The Write Governance: Understanding Self-Discipline

Hey #JustWrite and hello March!! Discipline. Discipline. Discipline. To some people, this word brings a sense of anxiety while to others, the word discipline provides a sense of momentum and drive. When I look at the word "discipline", I also see the word "disciple". One definition for discipline is, "the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience." Another definition is, "a branch of knowledge, typically one studied in higher education." The word "disciple" means, "a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher." We know this from the Twelve Apostles who followed Christ.  To be disciplined in something means to exercise self-control in the effort to be properly trained or skilled in something. To be discipled means a person commits to taking up his or her cross and following Christ to the very end. From a practical perspective, being discipled also means committing to following the teachings of a respective person or leader and putting those teachings to use in one's personal and professional life. The topic of focus and discipline as it relates to writing is discussed more here. 

This month's book club read is The Science of Self-Discipline by Peter Hollins. This book takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and a path to never give up. The focus of this read is to explore those things that take us away from having self-discipline: procrastination, excuses, temptations, and laziness. The author provides insight from his background and studies in psychology and peak human performance. The ultimate goal is to learn the tools needed to fully execute, produce, focus, and achieve levels of self-discipline. Join us on Tuesday, March 29th at 6pm and get ready to learn what motivates us, what drains us, and emotionally moves us as we dissect what it means to have self-discipline. This is the 'write' time to seek to understand so we can achieve our goals.

 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Love: Notions and Nuances

Hey #JustWrite!! Here we are in February again and discussing the topic of love. Love has been discussed here in previous posts ranging from loving our truths and stories, loving our writings, loving words, and repairing love and relationships. This month, we will explore the topic of love written from the perspective of love having a deeper meaning than romantic love and in different phases of life. Agape love often comes to mind when I think of love. The word agape is a Greek word in the New Testament that means "the fatherly love of God for humans", as well as the human reciprocal love for God. Agape love is considered the highest form of love compared to romantic and brotherly love. John 3:16 is a verse that summarizes the Gospel message. Agape is the word used for the love that moved God to send his only son for the world's redemption. This concept of love is embedded throughout the Bible. 

This month's book club read is, All About Love: New Visions from renowned author Bell Hooks, known for the poem, "Aint I a Woman?". The following are a few quotes through the years from Hooks as it relates to love and relationships: 

"Love is a combination of care, commitment, knowledge, responsibility, respect and trust."

― "Communion: The Female Search for Love"

"Living simply makes loving simple."

"To love well is the task in all meaningful relationships, not just romantic bonds."

― "All About Love: New Visions"

"Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape." USA Today

All About Love challenges readers to look beyond the notion of romantic love being the most important love to desire. It explores the beauty of self-love that evokes peace and compassion to our personal and public lives. It also showcases how love in its purest form comes in to transform ourselves, our communities, and our societies. The book goes more in depth discussing how the ideals of giving and receiving love that we have been conditioned to believe can at times bring a sense of failure. As believers, we all can agree that it is important to get back to the sole purpose God created love, a love that is patient and kind, a love that is infallible and radical. 

Join us on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 6pm with our hosts the Thompsons (brother Bernard and Elder Kimberly) along with co-hosts, the Barlows (brother Reginald and Elder Linda) as they bring ministry and insight on love as we journey through All About Love: New Visions. And as we come off of celebrating Valentine's Day, let's all be reminded to love one another as our Father God loves us.

I close with a short poem I composed:

Love
Everlasting
Quickens my spirit and soul
Under submission to God
Victorious as
I
Abide in Him

Love 365

Written 2/6/2022

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Radical: Understanding Crazy Faith

Hello #JustWrite and welcome 2022!! Let's dive right into this month's topic. What is faith? A general definition would be: 1. Faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something. 2. strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof. The bible speaks about faith in many verses but here is one that we all know: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1.

This verse reminds me of the analogy of air. We may not see it, but we feel and hear it and know that it is air. That's how faith works in our lives and circumstances. We remain hopeful in all things whether we see it instantly or not. What does it mean to have crazy faith? This month's book club selection is Crazy Faith: It's Only Crazy Until It Happens by renowned pastor and author, Michael Todd. Here's an excerpt from their overview:

"Pastor Michael Todd shows us how to step out in faith and dive into the purposeful life of trusting God for the impossible. Even if you have to start with baby faith or maybe faith, you can become empowered to let go of your lazy faith, trust God through your hazy faith, and learn to live a lifestyle of crazy faith."

We have many examples of crazy faith in the Bible, notably, the stories of Noah, Moses, and of course the birth of Jesus. These same biblical heroes are infused with stories of modern-day scenarios in Crazy Faith. The book will inspire you to do the following:

• believing the impossible
• choosing hope over fear
• being alert to the voice of God
• coping with loss and doubt
• developing a deeper level of trust in God
• speaking faith-filled declarations
• inspiring crazy faith in others

Join us on Tuesday, January 25th at 6pm as co-host Renee Carter shares her insight and brings the topic of crazy faith full circle as we navigate these crazy and uncertain times.  

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”
_Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Giving: Understanding the Generosity Factor (Time, Talent, and Treasure)

 Hey #JustWrite!! Woohoo!! We are at the end of 2021.  We are in another season of giving. Yes it's Christmastime, but I am speaking on another type of giving, the giving of one's time, talent, and treasure. I know during this time of the year, many are focused on gift-giving and festive gatherings. Let's not forget the precious meaning of giving: being of service to others through what has been given to us.  Of course, we must be led by what God is showing us. The core of Just Write for many years has been building relationships and the concept of netweaving which was introduced through our relationship with EICC. As we prepare to embrace the new year, it's very important that we take into account the necessity of intentional giving and fruitful relationships. What does it mean to give your time? One definition for time is, "the measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists." We've heard the phrase, "Time is Money." From a labor perspective this is true because hours worked at a specific time interval equates to an hourly wage. From a purpose perspective this is not true because one can possibly get money back if it's lost but can never get time back once it's gone. Remember our time is precious so we should be joyful in giving it back with our talents and treasures. Each of us has been bestowed with unique gifts to share within the Kingdom. This month's book club read is "The Generosity Factor: Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent, and Treasure" by authors, Ken Blanchard and Chick-fil-A founder, S. Truett Cathy.  Many of us define success in different ways whether it's inspiration from our favorite thought leaders or from lessons learned through our unique experiences. We have also seen where one can be a public success and private failure. The Generosity Factor puts a creative spin on the subject matter as a parable unfolds between two characters, one who dreams of being successful while feeling indifferent and another who is successful because of the success principles that drive his life, hence the name, the 'Generosity Factor.'

Join us on Tuesday, December 28 at 6pm with our host, Tricia Scott as she provides her insight on the beauty of being generous. May we all understand that generosity is by God's design. I close with a quote from the blog, Generosity NY on why the concept of generosity is important to God: 

"Generosity is our opportunity to serve the purpose of our Creator. Our generosity towards each other is a tool which God uses to create abundance. When we practice authentic generosity, we are lending ourselves and our capabilities as vehicles for the Lord’s work.

If we give them to Him, God will use our talents, our time, our resources and everything about us to do His work on earth. By sharing what we have with others, we are giving a gift to God, by serving him in the creation of abundance where there was once scarcity."

Matthew 6:1-2

Remember your presence with others is valued more than the presents to others for it is your greatest gift given and received.

Merry Christmas and see you all in 2022!!

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Manual: Building an Outstanding Black Family

 Hello #JustWrite!! The topic of relationships and having a strong village within our community has been a constant topic as we come into another holiday season with loved ones. As we gather with family in the next few weeks for Thanksgiving, it is a great time to reflect on how to continue to connect and build up our families. We all can agree that we live in a society where there wasn't a clear cut manual on how to parent. We have thrived off of traditions, rituals, and superstitions as it relates to life, family, community, and just survival. As I think about family, I came across the following biblical verses that speak on family: 

“As for husbands, love your wives just like Christ loved the church and gave himself for her.” — Ephesians 5:25

“Honor your father and your mother so that your life will be long on the fertile land that the Lord your God is giving you.” — Exodus 20:12

“As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; in Jerusalem you will be comforted.” — Isaiah 66:13

“Parents, don’t provoke your children in a way that ends up discouraging them.” — Colossians 3:21

“My son, keep your father’s command; don’t abandon your mother’s instruction.” — Proverbs 6:20

“Friends love all the time, and kinsfolk are born for times of trouble.” — Proverbs 17:17

“Those who say, ‘I love God’ and hate their brothers or sisters are liars. After all, those who don’t love their brothers or sisters whom they have seen can hardly love God whom they have not seen!” — 1 John 4:20

These scriptures speak to the different levels of family from spouses, parents, children, and extended such as neighbors and church family. 

This month's book club discussion will visit this topic on the same level in the book, 

The Black Family - How To Build an Outstanding One: How a Man Can Build a Strong Powerful Relationship with Your Children, Your Family, Your Loved Ones and Your Peers

Join Just Write on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 6pm. Bring your questions and invite someone who needs to hear the message. 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Self-Care: Black Mental Health and Emotional Wellness

Hello #JustWrite and hello again October!! We are in the final stretch of 2021 and the topic of mental health has resurfaced again. The blog has touched on this topic a few times through the years and more specifically in the Black community. Again, for those who don't know, October 10th is World Mental Day where everyone in the world brings awareness of the importance of having self-care regimes. When it comes to the topic of mental health, particularly in the Black community, it tends to be a taboo topic because many struggle privately and feel scrutinized if they share their battles publicly. A lot of our battles begin in the mind before it becomes spiritual and physical. A lot of trauma within the black community has come from what our minds have processed with the lack of discussion and proper care/guidance for healing. Living in a digital, social media world, there have been many celebrities and influencers who have been open about their mental health. Now it's time to have a more in depth discussion for those who are suffering silently who may or may not have the same access for help. This month's book club read is  "The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health" by author Dr. Rheeda Walker. The book explores unequal systems, provides tools for emotional wellness, and suggests strategies to navigate racism and discrimination.    

In 2021, we as a community have seen enough issues and situations that have triggered many memories of past traumas, known and unknown. Most of us were taught about the atrocities of slavery and oppression in this country and the way we tend to view ourselves stems from what has occurred but never discussed or examined. In some instances we make decisions and respond to issues based on what we are facing instead of considering the outcome. Dr. Walker's book will dive deeper into helping readers to understand their mental health through the eyes of the Black experience from a somber past, eventful present, to a hopeful future. Join Just Write on Tuesday, October 26 at 6pm as host Pastor Ron Sailor leads the discussion on how to be unapologetic with one's mental health. It's time to heal and experience a freedom, holistically, mentally, and spiritually. Be free, unapologetically.

In His Service,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Influence: Leadership Through Tribes

 Hey #JustWrite!! It's September and once again we are nearing the end of another Quarter. As we near another chapter, let's discuss the word, "tribe". Honestly when I think of tribes, I think of the group of people that I descended from in the Bible and my immediate family history which includes the Native American tribes and African lineage I've been accustomed to learning in addition to what other genes are within my family tree. On another note, when I think of the word, "tribe", I think of a group of faithful people that have my back and best interests at heart. Those tribes are sisterfriends, business collaborators, and those I share similar interests with. I consider the Just Write Support group and The Write Team (fellow collaborators for Just Write) as two of the many tribes I'm blessed to be a part of. Historically, with a tribe, there tends to be one leader who is guiding the people to a desired goal. I have been fortunate to be a part of these two tribes where we are all seen as leaders. As writers, regardless if we are a newbie or seasoned, the ability to share our thoughts and voice in written form creates a space to be a leader. I was reminded of this quote from Pinterest, "With Jesus, there are no big “I’s” or little “you’s.” The ground is truly level at the foot of the cross. No matter who you are or where you come from, we all have a place in Jesus." I wholeheartedly agree with this statement as we all need to be reminded that we are special and significant in Christ's eyes. As we navigate another year of the pandemic, it is important that we inspire and encourage each other through these hard times personally, professionally, and spiritually. This year, specifically today's date makes year 7 for me as the blogmaster of Just Write and I can truly say I am fortunate and blessed to be surrounded by leaders from all walks of life who inspire and encourage me to walk in my respective calling as a scribe. 

This month's book club is centered on the book, Tribes by author Seth Godin. The book describes how we as a people can rise to the occasion and by pass the barriers that were previously set before the era of the internet came into existence. Because of social media, blogs, and other online platforms, people have more access and the ability to be leaders, changing the trajectory of what it means to be a leader. We all have the same 24 hours and we all have the ability to lead. Join Just Write on September 28 at 6pm with our host Kimberly Thompson as she discusses her thoughts on leadership within our respective tribes. Come ready and prepared to be revived and inspired to push through hindrances and embrace leadership.

  

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley