The Write Tools: A Time to Build Up

Hey #JustWrite!! I know most of you know by now that the world is dealing with the coronavirus epidemic or what some have deemed a pandemic. I couldn't help but think of the many things that have transpired in the world throughout the decades and centuries that has caused fear and panic among everyone. Remember the SARS, swine flu, Zika virus, and the Y2K scare? It came and then it went. I also noticed that these scares come during political seasons. Interesting, right? Now, I'm not taking the coronavirus news lightly. We should be concerned with what is happening, however, let's not get off track and miss what God is saying to us. I found it interesting that many headlines are instructing people to take precautions and build up one's pantry with disinfectant supplies, food, and water. Only a few medical professionals are stressing the importance of building up one's immune system. Personally, I'm all for naturopathic and holistic forms of healing (eating healthy, rest, minimized stress, natural supplements). We as people should have taken it more seriously to be healthy all year long, not when an outbreak happens. The same thing can be said about our spiritual health. The Word says to pray without ceasing. Don't wait until something happens to pray; always pray and study the Word in and out of season.  I admit when I became sick with the flu in December and the stomach virus in January and February, it put a lot in perspective for me about how I wanted to devote my time this year. Sadly, being sick was the best rest I got in a long time. It reminded me that my to do list will always be there and that I need to take care of myself physically, mentally, and spiritually. The same way we are being instructed to take care of our immune system is the same urgency we should have for our soul and the Kingdom. It's time to focus on building God's Kingdom. As I get older, I'm realizing more and more that God didn't call us to be super busy with so many things at one time, lacking fruit. It's this fallen world that we live in that has caused us to operate in that manner. When we think of building something, there are necessary tools and instructions given to us. We also have to count the cost of building and understand that there will be sacrifices along the way. Those sacrifices are worth it when we see the end result of our diligence and obedience. What about God's instructions when it comes to building up God's Kingdom? The number one tool we have is the Bible. Everything we need to live this life is in the Word of God. Another tool is the power of prayer. I can't stress it enough how important prayer is for all areas of our lives. And let's not forgot the Holy Spirit, our advocate who teaches and guides us to God's truth and revelations. When we pray and allow ourselves to hear God's voice, He gives us assignments and instructions on what to accomplish next. We sacrifice ourselves to follow God and His Word. What about our assignments as writers? God has given us clear instructions on our writings and how to use our gifts for the Kingdom, yet many of us have been disobedient and distracted. Most importantly, we have missed the opportunities to disciple and grow God's Kingdom for His glory. I urge all of us scribes to get back on post, pray, process, and pay attention to what is happening. Proceed with those instructions God gives. Let us all continue to build God's Kingdom.

In His service,



Lequvia Ousley

The Write Expressions: A Time to Love

Happy February, #JustWrite!! This month's blog is short and sweet. We are at the midpoint of the month and the following scriptures have resonated with me: 

Psalm 143:8: “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life."

Proverbs 3:3-4: “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."

Both scriptures speak to a person's dependency on God's love to see him or her through life's many trials and the importance of us keeping God's love and His word so close that it becomes one with us. Many of us at some point of our life have or are seeking the kind of love that is romantic, love that is filled with flawed expectations and mistakes, love with the intention of hurting us if we're not wise. As believers and writers, our intentions should be rooted in the desire to love and to be loved, God's way. God's love is pure, righteous, and intentional. The most beautiful notion about love is when a person loves who he or she is, it gives an instant freedom to share that same love with the world either as an expression or gesture. We all know God displayed His love in the scripture John 3:16 which states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

So as believers, what is our intent with love? To display love with our selfish motives or in the way God displayed it to the world, with purpose? As writers, our intent is to love as an expression through our creativity with the purpose of educating and inspiring those who read our stories. In 2020, I've already seen evidence of God's love through the miraculous union of couples and also through the creation of various projects, or as some would say, labors of love. I wrote a previous blog about loving our stories and the truths that are revealed in those stories. #JustWrite, it is evident that the time is now for us to express and create which displays our love for who God created us to be in the earth. Remember God's Word and love is unfailing and faithful. What will you express?









In His service,




Lequvia Ousley

The Write Seeds and Soil: A Time to Plant

Happy 2020 #JustWrite!! As soon as the new year came in, I saw many people on social media declare their many declarations and the things they wanted to accomplish. Let's be honest though, what we say we are going to do doesn't mean much if we're not working, sowing, and planting. This month we are talking about planting and it is very important that we understand the value of laying the foundation for our endeavors on purpose. Most importantly, we need to understand that the major foundation of planting are God's word and will which are the seeds and soil. A new year always brings reflection, thankfulness, and excitement for me knowing that a new year brings a fresh start and the opportunity to finish what was started in the previous year(s). In previous years, mainly the early 2000s, I remember having specific themes such as "I will be free in 2003" (technically I was with my high school graduation), "I will do more in 2004", and "Life will be bliss in 2006". You understand where I'm going right? Well after awhile, saying what I was going to do and not actually doing anything became really stale and years later I just had to decide to just do it!! I've learned that we grow when we do what makes us scared which moves us out of our comfort zone. That's when faith comes into play. So the question is, are we planting good seed in fertile ground (faithful mentality) or is it bad seed in shaky ground (fearful mentality)? Luke 6:48 says, "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock."As we make our plans, let's make sure we are planting and producing. In the midst of both, let's not forget to also pray and have faith that God will answer our prayers in His timing and will. James 2:26 says, "for as the body (church) without the spirit (God) is dead, so faith without works is dead also." 1Thessalonians 1:3 says, "remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father." 1Thessalonians 2:13 says, "For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe." Remember, the beautiful thing about planting is the fruit that comes forth after careful attention and patience. Anything that we set out to do and accomplish, firmly planted with good seed and soil, with patience and attention will bloom.



In His service,



Lequvia Ousley

The Write Solace: God's Peace When We Are Alone

Hello #JustWrite!! We made it to the last blog of 2019. Let's rejoice and thank God for bringing us to the end. I wanted to close this year by offering some encouragement. This time of the year can bring on feelings of loneliness and sadness for many of us as we celebrate the holidays. Also, there is a lot of crime that happens even more during this time of the year. It is very important that we let someone know how we are doing and if we're able to, be a support to our brothers and sisters.  Many are hurting and suffering silently and seeking solace. It's important that we know that we are not alone. I know many are not believers in Jesus Christ and God but for those of us who do believe, we must trust in God's Word. What a blessing it is to have God's Word as our guide and hope. Whenever I find myself feeling discouraged or alone, I always think of Psalms 91:1-2 which says, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” There's nothing like God's peace when we are alone. We need moments in our life to remind us that God is and will always be with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us, Deuteronomy 31:6.

What is solace? Solace is comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness. What is alone? Alone is having no one else present. As a writer, some of my best moments of solace happened when I was alone. As a child, it didn't take much to make me a happy. If no one was around, I always managed to create my own joy. As I became older, I began to struggle with being alone. It was until I recognized years later the difference between being lonely (feeling sad and unhappy about being socially isolated) and alone. Alone is a physical state and loneliness is a mental state. I was processing a lot back then that brought on those feelings of loneliness. It was that understanding of those feelings that brought me to my present place of comfort knowing that I can trust God and cast my cares upon Him. For those who believe, God is our answer to everything, even in the little things we think are not important. God cares about us. In our moments of despair and heartache, we must cry out to God and draw upon His strength and love. This has been a rough year for me and maybe for those who are reading, but we should thank God for everything good, bad, and indifferent, Romans 8:28. Life brings us so much but it is a journey. This holiday season, let's all be reminded of the comfort and joy that we have knowing God is our peace and He has us write where He wants us. Fellow scribes, have a wonderful holiday and see you all in 2020!!



In His service,



Lequvia Ousley

The Write Interpretation: Being Misunderstood

Hey #JustWrite!! We are in November, the 11th month. The number 11 in the bible symbolizes disorder, chaos and judgment and I don't know about you all but this month always reminds me of so much loss in my family and the blessing of seeing more family. I also notice a shift as well because it's the holiday seasons and it's always chaotic for me to see everyone at times but through everything, I make the most of my time with those I choose to see. Throughout the chaos, a lot of misunderstandings can happen from miscommunication. The same can be said about our writings. When we write, what messages are we saying and what messages are we interpreting? I know for me growing up in a small town where everybody knows everybody, I was always misunderstood because people felt like they already knew me. The truth is no one knew me, not even those close to me. It's like the saying goes, "don't judge a book by its cover."

 If you want to know something, just open the book up and take the time to read to understand. Never be fooled by the title (visual presentation), right? The good thing about being misunderstood is that as Christians it's by God's spirit and design that we are peculiar and misunderstood by the world. Everything in the world is chaos and discord. We are commanded and commissioned to be a light regardless of the roads we walk and the chapters we enter. The following article from Crosswalk states:

"When you are misunderstood, repeat these four sentences:

It's not about me. It's not about now.

It's all about God. It's all about eternity."

Last Friday evening, I was on a prayer call and one of the young ladies mentioned how we must focus on eternity and how everything we do or don't do affects us. I constantly have to remind myself that everything that I do now affects my eternity. The irony is that in writing and editing, we as scribes are always searching for clarity and interpretation. When we read something, we are always trying to understand the conveyed message immediately. In some cases, the message we're trying to look for takes time to understand and may not be the original intent of the author. That's what makes any kind of art special and unique.  When acclaimed filmmaker John Singleton passed away earlier this year, I shared a painting of his film, "Boyz N the Hood" on Instagram with the following caption: "As I remember John Singleton's life and many contributions to film, I'm completely enamored with the gift of writing and creativity among myself and my fellow creatives. We are risk takers and at times misunderstood with our gifts. I'm thankful for those gifts and the ability to support and appreciate my fellow creatives who flow in the same vein." My point is in a world full of chaos and discord, let us all not add to it and save the creative misunderstandings and interpretations for our books and other creative avenues. As sister Kim always says, let's "open up" and tell our stories: misunderstandings and all.



In His service,


Lequvia Ousley

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