Synopsis: It was back on a Wednesday afternoon in 1984 when Sister Betty got a telephone call from God--and what He told her is the topic of the hilarious title story in this new collection. Introducing Sister Betty and her friends--snuff-taking, big-hearted Ma Cile, her two grandkids from up North, Lil Bit and June Bug, and neighbors including the gorgeous, red-haired Sister Connie Fuse--each of these seven tales serves up lessons about love and life, with a big helping of humor. Rascals and reprobates such as flirtatious Deacon Laid Handz, man-hungry spinster Sister Carrie Onn, jealous choir director Brother Mythang, and scheming Reverend Knott Enuff Money hold a mirror up to everyone's shortcomings. The landmarks of the little town of Pelzer, such as the Homeboyz All-Nite-All-Day parking lot, provide comic relief. And yet for all the lightheartedness, each story ends with an important message about the gifts of God and the strength found in black church traditions.