The Write Creativity: Building Our Image in Nations

Hey #JustWrite!! It is October and officially Fall and we are discussing creativity. This is definitely the season where creative ideas seem to just "autumnatically "fall" from our minds onto paper and later with added diligence and prayer into a built masterpiece. When I think of creativity, many words come to mind: forward-thinking, colorful imagery, wordplay, quick-wit, artistic, and imagination. The definition of creativity is the use of the imagination ( our Image In Nations) or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work. Throughout the years, I've had many conversations with other creatives and scribes on our appreciation for the arts and how many artists (filmmakers, screenwriters, actors, actresses, etc.) have worked hard and tirelessly through adversity to be true to themselves and trust that their diligence and hard work is what created a table for them. I say a created table or a built table because we as creatives have to recognize that we don't have to wait for other people to give us tools to what we already know to build. Many of us heard about the recent unveiling of Tyler Perry's new studio and how he literally built it without any funding from outside sources. Here's a man who was once homeless with numerous jobs (been following his career and story since high school when people had the bootleg VHS tapes, lol.) now a multi-millionaire who has employed more people of color and continues to give back to the community. He has built his empire in Atlanta, GA and has paid homage to many who came before him and many who he has been blessed to walk with. His imagination (creativity, storytelling, business savvy, giving spirit, etc.) plus faith and hard work made room for him, not only locally but nationally. Tyler Perry's amazing story and triumph is known across the nation.

We can't forget that the greatest creative of all time is our Creator God as stated in Genesis 1:1 ("In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.) Genesis 1:26 says, "Then God said, "Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.") Colossians 1:16 says, "For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him."The last part of Colossians 1:16 reminds me that everything we do is created from the image of God and it is up to us to live out that creation throughout the nations. Every idea may come through us but it is ultimately for God's glory and to make Him known. Whatever ideas given to us must be written down and carried through as God would want them. Let's build His image in nation.


In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Moment in Retrospect: 5 Years Later

Hello #JustWrite!! This month we celebrate 5 years of "The Write Moment". Can you all believe it's been 5 years since the first blog post (9/15/2014)? Upon joining Just Write, I never imagined seeing so much growth within myself and within the group. I witnessed many firsts throughout the course of 5 years whether it was a book launch, business launch, or workshop. In honor of those 5 years, I would like to share my top 5 blog posts. These 5 blogposts were chosen based on a significance of firsts for Just Write. Let's take a look:

5. The Write Prayers: An Exclusive Interview with Barbara Winters. This blogpost was chosen because it was the first interview we conducted for The Write Moment blog. One of the initial goals of Just Write was to learn more about the authors, bloggers, editors, and other creative masterminds within the community. I love how we used a magazine Q&A format to conduct interviews. Later on, I decided to change the format to a free-flowing conversational style Check out the link here: https://thewritemoment1.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-write-prayers-exclusive-interview.html

4. The Write Moment in Retrospect: One Year Later. This blogpost, written 9/15/15 is self-explanatory as it celebrates the one year birthday of "The Write Moment" and how Just Write impacted my writing skills and aspirations within a year. I was very transparent in this blog as I shared my testimony of being a writer, blogger, and editor and many resources to starting a blog. Read more here: https://thewritemoment1.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-write-moment-in-restropect-year.html

3. The Write Experience: A Story That Never Ends. This blogpost, written 3/15/16 highlighted moments from our first writer's workshop (EICC and Just Write collaboration), held on 3/12/16 (originally scheduled on 1/23/16). I also shared my experience at my first EICC meeting which was held earlier that day before the workshop. Check more insight here: https://thewritemoment1.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-write-experience-story-that-never.html

2. The "Frame" of Mind: Inside the Brain of Sharon Frame. This blogpost is one of my favorites because I was able to interview Sharon Frame who was our guest on Just Write's 1st birthday. She gave us many nuggets and much insight on her journey as a former CNN correspondent, journalist, and creative writer. I enjoyed reading about her process and how she turned one of her blogs into a bestselling book. She challenged all of us to "get on the bus" and not let the "the write moment" to "just write" pass us by. Be encouraged here: https://thewritemoment1.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-write-frame-of-mind-inside-brain-of.html

1. The Write Marriage: EICC and Just Write. It's no secret that this is my top blogpost. I have shared this post numerous times on Facebook and I have referenced this post for myself whenever I found myself discouraged about my gift and where God is leading me. It was the first blog written that explained the significance of EICC and Just Write. As far as the most liked post on the blog, this is the 2nd most popular post. The beautiful part about this post is that it is the most biblical saturated post I've written and I always laugh at how this blog came together. When I interviewed Reginald, all I had was a piece of scrap paper, my pen, and the Holy Spirit. I give credit to the Holy Spirit because I wrote down a few key points as Reginald talked and when I began to compose the post, everything came together, line by line, verse by verse, with vivid imagery, and deep revelations. Check it out here: https://thewritemoment1.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-write-marriage-eicc-and-just-write.html I just thank God for the gift of the scribe and connecting me to other like-minded believers and scribes who understand the power of words and the Word.

I hope you enjoyed these first 5 years of "The Write Moment". 5 represents grace and I am eternally grateful for God's hand (remember we're connected, without 5 fingers there is no hand) and grace over my life and the words He has given me. This year I also celebrate 5 years with my personal blog (https://divinegift317.blogspot.com) as well as 5 years since the birth and idea of my writing/editing business (www.divinebloggerllc.com) after freelancing for the last 7 years. Here's to the next chapter of this moment, "The Write Moment".



In His service,


Lequvia Ousley   

The Write Attention: Stay Woke

Happy August #JustWrite!! I hope you all have been paying attention because there is a lot going on and more to come. Many of us have heard the phrase, "Stay Woke!" whether it was from a song or from a meme. According to Wikipedia, "the term "woke" is a political term of African American origin referring to a perceived awareness of issues concerning social justice and racial justice. The term is derived from the African-American vernacular English expression "stay woke", whose grammatical aspect refers  to a continuing awareness of these issues." I never imagined in 2019 or any year before now that our country would be dealing with the same issues our parents, grandparents, and other ancestors have dealt with: racism, economic distress, sexual perversion and exploitation, and so many other criminal wounds, not only for the black and brown communities, but in general as well. I say the word, "wounds" because it's literally an open sore that has not healed. I know many of us joke around when we say this phrase but from a biblical standpoint, the reality is there is much turmoil happening in the world today and it's getting worse minute by minute. We may be surprised every time we turn on the news or read the latest headline, but God is not surprised. 1 Thessalonians 5 speaks on the day of the Lord, "But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.  You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.  Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,  who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." Reading these words gives me comfort because I know in spite of what's going on, we have an advocate in Jesus Christ. I know everyone, including myself has goals, dreams, and many desires, but we have to ask ourselves are we in line with God's will and are we trusting God's will? Are we OK if what we pray for doesn't come to pass? Will we still trust God? That's why we have to focus our attention on the things of God and not of the world.

Yes, we must ''stay woke" to what's happening around us, but we also need to be ready and be awake to what God is doing in us and through us. Matthew 24:42-44 says, "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.  But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. I've seen many miracles throughout the years with myself and others whether it was regarding a physical healing, family situations, salvation. My point is God is God alone and He is sovereign. Whatever happens is happening according to His will and purposes. It's very important in this hour to not be deceived and to not be distracted. Focus and seek God in all things. Stay woke!!



In His service,



Lequvia Ousley

The Write Freedom: Becoming Unstuck

Hello #JustWrite!! This month we are discussing the freedom of becoming unstuck. Most of us have been through seasons where we have felt stuck and uncertain of what would happen next. It's like, life hits us hard and the expected daily routines become stagnant and it seems there isn't a definite way to move forward or to get out. In some cases, we just become comfortable with our present reality or what is before us because we fear change. How does one become stuck? When I think of becoming stuck, I think of glue. Glue is any type of fluid adhesive that once it's on something it's hard to remove without some form of solvent, or chemical that dissolves. As believers we become stuck in how we view our circumstances. Instead of seeing an opportunity to improve, we avoid the process or try to justify our mindset. Fear becomes that glue that sticks to us because of past mistakes and experiences. As writers, we become stuck through our moments of writer's block. I wrote more about that subject in May 2017 (The Write Mentality: Overcoming Writer's Block) during a season where I was feeling defeated and tapped out when it came to writing and creativity, while processing so many emotions. It was the negative feelings I was processing that became the glue that continuously stuck to me. It was through rest, prayer, and understanding (reading the Bible and wise counsel) that I was able to grow. That was my solution or solvent (glue analogy.) How does one become unstuck? Here are 7 tips from Psychology Today that help others to become unstuck:

1.Let go of the past. Listen to the stories in your head. ...
2.Change your perspective. ...
3.Start with small changes. ...
4.Explore your purpose. ...
5.Believe in yourself. ...
6.Practice being hopeful. ...
7.Consider talking to a professional.

The article was originally written to support women's mental health, but I find that anyone can apply these tips and strategies. You can find the full article here. The 7th tip, speaking with a professional can sometimes be a surprise suggestion to us as believers due to society's stigma of counseling. Speaking with a therapist or a trusted minister can be the best decision we can make because when we are alone it is easy to talk ourselves out of what's God's will for us. 

Just like glue, we need a solvent (solution) to help us know that we are not in control, but God is in control. Everything that does or doesn't happen is in His will and His timing. Remember, John 8:36, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." NKJV

Let us all be free and no longer bound in Jesus name, Amen!!

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Body: Our Churches are Getting Better

Hey #JustWrite!! Can you believe we made it to the half mark of 2019? In spite of the trials and challenges we all have faced thus far, let's all be thankful we made it. Now, this month we are talking about the church. There's a lot I can say about this topic but for the sake of your eyes and my words, lol I will keep it brief. I don't know about you but I've been having conversations about the church for awhile. I can remember being in the church briefly as a child before my parents' divorce. Afterwards, I didn't return to church until I was a teen and I didn't fully submit to a church home until after my relocation to Atlanta at 24. From that moment, I experienced many moments of community, fellowship, growth (prayer life and study), and what some would call 'church culture' (how a church functions). But as the years came and many church visits later, my spirit desired more than just the appearance of church and emotionalism. I needed to know that the next church I submit to would be founded upon the solid foundation and hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a church that utilizes church discipline to settle matters and provide an army of accountability. This month marks a year that I've been submitted and committed to my church home, the mission, but most importantly the mission of Jesus Christ. No church is perfect but I know for believers and non-believers, many American churches today are not resembling the church described in the book of Acts. I know for years my spirit grieved and longed for something more than what was presented. Let's define the word 'church'.

According to Google, a 'church' is simply a "building used for public Christian worship." Some synonyms are "house of God, the Lord's house, house of prayer". Notice the reverence for God and the power of prayer? Sadly, many churches don't reflect those elements which pushes people away or causes them to have a different view of the church. Have you all ever noticed how an institution, particularly a school would start off with it's focus on the mission statement but then somewhere down the line, the reputation was tainted. All of a sudden people were not drawn to that institution and there's a negative connotation. I've always believed that it's not the institution itself that is harmful but it is the people within that building that can bring an institution down. Church is an institution that has suffered because of the many do's and don'ts of the church people, namely from so-called 'church culture' that has nothing to do with God. There is no emphasis on who God is and what He wants us to do. It' s the opposite. It's all about who we are and what God can do for us.  Church in a biblical context means an assembly or gathering of believers. When I think of church, I think of our assembling together, the body of Christ, the bride of Christ. Once again I've noted two things: community and Christ. It's important that we all understand that without community and Christ our churches will continue to crumble and will no longer be a place for refuge. In order for church to become better and effective, we have to put the focus back on God's Word, our Savior Jesus Christ, and our mission as believers. If we don't then the generations now and after us will continue to suffer and the world will continue to win the media and other propaganda. This point leads me to reiterate our responsibilities as scribes and change agents. We are held accountable for what we publish in the literary world and whether it points others back to Christ. Let's be the change we want to see.


In His service,


Lequvia Ousley

The Write Commitment: Our Communities are Getting Better

Hello #JustWrite!! My mind has a unique way with words and their meanings. Sometimes I can figure out a meaning of a word just by how it is written. This month we are discussing community which is very appropriate since this month marks 5 years of our #JustWrite community. When I look at the word community, I see the words 'common' and 'unity' which describes what a community is: people unifying under one common goal. I've written a blog before about this topic, but this month I wanted to focus on the commitment of community. What exactly is commitment and what does it look like in the community? According to Google, the word 'commitment' means: the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc. synonyms: dedication, devotion, allegiance, loyalty, faithfulness, fidelity, bond, adherence, attentiveness. What does that commitment to community look like to you? I know for me, commitment to community means being a neighbor (Matthew 22:39, ....love your neighbor as yourself). When my neighbor is in need, there is a burden within me to help him/her which is an act of love. That goes back to the saying of being on one accord and of one body with your brothers and sisters. Also it applies if your neighbor is not a believer because you show them the love of Christ. This brings me to my next point of being my brother or sister's keeper. If I see him/her falling in an area, then I will lovingly pray and ask God to give me wisdom on how to address the issue. Like the Word says, (Matthew 18:15-16....“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.") Galatians 6:1-2 says...."Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." So we ask ourselves, what does that look like for the respective communities that we are a part of, whether it is our families, neighborhoods, church homes, groups, etc. What does community look like to you as a writer within #JustWrite? What common goals and aspirations do you share with fellow writers? What commitments do you have for your projects? What is the unity that you see within your circle of influence as a writer? Is there commonality? Is there unity? Are we holding each other accountable to stay committed to what we started? Are we bearing each other's burdens and lending a helping hand? Let's all come together and make those commitments. Let's all commit to commune and unite in the common goal of community. See you all in the next blog.



In His service,


Lequvia Ousley

The Write Stewardship: Our finances are getting better

Hey #JustWrite!! We are talking about finances in this month's blog. I studied Business Education in high school, Business Administration and Accounting in undergrad and I later received my Master's in Accounting and Financial Mgmt. I've worked for two different CPAs and can truly say that in the last few years, I have learned more about finances from conversations, blogs, and my own trials than I did throughout my formal education in public school and college. I do recall as a child, my mother teaching me the basics of sales tax (it was 6% then) as we shopped in one of my favorite stores, Dollar Tree. LOL. I can also recall being fussed at by my father when he found out I spent all of money on music and other stuff instead of important stuff. It's amazing how much I value a dollar more today than I did back then. The important thing now is that I understand the necessity of financial literacy and the biblical principle of stewardship. As believers, not only are we stewards of people, but we are stewards over our time, talents, faith, businesses, employment, and finances. It's very important that we understand that God called all of us to utilize and have wisdom over our financial resources for the Kingdom as well as for the generations after us. You may recall a blog I wrote entitled "The Write Investment: Creating Intellectual Property". In that blog I touch on the subject of understanding the various forms of intellectual property and the importance of investing in our creative, literary works. As creatives, it's necessary to know how to protect one's assets and create generational wealth. Through a recent conversation I learned that money has four functions: to be spent, given, saved, and invested. When it comes to multiple streams of income, most wealthy people have at least 7 streams of income. What does the bible say about finances? Money is mentioned more than 800 times in the Bible with over 120 plus scriptures. Here are a few:

Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children”.

Romans 13:8 "Let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love on another." 

Proverbs 22:7 "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender."

Psalm 37:21 "The wicked borrows and does not repay, But the righteous shows mercy and gives."

More information on money bible verses are found at https://www.biblemoneymatters.com/bible-verses-about-money-what-does-the-bible-have-to-say-about-our-financial-lives/

It's amazing how the written Word can speak to so many things we deal with, even the concept of money and being great stewards. I know the latter part of 2018 and this year, I have been looking at other ways to manage my money particularly through investments. Investing has been a top goal of a few people I talk to and just understanding how money works when you have a Kingdom mindset is amazing. We should always pray and ask God for wisdom and His will on how to plan for our finances whether it's for retirement, education, debt, estate planning, investments, business, etc. I close with this scripture, "To whom much is given, much will be required" (Luke 12:48). I challenge all of us to view money with a Kingdom mindset. If we can't see the value of $1 and manage it properly, then how can we expect to receive anything more? Let's all strive to be better.

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley