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 

The Write Moment in Retrospect, January 15, 2016: Get Write or Get Left, A New Beginning

Happy 2026 #Just Write!! Whew!! These past few days of the new year have been mind-blowing already. I literally began the New Year with news of a classmate's sudden death (passed on New Year's Day) which charged me to slow down even more and continue with intentional check-ins with family and friends and also with myself after a busy month in December. Although cold and unpredictable, the month of January always symbolizes a renewal period and time to set the tone for the rest of the year and so as I grieved my classmate, the words legacy and purpose echoed throughout his homegoing service as a charge for attendees to do God's will in their life. The following day I had a phone conversation with another classmate and I expressed to her that it is my hope that people don't have to attend a funeral to know the importance of legacy, purpose, and God's will. We have time now to get the Word and get right. 

This month's blog rewind is from January 15, 2016, Get Write or Get Left: A New Beginning. During that time period, we as a group were preparing for our first Writers Workshop with the charge of staying inspired and prepared for what was to come.  The irony is that when the date was set, we didn't know that God would shift our plans later. Nonetheless, we remained rooted in helping others in their purpose and steadfast in being mission-minded. Despite what it looked like, we remained committed to our causes and callings.

As the year unfolds, let us all stay focused and committed to what God has placed within us and around us for His Kingdom. Don't lose your fire, #JustWrite! 

Ignite, Insight, Just Write!

In His Service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Moment in Retrospect, December 15, 2015, The Write Marriage: EICC and Just Write

Hey #Just Write!! Happy December and the end of the 4th Quarter of 2025!! Despite what this year has brought you and all of us, if you are reading this, two things: 1. praise God for waking you up to have a sound mind, the ability to write and comprehend and 2. thank you again for reading and supporting this content whether by sharing or commenting through the years. Here we are at the end of 2025, and I would like to close this year by taking it back to 10 years ago on December 15, 2015, as we dissected the foundational connection of Just Write to EICC (Embassy International Chamber of Commerce). This blog is one of many favorites written during the earlier days of Just Write that I often reread and reflect on at the end of the year since 2015. I will always be amazed at how the content came together, very Godly inspired and timely. Every time this particular blog is revisited, it reaffirms and reignites the purpose and intentionality of Just Write and the gift of the scribe. 

As you read, it is my hope that it will ignite and inspire your projects, prayers, and perspectives all throughout 2026 and beyond!

Happy Holidays, healing, and hope through words!

In His presence,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Moment in Retrospect, November 15, 2020 The Write Assembling: A Time to Gather

Hey #JustWrite!! I encourage all of us to continue to contend for the faith, pray, and watch. We're in another holiday season and more intense warfare. Continue to stay on post. Check out this blog rewind from November 15, 2020, as the topic of intentional gathering is discussed. 

As we all gather in a few weeks with loved ones, let us all remember the blessings of community, compassion, and connections. May restoration and revelation flow freely this holiday season.

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Moment in Retrospect, July 15, 2022, The Write Support: Black Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Part 2

Hey #JustWrite!! Since the last blog, it has been a heavy couple of months thus far so I will just leave you all with this month's #BlogRewind from July 15, 2022 as we discussed Black Mental Health and Emotional Wellness. This was a Part 2 to an initial discussion in October 2021 regarding Dr. Rheeda Walker's book, The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health: Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help You Deserve.

Remember to take time for prayer, yourself,  and self-care. You Matter. We Matter. Mental Health Matters. 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Moment in Retrospect: July 15, 2024, The Write Mandate, Seek, Read, and Believe the Word

Hey #JustWrite!! Here we are in September again. I don't know why this is so but for quite some time, I often feel a heaviness in my spirit whenever this month rolls around. I don't know when this feeling began but it's always intense and definitely began once I relocated after college. I sometimes struggle with adjusting to the changing of seasons from warmth to cool. I become overprotective of being outside and become proactive in making sure I don't become sick. I do know that this month also brings to remembrance a lot of heavy events for me personally and spiritually: the beginning and ending of seasons, birth and death of loved ones, and the ending of the 3rd Quarter. In a previous blog, there was a charge to pray, process, and persist despite what the season for you looks like. This month, I charge all of us to be on our post. On 9/11, a day that it's forever etched in our minds as a horrific event of lives lost and the world forever changed, I woke up to an urgent charge from a sister in Christ who posted on her Instagram timeline with the following caption: Prepare your oil lamps (Matthew 25:1-13). The first few lines read, "A few months ago, I heard the Spirit of the Lord say, "tell the people to prepare their oil lamps." That was the urgency that I was feeling once I got the news of so many events taking place back-to-back this week: shootings (school, public event, transit), HBCU campus lockdowns, racial disputes online. In the midst of a productive week and family/friend check-ins, I had no idea any of this took place until I went on social media and saw horrific videos, public statements, influencer lives, and my newsfeed commentary/opinions. If any of us are paying attention, this is happening like clockwork, every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every month, every year, every time. Don't get distracted!

This month's blog rewind is from July 15, 2024, where it encouraged readers to seek, read, and believe the Word of God.  This is a must! This is a mandate! As I stated in January, we are living under grace upon grace. As we find ourselves in a state of disbelief of where we are today or wrestling with feelings of confusion, anger, despair, despondency, I implore us all to read, meditate on scripture, and pray. We must set ourselves apart for the times we're in. 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Moment in Retrospect: August 15, 2024, The Write Reality, Faith Over Fear

Happy August, #JustWrite!! Let's rewind to August 15, 2024 as we talked about recognizing situations that pose feelings of fear and how powerful faith is. 

In the midst of trials and tribulations I encourage all of us to:

Remember, False Evidence Appearing Real is an illusion. We must declare to Forsake

Adversaries, I trust Him.

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Perspective: Pray, Process, and Persist

Hello #JustWrite!! We are half way through 2025. As you know, there have been massive shakings throughout the world and the different sectors of society. The many emotions, opinions, and actions expressed regarding some of the events we have experienced the last 6 months have been very intense. For some of us, these events feel like the 1998 film, "The Truman Show" or an extreme episode of "The Twilight Zone." Unreal right? And for the rest of the world, it's been a long movie of so many genres: comedy, horror, science fiction with lots of drama. With this chaotic reality we now face, our responsibility as believers are to pray, process, and persist. 

We know that through prayer, we are able to release our cares and concerns to the Lord. When we process, we take time to pause and digest what is happening. Despite what we see and feel, through prayer and processing, it encourages us to persist. We must persist to the end, trusting God's will and sovereignty. Pray without ceasing, pursuing righteousness and focus on our assignments. We must have God's perspective and keep pressing into His presence to hear His instructions. 

As we maneuver through the rest of 2025, we must stay on course, in tune, and hopeful.

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Moment in Retrospect: June 15, 2016, The Write Foundation, Provision For Our Books

Hey #JustWrite! In the spirit of Father's Day, let's rewind back to June 15, 2016 as we discussed how provision for books includes a foundation, structure, strength, finances, and focus, similar to how we view society's expectations of fathers. And we can't forget the intentional nature of our Abba Father who cares for us.

 

Click link here to read more, embracing those principles.

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Moment in Retrospect: May 15, 2016, The Write Discipline, Nurturing Our Words

Hey #JustWrite! With the recent Mother's Day celebrations, I shared recently with an associate of how I honor my mother daily: being everything that she taught me early on through the love of books and writing. Those early years of nurture and care has helped me to navigate this space for quite some time, not only in writing but in other spaces I occupy. It's something that I often think about as time progresses. I'm truly thankful for the many seeds that were planted early on that have been a foundation of nurture, care, and discipline. The more we know and sow, the more we grow. 

Nurture, care, and discipline are topics discussed in a previous blog written May 15, 2016. Check out this blog rewind and let's all revisit key points and strategies from that time that I believe will encourage and enforce those principles of nurturing, caring, and disciplining our words. 

Remember in discipline, we become desciples and stewards.

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Readiness to Work: Remembrance of Holy Tuesday

Hello #JustWrite! Today is April 15th and for some, this day is recognized annually as Tax Day. As we move into the events of Holy Week (week beginning with Palm Sunday leading into Resurrection Sunday), today's date this year is considered Holy Tuesday, also called Fig Tuesday. The name Fig Tuesday comes from Jesus's teaching about faith using a barren fig tree to show the importance of faith and the power to act on faith. Matthew 21:21-22

The significance of Holy Tuesday also commemorates two parables Jesus taught: The Parable of the Ten Virgins and The Parable of the Talents. The Parable about ten virgins speaks about the 5 virgins who were wise with oil-filled lamps while the other 5 virgins were foolish and unprepared. The overall message is for us to be prepared, filled with oil (Holy Spirit), ready for Jesus's return. The Parable of the Talents speaks on a Master who trusts his 3 servants with various talents (units of currency). 2 servants invest their talents, while the 3rd servant out of fear buries his talent. The overall message is that we should not be afraid to use our God-given gifts. We are to be responsible stewards of those gifts using them to serve God and others. The reward goes to those who are faithful and productive while those who are lazy and fearful are judged. 

The messages of these parables reminds us to have the same fervor and principles as writers. We must have a spirit of staying ready, prepared, and ready to work. God has given us all that we need, we have to trust His voice, His Word, and perfect plan to finish that work in the same manner Jesus did on the cross. Jesus knew His assignment, trusted His father's voice, His Word, and perfect plan, finishing the work through His crucifixion, death, burial, and Resurrection. What a revelation and a reminder to have faith in fulfilling God's promises. 

As we continue to honor Christ this week and every day, may we all be reminded of who we are, whose we are, and how we are needed in the Kingdom. May your gifts and God's guidance continue to make room for you in His Kingdom. 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Impact: Women's History Month Tribute

Hey #JustWrite! March has arrived and we are celebrating Women's History Month! 

A recent conversation about the 9 Fruits of the Spirit sparked this month's blog of honoring 9 women authors of the Just Write community. 

Some of the ladies you may recognize from the early days of Just Write. I definitely have a 6 degrees of separation or should I say 9 degrees of separation story with these ladies. My attendance at the Women on the Path's Heart to Heart Women's Retreat in 2010 introduced me to author Tia McCollors. She was the 1st author I saw in our church community that had a successful Christian book series and writing career. From there, my desire to connect with writers led me to my first Just Write meeting in 2014, facilitated by founder and author Kimberly Thompson. We had a lot in common from our love of purple, a way with words, and how writing is a gift. Those early days of fellowships, writing conferences, and meeting at our local hospital, library, and Target allowed me to connect with authors Dr. Ursula Frederick-Brown, Tanya D. Bryant, Monica Fletcher, and Dr. Paris Love. From 2014-2019 (pre-COVID), we were able to gather in person in these spaces and share our stories, testimonies, and journeys. It was also during this time, I stretched my skillsets as the Just Write Blogmaster. During the early days of the blog, The Write Moment, I was able to interview authors Barbara Winters, Lakia Brandenburg, and Sharon Frame. 

A call to action in 2019 from Kim to share my story in a collaborative project led to me connecting further with Dr. Paris Love, author of A Woman's Journey: Stories of Substance, Survival, and Success, a collection of stories featuring myself, Kim, Monica, and 4 other authors. Talk about a full circle. Now that we are in 2025, looking at the growth among these women has truly been a blessing and so humbling to witness. More books, podcasts, and projects have been birthed since then. When I think of them in terms of the 9 Fruits of the Spirit, the main fruit of the spirit they all encompass is faithfulness. They have been faithful to what God has given them and in return have shown through those gifts how great God's faithfulness is. Click on each name and get to know these authors. Let's celebrate their gifts and the gifts they are to the Kingdom.

Kimberly Thompson 

Dr. Ursula Frederick-Brown 

Monica Fletcher 

Tia McCollors

Tanya D. Bryant

Dr. Paris Love

Sharon Frame

Barbara Winters

Lakia Brandenburg 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley