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

The Write Contentment: A Time for Peace

 Hello #JustWrite!! We have made it to the last quarter of 2020 and it seems like the year just began. We all can agree that this year alone brought a lot of turmoil, discord, confusion, distress, unrest, and lack of order. When I saw that this month's theme was about peace, my spirit quickened as I was reminded of how much peace is needed in the world after all that we have experienced and will continue to experience. October 10th was World Mental Health day, a day set aside to acknowledge and share resources/encouragement for those who suffer with mental illness. All of us are or have suffered with a mental infirmity to some degree. After all that we have witnessed thus far, I know I'm not the only one who feels that the current events has triggered occasional moments of anxiety, depression, and other mental struggles. In some cases those struggles are a result of imbalances in the body that can be worked through with counseling, medicine, and alternative methods. The good news is that peace is present when we learn to find contentment in our present state despite adversity and other stressors. The word "peace" has many meanings but in this context, "peace" is defined as a freedom from disturbance; a state of which a war has ended. The subject of peace was discussed briefly in the December 2019 blog as we were closing out the year and preparing for 2020. I wrote on the subject of solace and loneliness as it related to the holiday season and life in general. I never imagined that it was preparing us for what we have experienced this year. Remember, as believers in Christ, we are in this world, not of this world. The Bible speaks on peace that only Christ can give, not what the world can give. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." The scripture commands us to not give in to fear and weariness. Fear has crippled many of us during this time as each day consists of so many different reports. But as always, whose report will we believe? The world is exactly what is presented to us; a flawed mass of mess that should not be a surprise to anyone because it is not our home. I read the following Facebook post from Carine Lewis, a Bible teacher I connected with about 2 years ago at a women's conference: "I don’t think the average Christian in America has a clue to how intentional the god of this world, Satan, is in his schemes. Our ignorance, prayerlessness, addictions, and propensity to walk in division with one another makes his work incredibly easy when in reality, God has given us the kind of authority through Jesus Christ that should make his labor arduous. The Body of Christ should have barriers, but instead we have open doors to who the scriptures call a LION.😩 God, have mercy on your people. Have mercy on me." Whew!! What a powerful plea!! As we exit out of 2020 in the next 2 months, let's stay the course and pray a prayer of peace not only for ourselves but for the world. Also, let's pray that our hearts are content and prepared for what's to come. Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Labor: A Time to Birth

Hey #JustWrite!! We are in the 9th month of the year and today marks the 6th year of the blog!! Blogging throughout this time frame has definitely been a labor of love. My constant prayer as I write these blogs is that those who read continue to receive encouragement, inspiration, and value. Speaking of labor, the term is defined differently from work. "Work is what we accomplish by the hour and labor is intentional to the extent of doing the groundwork." Interesting how labor is describe as an action with intentions and doing the groundwork in comparison to work which equates to time. There is time in labor as well but it is more in tune with purpose and attentiveness. The Bible also speaks on the difference between work and labor. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 says, "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." During this season of uncertainty, many creatives have birthed books, podcasts, vlogs, and films. I recently had an opportunity to witness a friend's first film come to life. Much work was done to see the film come to fruition but it was the initial labor of every detail from script writing, location scouting, casting, and production that brought it all together. It is just one of many examples of how diligent work and purposeful labor work together for the end result of a birthed project. I've read numerous times on how the writing cycle is similar to the birthing of a baby. In order for a baby to be born, a seed has to be planted in fertile ground (mother's womb). As months go by, the mother's body prepares with each trimester for the growth and the eventual arrival of the baby in the 9th. In order for a book to be metaphorically birthed, seeds (ideas) have to be planted (written) on fertile ground (paper). Those seeds translate into a story and depending on the process of formats, publishers, and submission (trimesters), the book may be birthed sooner or later. This work and labor may be different for both processes but it yields the same result of birthing something.

Many of us are experiencing labor pains during this time as we are growing and preparing to birth our many projects which is synonymous to an expectant mother. As 1 Thessalonians 1:3 stated earlier, we must be faithful in our work with labors of love inspired by the endurance and hope in Christ. Remember Faith, Love, and Hope are the catalysts. Let's get it write and push through the pain and endure until the end. 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Education and Understanding: A Time to Embrace

Hey #JustWrite!! We are in the month of new beginnings (#8 represents a new birth, new creation or new beginning, from Biblical Mathematics, Keys to Scripture Numerics) and I can see now that most of us have had to embrace several new beginnings this month with virtual school, new employment, home ownership, entrepreneurship, paid partnerships/collaborations, and of course writing books. Throughout this pandemic, the conversation that has come up consistently has been the new beginning of healing. All of us, whether black, white, etc. need healing but specifically it is past time for us in the black community to embrace our need to dissect our wounds and trauma in order to make sense of why we have our beliefs and views on situations. The truth is that many of us operate based off of unhealed traumas. I've said this in numerous spaces that writing became a source of therapy for me which led to my healing journey when I couldn't express what was happening to me. Because of that, relationships were hard to navigate at times. I thank God for showing me things and helping me to identify things within myself and my experiences that have carried me into personal and business matters. As a young black woman, I know that it is important for me to be healed in order to move forward and change the narrative. Many of us are living in false narratives as adults because as children we were never relational and affirmed, two things that help shape our emotional intelligence. We have believed every truth that's presented to us because we as a people do not take the time to educate ourselves and talk through the traumas and hurts that have been subjected to us from previous generations. I picked up on this in college as I was navigating different emotions on who I was as a young black woman. I was always identified as someone's daughter, sister, friend, student, etc. but I had to really look at who I was and why I responded to certain things the way I did. Where did it come from? It wasn't until I started to listen to my family members share their traumatic experiences from childhood and their responses to it which helped me to see why I was searching for healthy relationships and the need to be affirmed. My family had a deep wound of unhealthy relationships and lack of affirmation and other forms of trauma. My prayer throughout the years was always for my family to be healed by acknowledging the pain, seeking forgiveness, and moving forward. It's the only way to really be authentic in our relationship with ourselves and others.  Recently on Twitter I shared the following tweet: "The world knows about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) but what about this PTSD? (Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome) Here is a documentary about it." The documentary I'm referring to is a complement to this month's book club selection: Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Dr. Joy DeGruy. You can view it below: 

In this video, Dr. DeGruy touches on how we as a people are still suffering today due to what has happened to our ancestors during slavery. When we as a people don't acknowledge the suffering and abuse of blacks in this country, then the false narrative about black people is further perpetuated in society. Many in our communities don't want to admit it but we tend to treat our own the same way whites treated blacks during slavery especially in the corporate setting (clinging to titles/positions instead of character building due to lack of being affirmed in childhood, the "I own you" "I run this" mentality when one is abusive in power, etc.)  We also see this in our families with how we handle situations with our loved ones especially with our children. There's always a power struggle instead of the need to understand and be understood. I think about the moments I've had throughout the years working with learning communities that were predominantly black. Because of their trauma, the majority of the students didn't care for any education. They wanted to share their hearts and experiences. That's what they lived through and were connected to. The students I encountered wanted to be heard and know that someone cared and not be so concerned with meeting a status quo or pushing a twisted, systematic agenda. We've spent years focusing so much on doing things by time that we've missed the relationship factor. This is just one example of so many layers to this trauma that it's overwhelming and an ongoing detriment to us. Please watch the video along with reading the book. For those of you reading the book, there will be an upcoming book discussion on Facebook with Kim and I on August 25th at 7pm. If you're able to join, please come ready to engage and learn. I look forward to the upcoming conversation as the ultimate goal is to communicate, educate, and advocate for our communities as thought leaders and scribes. As I've said numerous times in previous blogs, it's time for us to embrace each other, while educating and understanding each other's stories. Will you join us?

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

  

The Write Humor: A Time To Laugh

Hey #JustWrite!! This blog is being written in the middle of an amazing summer vacation so I will keep it succinct and straight to the point. I am coming off of a special birthday celebration for a dear sister as well as enjoying much needed time away. In many ways, I am having the mental health break I have needed since the beginning of this pandemic. Prior to this moment, I literally had to find humor in every day activities or through my favorite comedies and in some cases funny stories or media sound clips. Like most of you all reading this, laughter through the years has always helped me to cope with life's misunderstandings and confusion. I come from a family of natural born clowns who always find a reason to laugh. Throughout my time with loved ones I have intentionally found time to laugh. We've all heard the quotes, "Laughter is good for the soul." and "Laughter is the best medicine." Proverbs 17:22 ESV says, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

As scribes, we have a unique ability to create projects that bring out the joy of laughter for readers whether it is through personal anecdotes or a humorous way of looking at life's many events. We know that in some ways laughter is just like music. It is an element that brings all people together regardless of the circumstances they face. In the last few months, I have seen so much laughter being displayed in the midst of wanting to complain or feel inferior. I have been unapologetic, allowing myself to be distracted from this world's craziness with laughter. Ecclesiastes 3:4 ESV says there is "A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." I think of the chorus of the song that goes, "He turned my mourning into dancing." We may mourn and we may weep, but like the Word says, there is joy in the morning and we will laugh again, Luke 6:21. Remember, life's many obstacles are moments that allow us to appreciate the opportunities to laugh and rejoice. The Bible speaks about God's laughter. Psalms 37:12-13: “The wicked plot against the righteous, and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that their day is coming.” Psalm 2:2, 4 declares that when “the kings of the earth take their stand,” marshaling themselves “against the Lord … and against his Anointed One,” then “the One enthroned in heaven laughs.”

As these new normal of world events continue to evolve upon us, let us not take for granted the opportunity to partake in our soul's need for laughter and joy. Let us all find joy in the little things  with humorous stories along the way.

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Ammunition: A Time to War

Hey #JustWrite!! We have made it halfway in 2020 and it has been a year!! After finishing school, I thought I would bounce back into a normal routine for myself but little did I know I would take a much needed stay-cation with friends and come back to a lesser normal. As we know, there is a continuous war happening and the truth is, it's causing most of us (myself included) to be tired. I've recognized that there is a war within three areas: race, economics, and spiritual. A racial war has been brewing for quite some time but this year has proven to expose even more hatred and hypocrisy within the world. As Americans, living in the United States has shown that within the economic war, we are not the land of the free with the booming economy many envy around the world. The government needs major prayer and solid leaders who have the people's best interests at heart. And then there is the ongoing spiritual war within the body of Christ. In this hour, my spirit has been pained watching so many express their truths about the spiritual abuse they have suffered from within the church. The concept of abuse in all forms (verbal, sexual, mental, emotional, financial, spiritual, etc.) is something I have advocated against for awhile no matter if I suffered the same as the victims. My empathetic nature as a human being causes me to feel other's pain and discern a person's need for safety and security. For black people, the church was at one point a pillar and safe haven for the community. Now in a strange way, it is in a list of places to avoid especially for the millennial generations. Many would rather deal with the world instead of the church. The good news in the midst of this turmoil, confusion, and chaos is that God is still God. He is on the throne and His sovereignty overrides everything that is taking place in this earthly realm. His Word is our ammunition for the battles we have faced and will continue to face. Matthew 24:6 states, "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet." "When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory." (Deuteronomy 20:1-4) "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).

As we navigate the battles we witness daily, we also wrestle with internal battles. We must choose our battles wisely and change the narrative of what has been written. Let us all continue to advocate, educate, and communicate, one moment at a time.



In His service,




Lequvia Ousley

The Write Treatment: A Time to Heal

Hey #JustWrite!! We MAYed it to another month in spite of the ongoing challenges of this pandemic. I've fought through a plethora of mixed emotions during this time, but most of all I've pressed through everything with laughter, hope, and a new perspective. On May 5th, I submitted my last paper and concluded my Master's in Professional Writing through Liberty University's online program. I started my program last March and when I say God was faithful and with me through every assignment, He was with me. I was challenged to write about tough things I had only shared before a few people. The writing for my classes, although challenging, became a way to not only be creative with projects but it was a release from everything that transpired last March until now with the pandemic. Any event that transpired within the media, whether positive or negative went into my assignments which brought everything back to perspectives from a worldview and Biblical view. Overall, my learning experience gave me many ideas and stretched my writing skills and scribal mission.

As we know, May is a month we celebrate mothers and it is also the month for mental health awareness. In all transparency, I was initially interested in pursuing a Master's in Clinical Mental Health counseling due to my passion for mental health awareness and desire to understand the healing process, especially after working with children and seeing so many different issues with them that resonated with me as a child. Nonetheless, I don't regret pursuing writing as I stated before it has been one of my main sources of healing therapy. As the pandemic began, I was concerned for my own mental health as government officials announced that the state of GA and the rest of the nation was forced to be in our homes for two months. I was concerned because it triggered memories of growing up sheltered. I thank my parents for being protective but the extremeness of it all caused me to not have a balance with life when I moved away. I realized that the things that I was subjected to was because of unhealed family trauma that was passed on. This acknowledgement helped me to start the healing process. So many events are taking place right now in the world that has caused new cases of violence, abuse, trauma, and other crimes. As I mentioned in the last blog, every sector of society is experiencing so many changes that in some cases it has caused a sense of uncertainty and grief within the church institution and us as the body of Christ. We have to be responsible and accountable to each other to seek the treatment and healing we need. I know many believers frown upon therapy but I am all for prayer, Jesus, the Bible, and counseling therapy.

Check out this podcast https://anchor.fm/jessica545

 If initial counseling isn't desired, journal writing is a great starting point to get feelings out and to begin the healing process. In that healing, we are able to use our voices through our writings to help others be free and healed. Psalms 119:46 says, "I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed." NKJV.  Revelations 12:11 says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." NKJV

The following verses confirm what the Bible says about healing:

Isaiah 53:5 says, "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was buried for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." NKJV

Mark 5:34 says, "And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." NKJV

John 5:8 says, "Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." NKJV

James 5:16 says, "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer or a righteous man avails much." NKJV


As we go through another month of this nationwide pandemic, I pray all of us come out of this with a renewed mind and whole spirit. I know it's easier said than done, but we must believe that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, Psalms 4:13. My heart and prayers are with you all who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. Continue to heal in Jesus name and trust God.


We are all in this together, one story, healing, and testimony at a time.



In His service,



Lequvia Ousley