No one challenges traditional roles and stereotypes more than Arlether Wilson.  After spending more than ten years in foster care she moved back to Fifth Ward, a poverty stricken community in Houston, Texas where  no one was expected to excel. While her life story is similar to many African American women, it is surprisingly distinctive. Arlether has always been an achiever and attributes her drive, determination and will to survive to her unyielding faith. As the oldest of three children she was expected to grow up fast and relinquish much of her childhood. Then just when she thought the generational cycle of teen pregnancy was broken she became pregnant and was forced to drop out of school during her senior year.

During her journey Arlether encountered many struggles, but none as arduous or impactful as homelessness. In the end it proved to be a great learning experience, even though several people tried to discourage her by telling her that she would never succeed because of her family history. Fortunately, Arlether was determined to defy their beliefs and follow her own dreams. Her life changed after Black American poet, essayist and lecturer, Nikki Giovanni visited Phillis Wheatley High School. That was the first time that Arlether was inspired to write.  

After her divorce she applied and was accepted into the police academy, where she graduated number one in her class. Three years later she was promoted to sergeant and later excelled to the rank of captain. During her tenure as an officer Arlether also earned her Master Peace Officer Certification, which is the highest certification an officer can attain. Then in 1998 she was honored as “Officer of the Year” and later earned several congressional commendations.
Arlether is a veteran officer and has gained a wealth of experience, which includes being a certified Child Abuse and Family Violence Investigator. But she didn’t stop there. In 2001, Arlether graduated from cum laude from the University of Houston and later earned her Masters Degree in Behavioral Science.

Then in 2005, Arlether was offered a position with another agency where she created and manages a Victims’ Services Division. Today, Arlether is an advocate for abused women and children throughout her city. She believes that it is important to take an active and supportive role in one’s community, and not just sit back and “point fingers”. Therefore she is an avid volunteer for many charitable organizations.  She is the Texas Ambassador of w.o.m.e.n.EO. Inc., which is a national women's organization that mentors women and girls.

Although Arlether has an unusual background for a writer, she is the debut author of an inspirational memoir, Rewriting the Script, which is available in bookstores and online.

Despite all of her accomplishments, Arlether is most proud of being a good mother to two wonderful young adults. She is presently working on her doctorate and her next book. 

Title: Rewriting the Script

Author: Arlether Wilson

ISBN: 9780979762703

Pages: 260

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Arlether's debut novel, Rewriting The Script is not just another story about a girl surviving life in the streets. It's much more than that. It is a soul stirring and motivational story of a girl abandoned and abused in the foster care system. After being placed back into a community plagued by crime, drugs, violence, and prostitution she decided to choose a different path. Life was difficult. However, she was determined not just to survive, but to change the course of her family's history. Rewriting The Script is a heartwarming story of desperation, grief and triumph. This courageous girl's story confirms that it is possible for anyone to Rewrite Their Life's Script.

Lily L. Ratliff is a writer, educator, entrepreneur and speaker. Lily is the debut author of the Christian autobiography, The Life of a Lily. Once being the product of the adoption system, God turned what the devil deemed as nothing into a mover and shaker that He could use for the Kingdom!

Lily has taught elementary through high school English and Reading for eleven years. She has served in many ministry capacities, from singing in her local church choir, to teaching Sunday school and reading enrichment for the youth in the community. She also owns and operates "Everything That's Lily, LLC,” an online book and inspirational jewelry business.

Her first work of fiction, "All is Not Lost" will be featured as a short story in the Christian anthology, After You’ve Done All You Can to be released December 2008. She is currently working on a children's book series entitled "The Last Shall Be First” in which two of the six books will be released December 16, 2008.  Lily is also a dynamic inspirational speaker who has been sought after by churches, writing circles, schools, and community organizations to motivate, encourage, and inspire today's youth & young adults.

Lily resides in Lithonia, Georgia, with her daughter, Asia Denise.

Title: The Life of a Lily: Growing in His Strength, Blooming in His Love

Author: Lily L. Ratliff

128 Pages

ISBN: 978160462-2287

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Are you going through life’s ups and downs alone? Are you a victim of the foster system or adopted and want to know, Why me? Can there ever be life after abuse or abandonment? If you have experienced opposition or neglect, this book is for you. In her autobiography, The Life of a Lily, author Lily L. Ratliff shows you that through all of your mess, God can bring you to a point of acceptance of what life has given you, with the vigor to carry on. A catalyst for hope and restoration in your life, with easy-to-read vignettes and relevant corresponding Scriptures, The Life of a Lily shows how a young girl triumphs by discovering what so many others failed to realize that God had a plan for her life.