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AJ Ouzts

“Boring” Testimony - The Formative Years: Life, Sin, & Death

“Boring” Testimony - The Formative Years: Life, Sin, & Death

People who know me, especially for the past five years, know I like to ask questions. One of my favorite questions to ask is what’s your testimony or what’s your story. I learned to ask this question the first time I met one of my friends from college’

Ouzts Reconciling a Lineage Part Three: Fractured Ideals

Ouzts Reconciling a Lineage Part Three: Fractured Ideals

I went to a private school from kindergarten to second grade. The three things we did daily were read the Bible, recite the pledge of allegiance, and sing America or 'My Country 'Tis of Thee.' As a kid, the words only held as much weight once I

Ouzts Reconciling a Lineage Part One: An Overview

Ouzts Reconciling a Lineage Part One: An Overview

April 21st, 2018, James Edward Ouzts, affectionately called Uncle Jimmy, passed on. Then, on January 4th, 2020, my grandfather, Lonnie Wilbert Ouzts, passed away. I had quite a few nicknames for him, such as pop or pop-a-song, and my favorite pop-arazzi. My grandmother or granny, my original (and most of

Ouzts Reconciling a Lineage Part Two: Cultural Affinity - Why Care

Ouzts Reconciling a Lineage Part Two: Cultural Affinity - Why Care

2020 was a unique year for most of the world. It reminded me of the past, both voluntary and forcibly. Voluntary through the fact that the world slowed down and reminiscing and reflection have their environment to thrive. But forcibly through the events that transpired through the year. The passing

Developing an Enigma

Developing an Enigma

For those who prefer to listen: Almost a decade ago now, my favorite teacher of all time, Mrs.Lee, gave me some unique insight into how I was/am sometimes perceived. It was my senior year in high school, and I was a part of this pre-engineering program through HS

Greater: Sic Parvis Magna

Greater: Sic Parvis Magna

I work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes here in Charleston, SC. One thing we do yearly is we have a theme for the year. Last year, it was Every, which I enjoyed. However, for 2023, the theme of Greater resonates a little more for me in a few ways.

The Depth of Names

The Depth of Names

As a person who likes to write, and likes words in general, I'm always looking at the depth and meaning of words. A specific word that shapes our identity is our name. I'm pretty sure most of us can relate when someone says you look like