Sunday, November 15, 2020

The Write Assembling: A Time to Gather



Hello #JustWrite!! Once again it's November and it seems like we were just ending another year not too long ago. As we know November begins the holiday season where we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. For some, it's the only time to gather with loved ones to create memories and moments. When we gather, we are 'coming together' or 'assembling' and from a technical standpoint, we 'collect' or 'accumulate'. As our political climate continues to evolve, it's very imperative to remember the importance of gathering. There is unity in gathering, a unity that is so needed during these times of division. The irony is that even though the pandemic created division with the lockdown and social distancing, we all have managed to become more unified than before. From a writing perspective, before we complete a project, it's imperative that we 'gather' all of our ideas and resources needed to create and finalize the end result. The Bible speaks on gathering in many ways through the following: "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." Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV. "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matt. 18:20 "What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 1 Cor. 14:26 "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind." 1 Peter 3:8.

Let's revisit gathering from a writing perspective. Most of us can recall the first written paper we had to submit for school. We can also remember the first time we had to seek assistance in finding resources and understanding how to use those resources to complete one's project. As writers, we classify resources as primary and secondary. Primary resources are more direct resources while secondary resources analyze and are reworked byproducts of primary resources. After identifying primary and secondary resources, writers research relevant print and electronic using various strategies. Depending on the goal of the project, writers should then identify if they need to utilize personal interviews and testimonies. After compiling resources, writers heighten their research even more by assessing whether each resource is relevant to their purpose and reliable. Relevancy includes developing the ability to read through each resource to see if it fits. Reliability of a source calls for the methods of critical thinking of the type, purpose, audience, quality, and current status. Of course, after gathering and assessing resources, the task of recording the information comes next.

Whether gathering happens from a social or written perspective, the goal for both situations is ultimately a composed project or an intentional fellowship. In almost two weeks, the majority of us will be gathering socially with our families to express our thankfulness. In other cases, some may be working on final projects for the year as new ideas are gathered for the upcoming year. Whatever the case may be, we all should use this time wisely and enjoy the processes along the way. I end with this quote, 

"I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death. "_Leonardo di Vinci. 


Let's finish strong!!


In His service,




Lequvia Ousley