The Write Reset: The Blessings of Revival and Revelation

Hey #JustWrite! It is August and whenever the month hits, it reminds me of back to school and the nearing Fall season of cool weather, festive decor, and for some, preparations for the holiday seasons. During this time, I intentionally committed myself to do a reset for the month of August after an uncomfortable, yet necessary heart-to-heart conversation in July with a sister in Christ from my church and hometown. I remember her praying for me months prior and I was able to share a breakthrough that occurred from one of the areas she prayed for. This reset has been so timely and refreshing as I have been making necessary changes and surrendering through prayer, reflections, and staying rooted in community and conversations.  A message at church recently touched on us being revived in Christ and how "we are created for connection, not isolation." A lot of scriptures and conversations in this hour have been reminding me to not grow weary in well doing; to continue to be set apart, and to remain in Christ. I remember visiting family a few years back and I was invited to a revival service that the family church was doing with another church. I remember attending a revival service as a child and it usually was a multiple day event. Growing up, I didn't understand back then the religious stance with revivals that only occurred in church or for some, designated places with no fruit afterwards and all of us going back to our old ways. As I politely declined that invitation years ago, I told my family member that we need a true revival outside the four walls in our community from the inside out with prayer and repentance, starting with ourselves.  In that stance and moment; I charged myself to continuously pray for that revival. Some things have awakened and changed while I'm still at the altar for other things. Nonetheless, I thank God for the power of prayer and intercession. The same goes for me personally. I don't take it lightly the many revelations coming to me in this hour through God's Word and this reset. If you're reading this and need a reset, here is a list of Bible plans from a simple search on a reset devotion Bible plan centered on a reset and refocus on God:

1. The Reset (7-Day Devotional)
A short, free 7‑day devotional from the Bible App, created to help you “set your focus back on who really matters — God” Bible.com. It’s designed to empower you through Scripture and is ideal for a quick spiritual refresh.

2. Rest and Reset: A 30‑Day Devotional to Revive Joy
A 30‑day plan to help you rest, reset, and renew your mind with biblical truths Bible.com. It’s meant to reclaim joy and peace beyond circumstances, with daily readings and encouragement.

3. The Three‑Day Social Media Reset
A five‑day devotional (including prep and reflection days) to help you step away from social media distractions for three days, reconnect with God, and renew your spirit lifebible.com. It’s structured to minimize digital noise and focus on spiritual renewal.

4. 5‑Day Bible Reset Guide
A concise, 15‑minute‑a‑day plan rooted in the Psalms, with guided prayer prompts, reflection questions, and journaling space www.3710collective.com. It’s designed for those feeling spiritually dry or disconnected, helping you rebuild trust, joy, and intimacy with God.

5. Reset & Refocus on What Matters (30‑Day Plan)
A 30‑day scripture reading plan focused on reinforcing your identity in Christ and realigning your perspective with God’s truth Fine Natural Hair and Faith. It’s especially helpful for overcoming feelings of inadequacy and refocusing on God’s purpose for your life.

The reset this month has been accompanied by an amazing playlist on Spotify and as I was writing, the worship song, "Revival Rain" by Mercy Culture Worship reminded me through the chorus, "Rain down on us, rain down us, this is revival!"

As I close, I'm excited to see during this reset the many scribes rising up in their callings as authors and creative change agents within the Kingdom. May the many stories and messages created continue to go forth, reaching nations, with a ripple effect of inspiration and invitation to our Creator.




In His service,




Lequvia Ousley

The Write Moment in Retrospect, July 15, 2020, The Write Humor: A Time To Laugh

Hey #JustWrite! Writing this month's blog feels like deja vu as this part of the year has been a repeat of finding joy again and again in the midst of sorrow and challenges. The ebb and flow of many emotions the 1st half of 2026 had me reevaluate a lot and my response(s) to what was happening to me and around me. I've been subtly reminded throughout this season to slow down, let go, breathe, and rejoice despite what the day(s) feel and look like. During this time, I have also revisited my favorite stories through film, writing, family conversations, and research as a source of laughter and inspiration. It's amazing what the mind can bring to remembrance at the perfect time. 

In the next couple of days, I will witness another chapter of my family's story being told through the scripture, Ecclesiastes 3:4 ("A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.) We spent the majority of 2025 weeping and mourning. This year, we will fully demonstrate the laughter and dance. "Laughter is the best medicine" as I explained in this month's blog rewind from July 15, 2020. My favorite pastime in the midst of so much has been finding joy through music. I remember distinctly a lot of songs from 1996, 2006, and 2016 that instantly take me back to where I was as I navigated life in various phases. As I close, I couldn't help but think of the song, "Joy" from Whitney Houston feat. The Georgia Mass Choir from the Preacher's Wife soundtrack. Thank you, Whitney, for your gift of song, laughter, and joy through music. This song and soundtrack carried me through my middle school days as I would soon face a disruption in my family dynamics and more personal challenges. I often revisit the song, and it always sparks a wave of nostalgia and a beautiful reminder of how far I've come to know joy in so many facets of life. To those who read, may joy and laughter find you always. 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Conversations: The Goal of Growing Through Scripture

Hello June!! We are 15 days into the month and halfway through 2026. My how time is flying by and we are nearing the end of another Quarter. With the World Cup festivities underway this week, I noticed that within the Bible App, there is a Mid-Year Challenge to complete a 7-day Streak between June 11 and July 19 during the World Cup. Basically, there are plans to complete that correlate scripture to the games. I don't think I've ever seen a challenge like that within the app as it relates to sports or a major sport event. However, I do know that we as believers see the Bible come alive throughout our daily lives and through life's simplest moments. It's interesting to see how in the midst of so much happening within the world that has divided us as a nation, two things are true, music and sports always bring people together. Despite differences in opinions, religions, and ideals, an event or artist creates an opportunity for more connections and conversations. As someone who frequents events as a patron and professional, I'm always amazed at the instant unity I witness among fans. That one song or one play sparks feelings of nostalgia and passion. The New York Knicks recently won the NBA finals and all across social media it was lit up with congratulatory sentiments with blue and orange emojis from everyone whether they were a Knicks fan or not. I especially thought about all of my NY friends, fans, singers, and also family that are in proximity to NY and the excitement they must have felt to witness that win. I can't forget filmmaker Spike Lee who has always highlighted the Knicks in his iconic films (Crooklyn is an all time favorite). I believe the intent of the Bible App challenge is to have those same reactions as we read each scripture. Feelings of nostalgia as we remember the first time we read a particular verse to how it shaped us throughout our unique journeys. Feelings of passion as we read each scripture with excitement knowing what salvation and laying our lives down for Christ can do for our walk with God. And also the passion and excitement of sharing scripture with a seasoned believer or a new believer. Regardless of which scenario you encounter, the end goal is to engage others and grow in relationships and scripture. 

#JustWrite, I challenge you all to engage your neighbor(s) with the following plan (Victory Beyond the Cup: How Sporting Events Can Spark Spiritual Conversations) or any select plan from now until the end of the World Cup (July 19th). 

And even after the World Cup, may your desire to study the Word and those conversations continue to grow. 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Reflections: A Mental Wellness Perspective

Hey #JustWrite! With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, this past week was an opportunity for me to take time for self-care through my passions, healthy check-ins, and reconnection through community. 

I had a college friend do a surprise visit to my home, another friend called me after months of us both being busy, another friend wrote me a heartfelt letter, I celebrated 10 years of mental health awareness for a local nonprofit with my advocacy through picture and storytelling, I had my dental self-care and afterwards celebrated Cinco de Mayo with local alumni, attended an end of the year celebration for fellow transit advocates, attended a Creatives Summit, and reconnected with my local business community/colleagues. It felt good to freely do things and work wasn't attached to it which of course included rest. In conversation earlier this week, I was reminded that slowing down also means going back to creative projects and habits that reinforce processing and progress in healthier ways for one's mental health. That may include reading/writing a book, reading/writing a letter, knitting/crocheting, blogging, crafting, painting, songwriting, watching a film, reading/writing poetry, creating memory books, photography, scriptwriting, meditating on Bible verses, cooking, or whatever creativity sparks your interests. 

Whatever you decide to choose, do it with intentionality and grace, enjoying the process and blessing, not only during the month of May but throughout the remainder of the year and beyond. Remember God cares about you and your mental health. 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

 

The Write Moment in Retrospect, September 15, 2015: Reflections of a Blogging Journey from Community to Content

Hey #JustWrite! It is April 15th, Tax Day, lol! You know what else today is? Today is Wednesday, Write on Wednesday to be more specific! Shoutout to sister Kim for charging the Just Write! Support Group community to set aside time on Wednesday to blog. As the blog master and content influencer of Just Write! Support Group as Kim so eloquently stated, that mantra reminded me of my earlier days with Just Write! and the blessing of community through blogs. I remember the first blog I wrote after a year of being Just Write's blog master. Within that blog, I celebrated my personal journey leading to my connection to Just Write. This month I wanted to share that blog as a moment in retrospect from September 15, 2015. As a celebratory moment and token of appreciation, I decided within the blog to share tips on blogging to help those who may want to branch off and build community through personal writings, upcoming books, or as a subject matter expert. I remember listing the top 3 blog platforms at that time: WordPress, Blogger (Google platform), and Tumblr. 

Surprisingly these platforms still exist 11 years later and there have been more platforms added to the top blog platforms list for 2026.

1. Wix

2. Hostinger

3. Base 44

4. Shopify

5. BlueHost

6. Ionos

7. GoDaddy

8. DreamHost

9. SquareSpace

10. Network Solutions

Check out more information regarding those sites here. 

Please note with AI capabilities as an enhancement for some platforms, creating and maintaining a blog is so easy to start. It's a matter of finding your niche and producing content that fits your needs and brand. 

I close with a link to a blog from GotQuestions.org a ministry I began following when I would have questions about the Bible and how it spoke on certain subjects. I pray it inspires you all to create your own blogs and build community.

Happy blogging!!

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Engagement: The Importance of Reading and Literacy

Hey #JustWrite! The conversation of reading and literacy has been heavy lately with a few teacher pages I follow on social media. As time moves forward, the less we are seeing some of the youth engaged in reading books and critical thinking. Furthermore, with the acceleration of technology advances and removal of books in certain spaces, we are once again facing a crisis within an already broken system. As you all know, during the month of March, schools across the nation celebrate Reading Across America, a day specifically set aside "to promote literacy, motivate children to read, and foster a lifelong love of reading by making it fun and accessible, encouraging kids to see themselves in books, and recognizing reading's power to open up new worlds and opportunities, often centered around Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2nd."

To take it a step further, the school system that I was educated in recently featured me in an Author's Chair Spotlight showcasing local authors on social media while also highlighting the necessity of reading and the many possibilities it brings. In additon, local businesses and residents volunteered their time reading to students. For quite some time, I've been reflecting on what I call the analog vs. digital way of living. I grew up in an era that balanced both worlds and as I have navigated through different phases of life, I'm truly thankful for the experiences that meshed the two, while also appreciating the history and struggle of those who created before our time. In present day, we can all agree that there is a huge disconnect and discomfort with our youth as it relates to information and how it's processed through literacy, researching, and comprehension. The disconnect comes from a resistance with the current generation vs. the previous generation and how the conversations and opportunities to educate are lacking. We hear all the time that the babies are not trying to hear anything the elders are saying and the elders are 'set in their ways'. What we do know is that with the current climate that we're in, there are more students graduating without the skills and concepts of analysis and comprehension of any information presented to them. There's no consistency as well as intentionality and initiative shown. It is my hope and prayer that many are waking up and looking back to the simplicity and importance of reading books and having conversations about what is read while sharing those experiences with family and friends. Yes, we have to get with the times as people say but there has to be a balance in how we engage with each other through books and technology which can be an example for the younger generations. Technology as it's always been, should be a supplement, not a replacement for brain power. Also, I encourage having those hard conversations about certain subjects that bring discomfort to the youth (historical events, i.e. slavery, politics, US history, World history, etc.) Meet students where they are and allow students to have a voice with the way they express their feelings on certain subjects. This action as we know can be well supported with writing exercises, research projects, etc. Let's get back to learning and loving the process. 

Speaking of loving the process, #JustWrite, get READy this Spring to engage even more the WRITE way as a new podcast is being launched: Open UP: You Have to Write to Tell Your Story!! This is an opportunity to join a space created for you to find your voice by "pausing, reflecting, and opening up." 

In conclusion, as we continue through the month with the Read Across America initiatives, here are some ways to celebrate:

1. Read-Aloud Sessions

2. Dress Up as a Book Character 

3. Reading Challenges

4. Create Cozy Reading Spaces

5. Book Talks and Scavenger Hunts

6. Write Your Own Story

The last one says, "write your own story." It's been 10 years (3/12/16) since our 1st Writer's workshop where we created our own story. Here's a recap from that experience. Here's to happy reading and happy writing!

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Moment in Retrospect: February 15, 2020, The Write Expressions: A Time to Love

Hello, #JustWrite!! Just like the month of February and Black History Month, this month's #BlogRewind is short and sweet. I recently shared this blog as a form of encouragement and wanted to revisit it this month as a reminder and renewed faith in what it means to love. Originally written, February 15, 2020, this blog sheds insight on the intentionality of love and how it can be expressed daily. 

That's love......

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley