continued dressing up in beautiful outfits and hats, just as she always had for in-person gatherings. She shared selfies online to encourage her fellow church members, and later went viral with her cute pictures and uplifting posts. This small gift book collects each of the selfies she took, along with personal stories, spiritual reflections, and other photos from her many decades of life.
I really enjoyed this. The pictures are lovely, and the written reflections share both brief encouragements and deep reflections. Wimberly reflects on many years of her life and many different experiences she has had, and shares wisdom from her walk with Christ. The spiritual content comes across in a very authentic and powerful way, as Wimberly shares the depth of her love for God and how God has helped her throughout many different highs and lows in her life. Even though this book will primarily appeal to people who share her faith, the content doesn't feel preachy.
I found parts of this book somewhat repetitive at times, and I think some of the personal stories could have been better organized throughout the book, but that is my only critique. I really enjoyed this, and I appreciated this woman's wisdom and zest for life. I would recommend this to other Christians who would find her faithfulness and witness encouraging, and this can also appeal to anyone else who is interested in her fashion sense and personal anecdotes, which include growing up in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma and working for years as a trailblazing Black educator and leader in schools.
I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this. The pictures are lovely, and the written reflections share both brief encouragements and deep reflections. Wimberly reflects on many years of her life and many different experiences she has had, and shares wisdom from her walk with Christ. The spiritual content comes across in a very authentic and powerful way, as Wimberly shares the depth of her love for God and how God has helped her throughout many different highs and lows in her life. Even though this book will primarily appeal to people who share her faith, the content doesn't feel preachy.
I found parts of this book somewhat repetitive at times, and I think some of the personal stories could have been better organized throughout the book, but that is my only critique. I really enjoyed this, and I appreciated this woman's wisdom and zest for life. I would recommend this to other Christians who would find her faithfulness and witness encouraging, and this can also appeal to anyone else who is interested in her fashion sense and personal anecdotes, which include growing up in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma and working for years as a trailblazing Black educator and leader in schools.
I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2024
Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly has quite a story to tell. Her book My Sunday Best: Pearls of Wisdom, Wit, Grace, and Style depicts “an eighty-two-year-old Black lady wearing her Sunday best.” Her selfies went viral! During the pandemic, Dr. Wimberly, along with the rest of her congregation, moved to online services.
As Dr. Wimberly writes, “I was raised to present myself to the Lord wearing my very best.” Therefore, even though she was home alone and attending virtual church, Dr. Wimberly determined she would always look her very best.
That meant dressing up in her finest clothes, hats, and jewelry. As she dressed for that first virtual church service, Dr. Wimberly thought it would be fun to take a selfie and post it on Facebook. Little did she realize at that moment that she was starting a trend, a trend that would go viral.
For the next fifty-two consecutive Sundays, Dr. Wimberly dressed in her best clothes, hats, and jewelry as noted above, and took a selfie. She then posted that selfie on Facebook. In Tulsa, OK, Dr. Wimberly’s hometown, Kim Jackson, local TV reporter, asked to interview Dr. Wimberly. That story was picked up and repeated over a number of outlets. Soon, Dr. Wimberly was featured on Anderson Cooper’s show, Fox News, The Washington Post, Tulsa World, ABC News, MSNBC, CBS News, the Today Show, Trevor Noah, and Dan Rather even mentioned her on Twitter!
The book is delightful with a picture of Dr. Wimberly on each page followed by bits of wisdom from her storied life. For example, she reminds readers that “learning is an ongoing pursuit.” On another page, she says, “Preparation is the key to success. Plan your work and work your plan.”
Readers will enjoy the pictures of Dr. Wimberly and her sage advice.
As Dr. Wimberly writes, “I was raised to present myself to the Lord wearing my very best.” Therefore, even though she was home alone and attending virtual church, Dr. Wimberly determined she would always look her very best.
That meant dressing up in her finest clothes, hats, and jewelry. As she dressed for that first virtual church service, Dr. Wimberly thought it would be fun to take a selfie and post it on Facebook. Little did she realize at that moment that she was starting a trend, a trend that would go viral.
For the next fifty-two consecutive Sundays, Dr. Wimberly dressed in her best clothes, hats, and jewelry as noted above, and took a selfie. She then posted that selfie on Facebook. In Tulsa, OK, Dr. Wimberly’s hometown, Kim Jackson, local TV reporter, asked to interview Dr. Wimberly. That story was picked up and repeated over a number of outlets. Soon, Dr. Wimberly was featured on Anderson Cooper’s show, Fox News, The Washington Post, Tulsa World, ABC News, MSNBC, CBS News, the Today Show, Trevor Noah, and Dan Rather even mentioned her on Twitter!
The book is delightful with a picture of Dr. Wimberly on each page followed by bits of wisdom from her storied life. For example, she reminds readers that “learning is an ongoing pursuit.” On another page, she says, “Preparation is the key to success. Plan your work and work your plan.”
Readers will enjoy the pictures of Dr. Wimberly and her sage advice.
June 21, 2023
My Sunday Best
Pearls of Wisdom, Wit, Grace, and Style
by La Verne Ford Wimberly
Pub Date 21 Mar 2023 | Archive Date Not set
Nelson Books, Thomas Nelson
Christian
Netgalley and Nelson Books have provided me with a copy of My Sunday Best for review
She made us smile with her hats.
It was her smile that gave us hope.
Early in her career as an educator, Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly helped desegregate the Tulsa school system, served as its superintendent, and had a high school library named after her. It was her determination to remain positive and stay connected during the first year of the COVID pandemic that made Dr. Wimberly a household name.
As a result of posting selfies in her Sunday best for fifty-two consecutive weeks during one of the most difficult periods in our country's history, Dr. Wimberly became a viral sensation-for her hats, her smile, and most importantly, her joy.
Underneath Dr. Wimberly's elegant church finery lies a wise, warm, and witty octogenarian who is still committed to the values she learned as a child:
Having faith in God and in our country
Family devotion
Having a positive attitude
Living a life of service
This book contains color photographs of all Dr. Wimberly's famous selfies (no repeated outfits! ), fascinating true stories, words of wisdom, and prayers of devotion and gratitude. In this beautiful book, we are provided with an insight into the life and spirit of a woman who inspired an entire nation. Dr. Wimberly reminds us that a life well lived is characterized by loving God, loving people, and having fun.
I give My Sunday Best five out of five Stars!
Happy Reading!
Pearls of Wisdom, Wit, Grace, and Style
by La Verne Ford Wimberly
Pub Date 21 Mar 2023 | Archive Date Not set
Nelson Books, Thomas Nelson
Christian
Netgalley and Nelson Books have provided me with a copy of My Sunday Best for review
She made us smile with her hats.
It was her smile that gave us hope.
Early in her career as an educator, Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly helped desegregate the Tulsa school system, served as its superintendent, and had a high school library named after her. It was her determination to remain positive and stay connected during the first year of the COVID pandemic that made Dr. Wimberly a household name.
As a result of posting selfies in her Sunday best for fifty-two consecutive weeks during one of the most difficult periods in our country's history, Dr. Wimberly became a viral sensation-for her hats, her smile, and most importantly, her joy.
Underneath Dr. Wimberly's elegant church finery lies a wise, warm, and witty octogenarian who is still committed to the values she learned as a child:
Having faith in God and in our country
Family devotion
Having a positive attitude
Living a life of service
This book contains color photographs of all Dr. Wimberly's famous selfies (no repeated outfits! ), fascinating true stories, words of wisdom, and prayers of devotion and gratitude. In this beautiful book, we are provided with an insight into the life and spirit of a woman who inspired an entire nation. Dr. Wimberly reminds us that a life well lived is characterized by loving God, loving people, and having fun.
I give My Sunday Best five out of five Stars!
Happy Reading!
February 28, 2023
After posting selfies in her Sunday best for fifty-two consecutive weeks during the pandemic, octogenarian Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly became a viral sensation during Easter 2021, appearing everywhere from the Washington Post to CNN to Fox News.
"People from all over the world have said my Sunday selfies and words of encouragement have blessed and inspired them. Who would have thought photos of an eighty-two-year-old church lady in a hat and Bible verses could do such a thing?"
On March 29, 2020, when her church switched to online services because of coronavirus, Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly couldn't imagine watching the service in her robe. So, she did what she's always done; she put on a beautiful outfit, matching hat, and accessories and got ready for church. Dr. Wimberly, a self-declared social media junkie, thought "it would be fun to snap a selfie and post it on Facebook with a scripture verse and an inspirational message. I'd let folks know I was ready for worship and encourage them to do the same. This was my way to brighten their spirits--and mine--and stay connected during a time of sudden isolation and despair for many people."
I loved this book! To me, it proves that we all want the same thing, a connection with someone, be it tangible or spiritual or both. It was a delightful read, full of interesting insights and wisdom.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
"People from all over the world have said my Sunday selfies and words of encouragement have blessed and inspired them. Who would have thought photos of an eighty-two-year-old church lady in a hat and Bible verses could do such a thing?"
On March 29, 2020, when her church switched to online services because of coronavirus, Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly couldn't imagine watching the service in her robe. So, she did what she's always done; she put on a beautiful outfit, matching hat, and accessories and got ready for church. Dr. Wimberly, a self-declared social media junkie, thought "it would be fun to snap a selfie and post it on Facebook with a scripture verse and an inspirational message. I'd let folks know I was ready for worship and encourage them to do the same. This was my way to brighten their spirits--and mine--and stay connected during a time of sudden isolation and despair for many people."
I loved this book! To me, it proves that we all want the same thing, a connection with someone, be it tangible or spiritual or both. It was a delightful read, full of interesting insights and wisdom.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
November 5, 2023
Though a tireless explorer of distant cultures, Cees Nooteboom has been returning for more than forty years to the Spanish island of Menorca. It is in his house on this “island of the wind,” with a study full of books and a garden taken over by cacti and many insects, that the 533 days of writing take place. The result is neither a diary nor a set of movements of the soul organized by dates but rather a “book of days,” with Nooteboom’s observations about what is immediately around him, his love for Menorca, and his thoughts on the world, on life and death, on literature and oblivion. Every impression opens windows onto vast horizons: The Divine Comedy and the books it generated, Borges’s contempt for Gombrowicz, the death of David Bowie, the endless flight of the Voyagers, the repetition of history as tragedy but never as farce. Nooteboom resists the noise of current events yet he must return to them several times, skeptically contemplating the threat of a disintegrating Europe. Reading 533 Days is like having a conversation with an extraordinary mind.
Read
December 17, 2023I have received an electronic version of this book graciously from NetGalley. I read it in small increments on a trip on my very old Kindle Reader. I enjoyed the content, but the photos were black and white and the formatting all jumbled up. Only after I finished it, did it dawn on my to download a copy on the phone app and see the book in all it's colored glory :) It truly is a joy to look at. There are many photos and the quotes and inspirational sayings are on full colorfully designed pages.
Back to the content though. Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly is truly an inspiring old lady. It was a joy reading her autobiography, getting to know her life, her philosophy, her faith and gleaning wisdom from her sayings and principles. All I can say, I can only wish to have her positive outlook on life, her drive to live and her heart for service when I turn 80 years old one day. I will probably go back and copy out some quotes and enjoy here colorful outfits at the same time. Truly an inspirational book.
Back to the content though. Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly is truly an inspiring old lady. It was a joy reading her autobiography, getting to know her life, her philosophy, her faith and gleaning wisdom from her sayings and principles. All I can say, I can only wish to have her positive outlook on life, her drive to live and her heart for service when I turn 80 years old one day. I will probably go back and copy out some quotes and enjoy here colorful outfits at the same time. Truly an inspirational book.
July 31, 2023
“It all started with the pandemic…”
Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly took social media by storm by posting a selfie in her Sunday Best attire as she attended her church’s virtual worship service each week during the pandemic. The posts gave encouragement to many people who were facing isolation especially on Sundays when many people traditionally gathered with their church family and friends.
The book shares each of the 52 selfies Dr. Ford Wimberly posted as well as pictures from her life. She also shares insight on her faith, marriage, family, and beloved Tulsa, Oklahoma. This book can be used as a coffee table book. The colors are bold and photos will easily spark conversations for those who pick it up.
I hybrid read this book. The audiobook is read by Machelle Williams.
I received a free copy of this book through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly took social media by storm by posting a selfie in her Sunday Best attire as she attended her church’s virtual worship service each week during the pandemic. The posts gave encouragement to many people who were facing isolation especially on Sundays when many people traditionally gathered with their church family and friends.
The book shares each of the 52 selfies Dr. Ford Wimberly posted as well as pictures from her life. She also shares insight on her faith, marriage, family, and beloved Tulsa, Oklahoma. This book can be used as a coffee table book. The colors are bold and photos will easily spark conversations for those who pick it up.
I hybrid read this book. The audiobook is read by Machelle Williams.
I received a free copy of this book through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2024
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this awesome little book. All the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Dr. La Verne went viral during the pandemic for posting Sunday Best selfies. In these photos she was dressed for church, and wearing her wonderful hats even though her church was virtual for a full year.
This book consists of snippets of her life mixed with great selfies, and nuggets of wisdom and encouragement. As a person who wears hats every Sunday morning, this book cover caught my attention. As a teacher, I enjoyed reading about all her educational accomplishments.
I am so glad I read it. I love the inspiration, and the beauty found in the book. My only complaint is that the format of the book seemed a bit chaotic.
If you love hats, or if you love inspiration this is the book for you. If you aren’t interested in the aforementioned things this might not be the book for you. you.
Dr. La Verne went viral during the pandemic for posting Sunday Best selfies. In these photos she was dressed for church, and wearing her wonderful hats even though her church was virtual for a full year.
This book consists of snippets of her life mixed with great selfies, and nuggets of wisdom and encouragement. As a person who wears hats every Sunday morning, this book cover caught my attention. As a teacher, I enjoyed reading about all her educational accomplishments.
I am so glad I read it. I love the inspiration, and the beauty found in the book. My only complaint is that the format of the book seemed a bit chaotic.
If you love hats, or if you love inspiration this is the book for you. If you aren’t interested in the aforementioned things this might not be the book for you. you.
January 21, 2024
I bought this book for my mother but wanted to read it before I gifted it to her.
Being from the Tulsa area, I knew of Wimberly and her hats on Zoom. Being an educator myself, I wish I could say I knew her from her dedication and service to Tulsa Public Schools where she served ultimately as an interim superintendent.
Besides her lovely and glorious selfies, the book is full of "Wimberly's Wisdom" and her outlook on life. She is a gem in the true sense of the word.
While there's a lot of Bible verses and mention of her faith, this is not a preachy book. It's just a book of goodness that is Dr. La Verne Ford Wilmberly!
Being from the Tulsa area, I knew of Wimberly and her hats on Zoom. Being an educator myself, I wish I could say I knew her from her dedication and service to Tulsa Public Schools where she served ultimately as an interim superintendent.
Besides her lovely and glorious selfies, the book is full of "Wimberly's Wisdom" and her outlook on life. She is a gem in the true sense of the word.
While there's a lot of Bible verses and mention of her faith, this is not a preachy book. It's just a book of goodness that is Dr. La Verne Ford Wilmberly!
December 8, 2023
Uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable. I love Dr. Wimberly's attitude and especially her smile. This is a great coffee table book; read a spread or two when you're feeling a little down and it will pick you right up.
February 17, 2024
Dr La Verne is such an inspiration as a Christian and as a professional woman. I loved her life story, words of wisdom and the beautiful selfies in her Sunday best!
Buzzwordathon-February- positive words- Best, Grace
Buzzwordathon-February- positive words- Best, Grace
June 10, 2023
Very enjoyable. I appreciated hearing her stories and her philosophy. Fun illustration with all her hats!
June 28, 2023
A light read full of humor, wisdom , stylish clothes and faith.
August 6, 2023
Inspirational!
This book is about faith and love for yourself, your family and humanity.
I am in awe. Dr. LA VERNE is an example to all and I just love her hats. Enjoy!
This book is about faith and love for yourself, your family and humanity.
I am in awe. Dr. LA VERNE is an example to all and I just love her hats. Enjoy!
January 9, 2024
Mrs. Wimberly is someone I wish I knew personally; I love hats. The pearls of wisdom in her book resonated with me on all levels. Thank you for sharing your hats with this hat lover.
June 6, 2024
I found the book to also be motivational
November 11, 2023
I have received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was ADORABLE! While I really only knew Dr. Wimberly as "the hat lady" from social media, I enjoyed reading about her life and accomplishments, as well as her style! She certainly has inspired me both as a Christian and a woman, to stay close to Jesus and dress my best!
This was ADORABLE! While I really only knew Dr. Wimberly as "the hat lady" from social media, I enjoyed reading about her life and accomplishments, as well as her style! She certainly has inspired me both as a Christian and a woman, to stay close to Jesus and dress my best!
May 2, 2023
So sweet! It’s so much fun to find something positive to come out of the Covid pandemic!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews