We had the good fortune of connecting with Ja Lessa Bonds and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ja Lessa, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Psalm 46:5: “God is within her. She will not fail!”

This bible verse is one that sticks with me everywhere I go.

In my short 33 years of life, I have experienced things that most people would not survive. From childhood trauma, to heartbreaks to a life changing health diagnosis, you name it…no one would ever know the battles I have won. All of it is due to God and the strength HE has instilled in me; also, the talent he blessed me with. I’m something like a wordsmith!
When I think about my passion for writing, I have to sit and think about my “why?” Why do I continue to aim for something that I know will take time to achieve? It’s because I have something to say. My words can literally change the world and I’m here for it! God has gotten me through so many things, and he will continue to do so. He is within me, and as long as that is true, I know that nothing can stand in my way. No enemy shall prosper, the whispers will be silenced. The doubt will be negated. His faith and selfless love are constant reminders, much like this quote, that as long as He is for me, I will soar amongst the rest.

I can be knocked down 99 times. You will witness me rise up 100 times because of the grace of God.

“God is within her. She will not fail!” Psalm 46:5

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The project that I’m most excited about is a children’s series that I am concocting! I released the first book of the series in August of 2020. While it was a crazy year, it still had its exciting moments; this was mine! Ever since I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, it has been a mission of mine to find the easiest, most precise explanation of the illness so that the kids in my life could understand. I don’t envy parents that have to deal with these types of situations because words fail you the most in times of hardship. “Through the Eyes Of A Child” is a series dedicated to taking the burden off the shoulders of the adults in the situation. I break the words down and add pictures for the ones that really need an illustration to explain it. During this process though, I was also mindful of the different races and ethnicities that may come across my stories. I want everyone to feel included because that’s what I’m about. Everyone will be able to see someone that looks like them so that they can see these illnesses don’t discriminate, so why do we? Becoming a known author is never an easy road. I think the only time that it works out that way is if you already have a foot in the door. It has not been easy, but I just keep my faith because I already expected a process. Things are worth so much more when you have to put all the sweat and muscle into it! I’d have to say that throughout life, that has been a thought process for me. Just because something is easy to attain doesn’t mean that it’s worth having. Just because you have something, that doesn’t mean you should just be content with that. I’ve been knocked down so many times, but I have been able to stand back up again because of the ambition and drive that lives within me. I believe that working hard, treating people right and believing in God (or whatever religion you have) will always get you to the other side. The trick is understanding and accepting that it won’t be on YOUR time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If this were pre-COVID, I would definitely go to Dallas and Fort Worth. I love love love shopping, even if I’m not buying anything! North Park Mall and Highland Village shopping center are sights to see all on their own. There’s shopping, fine dining and even art on display at each of these locations. These would not be the main attractions though. The art districts in both of these cities are PHENOMENAL! So, I would start at the DMA and just go to as many of the museums down there in that area. The illusion museum, The Holocaust Museum, and the Dallas Aquarium. Then the other end of the week would be spent in Fort Worth at the Kimball Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum would be the top two stops! Then we would hit up the newly built Shops at Clearfork. There is a restaurant there called Fixe Southern House, They have a really nice amaretto sour and Brioche French toast. Then we could do some shopping and hanging out on a patio out there while we catch up on life. Food is a very important aspect of every vacation. A bad meal can equal to a bad time sometimes. While in Dallas, I would be doing my bestie a disservice if I didn’t take her to the popular Fuel City for the amazing street tacos! There’s a hidden BBQ gem, not in Dallas, but totally worth the drive. It’s called Hutchin’s BBQ. You can’t go wrong with anything that you order on the menu. Then for an evening hang out, I would show her Trinity Grove which has even more restaurants and bars to choose from, including a very special Cake Bar. I don’t drink, so the cake bar is the best bar to be at in my book!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom has been the constant rock in my life’s story. No matter where I am or what I need, she always finds a way to show up! And she’s not just like that with me, she is that light for so many other people as well! I also credit a lot of it to the the church family and lifelong friends that have my back in all ways!

Website: https://www.jalessabonds.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsofawarrior/

Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsofawarrior/

Other: www.thoughtsofawarrior.com

Image Credits
Picture with orange dress was taken by photographer Allison Bonds

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