Hey, Just Write family!! Spring is officially here and I'm sure most of you retreated for a week or two at your favorite getaways for some much needed R&R. This past week was my Spring Break and I was invited by a dear friend/sis (an accomplished author, entrepreneur, educator, evangelist) to Chattanooga, TN. It was my first time there, so I made sure to take in the scenery and the attractions. What I enjoyed most about my trip was the ministry that took place between us. In our conversations with each other, we found that our stories and upbringing were similar. Not only are we from the same city, but we also overcame similar trials. It was like reuniting with a long lost sister. Her testimonies and encouragement inspired me and gave me a new perspective. Those moments reminded me the importance of community. Even before I started writing this post, I recalled memories of my childhood and the neighborhood where I lived. There was a point in time where people were more neighborly and people were trusted to do what they said they would do. Now, there's a fear and distrust of others. It's like we have the look of a community, but our actions don't show community. The word "community" means, 1. a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common; 2. a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals; 3. a group of interdependent organisms of different species growing or living together in a specified habitat. With community and fellowship, people can see that what they are doing together serves a higher purpose. That purpose is bigger than attaining a goal or status. It fulfills a collective mandate, to use our voices and stories to serve in the capacity that we have been assigned.
The best part of my trip was the two of us sharing in the notion that it is important that we as women are honest about our internal and external struggles and that we are surrounded by other women who can genuinely help, pray, and walk with us. Since 2013, I have been praying to be a part of a community that values fellowships and genuine relationships and in 2014, God answered my prayers in a major way. Just Write was one of those prayers answered. I'm finally a part of a community that encourages my growth in one of my passions and it serves a greater purpose than just writing. We are on a quest to facilitate dialogue and bring like-minded individuals together so we can assist, guide, and fulfill our purposes. So, if you are a writer in need of a community that will help you on your journey as an author, publisher, editor, etc., then come join us at our next meeting on April 28, 2016. Bring a friend or two, your ideas, an open mind, and heart to receive.
Below are 7 bible verses about community:
Psalm 133:1-"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!"
Romans 12:4-5, "For as in one body we have many members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."
Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Hebrews 10:24-25, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near."
Galatians 6:2,"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
1 Thessalonians 4:18, "Therefore comfort one another with these words."
1 Thessalonians 5:14, "And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."
Remember in COMMUNITY, there is UNITY!
Blessings!
~Lequvia Ousley~
The best part of my trip was the two of us sharing in the notion that it is important that we as women are honest about our internal and external struggles and that we are surrounded by other women who can genuinely help, pray, and walk with us. Since 2013, I have been praying to be a part of a community that values fellowships and genuine relationships and in 2014, God answered my prayers in a major way. Just Write was one of those prayers answered. I'm finally a part of a community that encourages my growth in one of my passions and it serves a greater purpose than just writing. We are on a quest to facilitate dialogue and bring like-minded individuals together so we can assist, guide, and fulfill our purposes. So, if you are a writer in need of a community that will help you on your journey as an author, publisher, editor, etc., then come join us at our next meeting on April 28, 2016. Bring a friend or two, your ideas, an open mind, and heart to receive.
Below are 7 bible verses about community:
Psalm 133:1-"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!"
Romans 12:4-5, "For as in one body we have many members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."
Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Hebrews 10:24-25, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near."
Galatians 6:2,"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
1 Thessalonians 4:18, "Therefore comfort one another with these words."
1 Thessalonians 5:14, "And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."
Remember in COMMUNITY, there is UNITY!
Blessings!
~Lequvia Ousley~
