Mount Vernon woman writes book sharing personal, spiritual journey

• 'What God Expects of You'

“What God Expects of You” by Darlene Wadleigh tells the journey the Mount Vernon woman took to find her spiritual commitment. (Submitted Photo)

Talk about it

A tragedy turned into a blessing for a Mount Vernon woman — and that has led to a book.

Years ago, Darlene Wadleigh survived a car accident that transformed her faith and led her to share her story of survival with others.

“It’s my testimony of being reborn again. I just felt that special spirit,” Wadleigh said.

The book, “What God Expects of You,” is self-published through The Pine Hill Press in Sioux Falls.

In the book, Wadleigh outlines her life and the path that led her to want to share her beliefs.

When Wadleigh was young, her mother taught her The Lord’s Prayer and other prayers.

Although she was aware of God and Jesus, Wadleigh said she never felt close to her faith.

“I always knew of Jesus, but I didn’t really know Jesus,” she said.

A tragic car accident in 1970 put Wadleigh in the hospital. She awoke from a coma 17 days later, unaware of where she was and that she had a family.

“I should have died,” Wadleigh said. “I lost eight pints of blood and was given a 50 percent chance to live.”

After her recovery, Wadleigh made a commitment to fully serve God.

“That is why I wrote the book,” she said. “I made a promise to my Lord.”

The book includes eight original gospel hymns written and recorded by Wadleigh. She said she began writing music after the lyrics came to her doing chores on a regular afternoon. The hymns follow her story, she said, which is an account of growing up and finding the Lord.

“With the way the country is going, there’s such a need for people to be in spiritual roles,” she said. “I just want people to know Jesus like I know him.”

Tags: mount vernon, what god expects of you, life, updates, books