The Write Trust: A Season of Hope

#JustWrite! We have made it to the last blog of 2024. As we close out this season and enter a new year, let's remember the hope in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In speaking with a neighbor a few months ago about where we were as a nation, she mentioned listening to many classic Billy Graham sermons that still point listeners to Christ. 

Here is a classic sermon from Billy Graham about hope, "Christ Is Our Hope"https://youtu.be/9nQ6_iDQcpQ?si=9-Nf6D56KAH-XI8a

See you all in 2025!

In His service, 

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Gratitude: A Season of Thanks

Hey #JustWrite!! It's another November and another reason to be thankful. We are in another holiday season and with the current state of the world, many of us have found it easy to complain about what is wrong and what needs to happen. Yes, there is increased confusion and much chaos but there has been a charge for awhile for us to pray without ceasing and to be ready in and out of season. During this time, let us all have a heart of gratitude for the little things and where we are currently. Despite what it looks like, remember that God has brought us through so many trials and seasons. If He did it before, He will do it again. He is our strength and as long as we stay in His Word, believe in His Word, and share His Word, we will find much peace. 

2 Corinthians 9:15, NKJV says, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" In this annual season of giving, we always offer our expressions of thanksgiving to each other and loved ones. We must also remember that the greatest gift is the gift of salvation and in our giving, we give as a submission to Christ. Here's another reminder in Proverbs. 

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Resources: Intentional Support Systems

Hey #JustWrite! For those who are reading, as some of you know, since last month many are still recovering from the damage of Hurricane Helene after the most recent Hurricane Milton, while many of us are still dealing with confusion and outrage regarding the BioLab chemical fire which has affected residents physically in nearby counties. On a personal note, my family experienced an unexpected tragedy with the death of a beloved son, father, and friend. My cousin's death shook our community as many wondered including myself what could have prevented his untimely death, which occurred October 8th two days prior to World Mental Health Day (observed on October 10th). Today he would have been 34. I witnessed many on social media make posts about starting support groups in our hometown and there was a clarion call for men to not be ashamed to open up regarding their struggles. In those moments, a flood of emotions hit me: sadness, anger, shock, etc. Those emotions lingered the last few days as my mind went back to so many others whose demise was similar and the world just seemed to go on with life as usual. I began to question if support systems would be in place to share resources and preventative measures. It is my hope that my disbelief will be proven wrong. 

As writers and as individuals, it's important that in the midst of competing priorities with book projects, concepts, brainstorming sessions, that we know there are support systems in place to help. As we have come upon 10 years, Just Write exists to be that support system for aspiring and veteran writers. We understand the nuances and challenges of creating content, knowing our audience, using our voice, publishing books, and understanding our assignments. We welcome you with open arms with the understanding and assurance that the WORD will be displayed in our actions and that your words count. 

In closing, as we move into the holiday season in a few months, mental health awareness and necessary resources are important. In October 2021, we discussed the importance of self-care, particularly within the Black community. Below is an interview with Dr. Rheeda Walker, author of "The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health." 

Remember, you matter, your mental health matters, and your stories matter.

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Moment: Restropect, 10 Years Later

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Hello, #JustWrite!! We've made it to 10 years! And in those 10 years, God has shown up so many times through our messages and writings. As the blogmaster of 'The Write Moment', here are 10 truths about God that have encouraged the monthly writings and scribal journey: 

1. God is consis10t.

2. God is righteous.

3. God is omnipresent.

4. God is omniscient.

5. God is omnipo10t.

6. God is powerful.

7. God is in10tional.

8. God is the Master Creative.

9. God is miraculous.

10. God is faithful.

"10 in the Bible represents testimony, law and responsibility. It signified the measure of responsibility and its judgment or reward. Under the law, man was responsible to keep the commandments and bear a testimony for God. In Romans 8:38-39, 10 powers become powerless against the LOVE OF GOD: "For I am persuaded, that 1. neither death, 2. nor life, 3. nor angels, 4. nor principalities, 5. nor powers, 6. nor things present, 7. nor things to come, 8. nor height, 9. nor depth, 10. nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Biblical Mathematics, Valowe, Ed. F., 1998)

The Bible also shows us the 10 vices that were excluded from the Kingdom of God, listed in 1 Corinithians 6:9-10. "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, 2. nor idolaters, 3. nor adulterers, 4. nor effeminate, 5. nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 6. nor thieves, 7. nor covetous, 8. nor drunkards, 9. nor revilers, 10. nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." (Biblical Mathematics, Valowe, Ed. F., 1998)

And so on and so forth, one sees the emphasis of the number 10 all throughout the Bible, a number that is used 242 times and the word, "TENTH" is mentioned 79 times. (Biblical Mathematics, Valowe, Ed. F., 1998). 

As year 10 is upon us, this profound understanding of where we are in these times once again cements a call to action:

To the Kingdom scribes reading this, whether received or not, we have a responsibility to the messages and testimonies we are releasing into ministry and the marketplace. Our authenticity and boldness is needed like never before. As we've stated in previous blogs throughout the years, it's never too late to trust God's purpose, process, and provision as it relates to the projects and assignments given to us. Thank you to those who in the last 10 years have engaged with us and understood the assignment, literally despite the challenges, doubt, etc. If no one has acknowledged you all up until this point, God has definitely seen you all and your fruits. 

Again, pay at10tion, remain consis10t, and  BN10tional (phrase created by Kimberly Thompson). Don't let "The Write Moment" pass by to "Just Write!" Cheers to 10 years! 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Reality: Faith Over Fear

Hey #JustWrite! Have you all heard the phrase, "Real Eyes, Realize, Real Lies?" Profound right? Especially with the play on words, alliteration, and deep message. When we get to the place of seeing things with spiritual eyes, we recognize what's real and what's not. We all can agree that the biggest lies ever told to us were rooted in FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real). Our carnal eyes process things for what they appear to be instead of what is real. All of us have dealt with fear in some area of our lives. For me as a kid dealing with bullying and uncertainty as a result of family issues, as a teen dealing with peer pressure, as a young adult with expectations of life after college, and as a believer with various trials personally and professionally. Regardless of those experiences, the common denominator was fear and the anecdote is faith.  

‭Hebrews 11:1 NKJV‬ states, 

[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

https://bible.com/bible/114/heb.11.1.NKJV

One acronym for FAITH is, "Forsaking All I Trust Him". Amen! Having faith means trusting the Lord through everything. Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Yes. Faith is like fasting. Our faith (spiritual submission to God) stretches us in the way fasting (physical submission to God) does by building character and strength. Faith is a part of a neverending sanctification, a process. As a writer, we can view this from that perspective as well. There will be ideas generated and distractions that will halt the writing process. There will also be excuses to why a writing project can't be completed. Through it all, fear becomes another culprit of stifling the process. Once we recognize these things as issues, we have to bring them before the Lord and trust that He will guide us and bring that project to fruition. The same goes for our sanctification and walk with the Lord. We have to trust Him in the process and have faith as a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20-21). 

Here's another acronym for FAITH: 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Mandate: Seek, Read, and Believe the Word

Hey #JustWrite! Here is another blogpost that feels like deja vu' in terms of the recent events that have taken place in the world and mainstream media.  I don't have much to say this month but, as I've stated in previous posts, God is not surprised and the intensity of things happening within the spiritual realm will continue to be greater as the days continue. Just as things continue to unfold in the world, there has been an increased spiritual pull for many who started ministries at one point but they paused due to life's moments, to return to their rightful positions to draw more people to Christ. I believe in my heart that God is reminding all of us this mandate as we go about writing books, preaching sermons, teaching students, providing resources, etc. Isaiah 55:6-7 (NKJV) reminds us to, "Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon."

Again, we must pray about everything in the spirit, regardless of how our carnal minds perceive things and how much our flesh rises. Check out this message from the late pastor, Dr. Charles Stanley on seeking the Lord.

In the words of one of my favorite movies, "Forrest Gump," "That's all I will say about that."

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Release: Give It To God

I don't know about you but as we have reached the midpoint of 2024, I can testify that God is so good and gracious. As we near Father's Day, I celebrate and rejoice knowing that our God is a good, good Father. One of my favorite characteristics of God is that He is a loving, patient, and gentle God. God is also a jealous God that doesn't want us to place other gods and idols before Him. Those things that we constantly worry about, he wants us to give to Him for He will bear our burdens and make things better and new. Most of the population that is withdrawing from God and the church are Millennials and Gens. According to many funny memes on social media, millennials have survived several decades, 9/11, recession, COVID-19, etc. all before the age of 40. This is true and through it all, God remained the same. 

June's book club selection, Give It To God: How To Pray in the World Today by Quneshia T. Waddell, centers on providing an understanding on how to pray as a millennial and gen. Check out the interview of Waddell during the online book of the month forum. 

When we truly give our cares to the Lord, we release and relinquish control over those things and allow ourselves to be fully transformed and healed by God's word and guidance.  Trust in His hope, peace, joy, and strength. 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

  

The Write Power: Crying Out with Prayer

Hey #JustWrite! I'm pretty sure you all have noticed a pattern these last few months with the book selections centered on prayer and the emphasis on its power. During this time, it's important that we recognize that we are in an intense season and commission to seek God through prayer and His Word. As time progresses, the spiritual warfare continues to increase and as the Word states, we have to pray without ceasing, in and out of season. A dear sister of mine challenged me recently to join her in a 24 hour fast and to also incorporate the 24 hour fast regularly. I was grateful to reconnect through her nightly prayer call which has provided an extra layer of accountability, prayer, and intercession outside of my Sunday community group and in between midweek duties. To know that other believers continue to remain in tune with God and the Holy Spirit during these times is comforting. 

The book selection, "The Power of Crying Out: When Prayer Becomes Mighty" by author Bill Gothard details how the power of prayer and crying out moved the early church. He assures readers that the blood still works today and that trusting God's timing with our prayers and petitions is the antidote and answer to all of us who are in distress, dealing with life's trials.   

Check out this message from the Scribal ministry, The Writer's Inkhorn. The message is centered on Luke 18:35-43, which says, "Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God."

This is just one of many testaments of trusting God through crying out. I have been reminded constantly that God does care about the little things, the small details that many may view as minor or less important. Remember God wants it all and nothing is too miniscule or puny for His majestic touch. Trust Him with your cries.

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Mind of Christ: Taking Every Thought Captive

Hey #JustWrite! God is not surprised that we are currently living in the age of constant information being accessible through so many mediums: news (live broadcasts, online, and paper), magazines, blogs, social media, podcasts, and the old fashion casual conversations. Throughout this plethora of information overload, the constant processing of daily content of this caliber impedes one's thoughts and affects our actions. When those actions go against what the Word says and pushes us further away from God, we have to reexamine where we are and replace those thoughts with God's Word. We take captive those thoughts and renew our minds like Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." That is the premise of this month's book club selection, "Take Every Thought Captive" by Kelly Balarie.

 

Our daily lives are a mental battlefield and in this read, author Balarie helps the reader to utilize the Bible to combat those attacks by recognizing the enemies' lies and fighting back spiritually. The following article provides more insight and practical tips on how to take one's thoughts captive. Here's a video podcast by host Joanna Weaver featuring commentary from Balarie: 

I close with this prayer: 

"Dear Heavenly Father, I come before you seeking the strength and wisdom to take my thoughts captive, as your Word encourages me to do. Help me, Lord, to recognize and reject thoughts that are not aligned with your truth and righteousness.

Grant me the discernment to identify negative, anxious, or sinful thoughts as they arise, and empower me to replace them with thoughts that are pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, as your Word teaches in Philippians 4:8. May my mind be a dwelling place for your truth and light.

I surrender my thoughts, fears, and anxieties to you, knowing that your presence and guidance will help me overcome every mental battle. Strengthen me to resist the schemes of the enemy and to hold every thought captive under your authority."

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Balm: Prayers to Overcome Physical Ailments

Happy March #JustWrite!! In this season of prayer, we are 'marchin' along as we are more intentional and discerning with our prayers. Around this time of the year, we always lose an hour of sleep as we 'spring forward' into Daylight Savings Time. However, that loss of one hour of sleep shouldn't affect our prayer life. It's actually an extra reason to pray even more. If you're like me, you've had moments where you couldn't sleep and found yourself in a state of insomnia. I remember as a teenager and my early adult years always opting to either watch a movie or write/blog, especially if something was heavy on my mind. It's during these instances that God is nudging us to come before Him more in prayer. So many of us are suffering mentally, physically, and spiritually so it helps to know that our comfort and safe space is found in God and through our prayers to Him. This month's book selection is Prayers That Bring Healing by best-selling author John Eckhardt of Prayers That Rout Demons. 

Eckhardt states that no matter what ailments we deal with in our bodies, it is never hard for God to conquer because He is our healer. As you read, you will learn 12 scriptural ways that healing takes place including the following: 

•Healing through the laying on of hands (Luke 4:40)

•Healing through deliverance (Matt 8:16)

•Healing through breaking curses (Gal. 3:13

•Healing through anointing oil (Mark 6:1)

•Healing through faith (Mark 11:23)

•Healing through prayer (Matt 21:22)

In the following video, be prepared to hear 4 hours of specific and powerful prayers complemented with scriptures for healing:

 

Healing is available to all and is not limited by status or accolades. Trust God for your healing!

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Denouncement: Breaking Ancestral Curses

Hello #JustWrite!! We are in February and I don't know about you all but every book that has been presented thus far with the book club discussions and within the monthly blogs always meets me where I'm at currently. This month is no different. Upon looking at the current selection of the month, my spirit quickened because as we began this year with the posture to pray more, one of the specific areas that I've dealt with for many years, was breaking generational curses. I remembered in 2010, A New Birth sister and leader told me in my Discipleship class that I was called to be a light in my family. From that day, I recognized that all of my experiences, regardless of how it felt to me were part of God's plan and purpose to heal my family and bloodline from generational curses. As a believer, it is my charge to stand in the gap for family. This month's book club selection, "Prayers for Cleansing Ancestral Bloodlines in the Courts of Heaven" provides guidance and prayers on how to intentionally intercede. 

"Although you are not personally responsible for the sins of others, you are influenced by and can suffer from the consequences of your forefathers' sins through your ancestral bloodline. These sins provide an access point for Satan to accuse and attack you and your family. You have the legal right to stand in the gap, enter the Courts of Heaven, and pray the prayers of repentance in this book for your ancestral bloodline in order to break the generational cycles and patterns of these curses, lies and sins." 

Amen! Amen! 

Check out this video that goes more in depth about Dr. Cook's teachings. 

Another video to view comes from the late pastor Stephen Darby who I discovered in November 2017 during a wilderness season of seeking and searching. Although Pastor Darby unexpectedly passed in December 2017, his videos are still relevant today and always in rotation on my YouTube timeline. A family member and I recently talked about his ministry. This particular video popped up in my feed one day and gave an eye-opening insight to the spiritual realm and the destruction from ancestral curses.

Remember whatever is in the family, it ends with you! 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Intercession: Understanding the Power of Prayer

Happy 2024 Just Write!! We are 15 days in the new year and the charge for many of us is to go deeper in our Word and prayer. We all can agree that throughout our walk with God, there is a purpose for prayer and there is power in prayer. Whether a few words or a soliloquy of details, prayers are powerful and can transform any mindset or situation. This month's book club selection is Understanding the Purpose and Power of Prayer: How to Call Heaven to Earth by the late great author, Dr. Myles Munroe. The book provides biblically-based principles about prayer and how it exists to help us. Feeling worried? Pray! Feeling angry? Pray! Feeling joyful? Pray! In all seasons and circumstances, regardless of feelings, our mandate is to pray! 

Below is a video interview of Dr. Munroe speaking and teaching from his book about prayer while unfolding the concepts of knowing the purpose and power of prayer. 

As you go through the book and video, stay tuned for this month's book review interview taking place on the last Thursday, January 25th with Pastor Bryant. Throughout 2024, these interviews will be monthly and led by members of the pastoral team. As the year unfolds and we are reminded that prayer is purposeful and powerful, may we all be intentional in praying for God's divine purpose and power within all areas of our lives and throughout the nation. See you all in the next blog.

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley