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

The Write Response: A Time to Come Together

Hey #JustWrite!! We are into a month of our COVID-19 quarantine and I pray that we are remaining safe, vigilant, and prayerful during this time. I admit this has been one of the best times for me in terms of being still, staying focused, and getting rest. I know for some it's difficult not being able to be among family and friends while engaging in normal activities. Prior to this, I found myself very frustrated with the world system in terms of education, church, government, and economics, the many institutions that have been flipped upside down. Honestly, after this passes, I don't see myself going back to the way things were. Everything that has transpired up until this point has brought a sense of thankfulness and memories of how faithful God has been in my life. I pray many take this opportunity to really think through how they want to spend their time moving forward and advancing the Kingdom. For those who believe, it's time for us to seriously come together for the common good of serving God. I've heard many say that it's all about how you respond to a situation that brings forth growth and change. That statement is very true. As humans, it is natural for us to complain about what's happening around us. Before writing this, I prayed intentional prayers as the rain and thunder were coming down outside. I distinctly prayed that we would not be complacent in where we are spiritually and that we would desire to seek God's face in spirit and in truth. Our normal way of doing things would be overshadowed by our desires to see God's hand in everything.  In the midst of all that has happened in the last month, I am thankful and blessed to see many people come together during this time. Personally, I've enjoyed connecting and reconnecting with others through social media and fellowships/teachings via Zoom (virtual parties and tutoring) and Google Hangouts (Bible studies). Although I miss the physical aspect of visiting loved ones, this has been an amazing time for me in terms of thanking God for the opportunities to see family and friends in the last few years even when I was tired or dealing with my own situations. Even when things go back to 'normal', I would still like to be creative in how I spend my time with everyone. The Bible speaks to our response in coming together in so many ways with the foundation of God's love. 

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2, ESV.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ..." 1 John 4:7-21, ESV.

 "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.

The following verse speaks to what's happening now: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:31-34, ESV.

More verses on coming together are found here: https://www.openbible.info/topics/coming_together_as_one

In closing, stay prayerful, be encouraged during this time, count your blessings, and don't forget to be creative with your writing projects. See you all in the next blog.



In His service,



Lequvia Ousley

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