The Upside of the Down Low, a Pastor’s Wife’s Memoir

by Yolanda King Stephen, Arlene W. Robinson (Editor)

The Upside of the Down Low, a Pastor's Wife's Memoir is an autobiography following the life of a southern Baptist pastor’s wife, Yolanda Jacksyn. Turmoil and disorder ensue as she quickly finds out her affluent, positioned husband, Pastor Edgar Otis Jacksyn, III (PJ) is plagiarizing life in the pulpit. His parishioners love his candid, real-life preaching style and community leaders applaud his fresh ideas. At home PJ squanders money, lies about deadly health issues, and preys on unsuspecting young men. PJ’s trickery and deceitful ways finally walk through his front door and confronts Yolanda - in the form of a teenage boy PJ has been having sex with since the beginning of their marriage. Not willing to deal with the outcome of his sordid past or succumbing to the street or court summons, PJ chooses to end his own life where it on the church ground. The Upside takes a vivid look at speculations surrounding church folk while shedding light on topics long considered taboo in communities across the country; depression, infidelity, and homosexuality. As she draws us into her world, Yolanda vividly depicts each chapter with a title from Edgar's real-life sermons such as, "Let's Get It On", "Watch the Signs", and "God Writes the Final Chapter." This nine-series sermon supplement drives the purpose of The Upside to the level it should be - up.

93 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2011

Reviews

[OOSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enigma

Yolanda met and married Pastor Edgar Otis Jacksyn II after a beautiful courtship. Expecting to live happily ever after, Yolanda is tossed into an unfamiliar setting with a man she's never met.

While trying to press forward, Yolanda leans on her faith more and more as her husband seems to be working against them. With mounting debts, secrets and infidelities piling up, Yolanda is not certain that their marriage is worth saving.

While reading "The Upside of the Down Low: A Pastor's Wife's Memoir" by Yolanda King Stephen, readers can't help wondering what the upside could possibly be as Yolanda unveils her pain in 149 pages. The upside is, in spite of pain, one cannot let their circumstances dictate their worship, integrity, sanity or moral resilience.

While I understand that "The Upside of the Down Low: A Pastor's Wife's Memoir" is a memoir, it feels like many details were forgotten. I love the powerful message of forgiveness.

Reviewed by: Crystal

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dynamic Story! This story shows you that there are issues in all relationships. What you see isn't always what is real. I loved this story and I loved Yolanda's strength in over coming so many issues and still standing strong. Pastor Jacksyn (PJ) just had to much going on and instead of listening to his own messages he failed to do so or did he.

[Jeannette Del valle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and captivating

What a fascinating story. I could not stop reading. A story of a person who overcame such a tragedy victorisly. I'm so sorry for all the loss but Glory to God because you gain more than what the enemy stole.

[letisha taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth be Told

I like to thank the Author for her brute honesty. To thine own self be true! These are the mantras or Manna I live by in order to keep myself straight . Blessings to all the creators of this book and more books on these delicate topics. To God first and foremost and Always be the Glory! Great read! A great antidote coming from a bad relationship, partnership or marriage. Thanks again for the energy and blessings that will continue to encourage and empower people in the house of the Lord and of the world. Words have power to whom ever ears it falls upon. Peace and Blessings Yolanda and all her families she made along her journey. Keep your eye on Him. Stay Blessed! Letisha M Taylor of Las Vegas NV

[Cheryl Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This book was a very good read, filled with openness and honesty. I’ve shared this book with several of my sister friends .

[G. Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very heartfelt estemeed writing.
This book captures your inner soul!