I have a Youtube playlist where I read aloud from 19th Century American literary texts, and I thought I’d share those here. In addition to reading the texts, I add my own commentary and analysis. I hope you enjoy them.
Category: critical engagement
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His Favorite Crayon
People are like God’s box of crayons. Each one is a little different from the one next to it, and each one has a purpose for which it was uniquely designed. God didn’t create you to color like everyone else. He created you to draw a picture and write a story that are yours and only yours.
So today, journal about the unique picture and story that is you. What experiences, success, failures, hopes, dreams, and disappointments have aligned to bring you to the exact space you are in right this very moment? Write about that and marvel at how you are God’s favorite crayon.
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Be Strong and Courageous
Yesterday my pastor preached from Joshua 1:7-8, and this morning Joshua 1:9 was my devotional scripture. I know something is up when God meets me multiple days in a row with the same scripture passage. And I thought He might need you to read it, too.
So today’s journal prompt is Joshua 1:7-9
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
In your journal today, write the following questions and phrases to God, and write how you hear Him responding.
- Lord, what do You have on the horizon that I need to be strong and courageous?
- Help me to obey Your guidance.
- Teach me how to study and meditate on Your word.
- Help me not be afraid or discouraged.
- Where are You taking me?
- Thank You for being with me wherever I go.
- Prepare me for the places You have prepared for me.
And add your own questions and phrases. The above suggestions are simply a starting point. Let God lead you where He needs you to be in your journaling for today.
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2020 COVID Chronicles
What’s your story?
Everyone has stories, lots of them. Stories from your childhood, stories about your children, stories of love, stories of loss. The women of the world have so many stories, and I want to collect and share them.
I have a publication on Medium called LELA. Currently, it’s just me telling my stories, but I am opening it up so you can tell your stories, too. LELA will be a platform for everyday women, like you and me, to tell the stories of our lives, education, literacy, and art & creativity.
For this initial installment, I’m looking for your stories about 2020. I’m calling it 2020 COVID Chronicles.
2020 has been an extraordinary year. During a pandemic, we have all experienced challenges and changes in our relationships, parenting, mobility, freedom, religious observances, masks, groceries, and hoarding (hello, toilet paper!). Additionally, we’ve done all of this on a national and international backdrop of race and gender inequities, overburdened systems (such as healthcare, education, and politics), and natural disasters.
And in the midst of this, you have a story to tell – a story about your own experiences. Writing your story could prove cathartic for you; we all need space and opportunity to wrestle with our emotions and circumstances. Sharing your story in the LELA publication will help other women find community and insight. Publishing our 2020 COVID Chronicles will also serve as a primary historical document that records actually lived experiences of this unique time in history.
Are you interested in publishing your 2020 COVID Chronicle in LELA? Below are the steps to do so.
- Write your story.
- Contact me with your Medium username, by using the contact form below.
- Don’t worry if you don’t have a medium account. It’s free and easy to write and publish on Medium. You can find instructions on creating an account here. (It’s also possible to get paid to publish on Medium; you’ll find linked articles that explain how.)
- I’ll add you as a LELA writer.
- Then you can submit your story.
- Submission deadline is January 4, 2021 (but you don’t have to wait until then).
Do you want to write your story, but you need a little help? I’m here for you! Sign up for a free life writing coaching session to see what it’s all about, and we can discuss how best to partner together moving forward. You may just want one coaching session to review your entire piece. Or maybe you want several sessions, so we can brainstorm, organize, draft, and revise your story. I’m available to help you make your story shine!
Please note, you DO NOT have to work with me as a life writing coach to submit a piece for publication in LELA. I’m just here to give you a little help if you need it. Writing can be scary, and sharing your writing with the world can be even scarier. Life writing coaching can help you build confidence and courage in your writing.
If you have questions, please post them in the comment section. If you have a question, someone else probably has the same question. Posting questions in the comments will help everyone access the Q&A. If your questions are more personal, however, please feel free to contact me using the form below.
I can’t wait to read your stories!
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Our Nig by Harriet Wilson – Ch 12, Video 12
I have a Youtube playlist where I read aloud from 19th Century American literary texts, and I thought I’d share those here. In addition to reading the texts, I add my own commentary and analysis. I hope you enjoy them.
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Our Nig by Harriet Wilson – Ch 11, Video 11
I have a Youtube playlist where I read aloud from 19th Century American literary texts, and I thought I’d share those here. In addition to reading the texts, I add my own commentary and analysis. I hope you enjoy them.
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Roshaunda’s Doctoral Journey
Check out the next episode of Real & Raw with Roshaunda where I tell the story of my doctoral journey. Please comment below to share your experiences. And if you’re in the middle of it, let me know that, too. I’m here to help.
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Our Nig by Harriet Wilson – Ch 10, Video 10
I have a Youtube playlist where I read aloud from 19th Century American literary texts, and I thought I’d share those here. In addition to reading the texts, I add my own commentary and analysis. I hope you enjoy them.

