I Speak Life

Indepth Interview with Emilia Bywaters on Daily Nuggets Podcast.

Interview on Arrows Internet Radio as part of the Activate Core Virtual Book Tour. Interviewer was Brother Noel Campbell. The name of the book is "From Ruins to Revival: A Call to Intense Prayer and Intimacy with God".

 Virtual Book Tour By Latoya Jackson-Tulloch“Transforming lives, one conversation at a time.”1. Introduction Hello and welcome!My name is Latoya Jackson-Tulloch, and I am so honored to be here with you today as part of this incredible virtual book tour. I’m a published author, ministry leader, worship minister, and speaker—based in beautiful Jamaica, but with a heart that beats for the nations. I’m also the founder of I Speak Life Ministries, whose tagline is “Transforming lives, one conversation at a time”. This is  a space dedicated to helping others find healing, hope, and purpose through the power of faith and storytelling. I'm passionate about equipping people to walk boldly on purpose, heal from past wounds, and pursue intimacy with God. Whether you’re just meeting me or have followed my journey, I pray something in this conversation stirs you.2. Background Information (Approx. 4–5 minutes)I grew up in rural Jamaica in a district called New Market, and I went to the Beersheba All Age school and then on to the Black River High School. I am currently pursuing a 1st Degree at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean in the area of Applied Psychology. I have always told myself that nothing in life is easy to get. Therefore I push against the odds at all times. Life wasn’t always easy. We didn’t always have electricity or running water while growing up. But it was these difficult times that has instilled an appreciation for the little things in life. From an early age, I felt the pull of God’s hand on my life. I got baptised at the age of 11 and have dedicated my life to the service of the Lord since then. I would often write little stories and prayers in notebooks—never realizing that one day I’d become a published author encouraging others. I’ve worn many hats over the years: student, mentor, mother, minister, friend. And all of these roles have added layers to my calling. I remember reading novels and using my imagination to take me to places in those books. I would use the light of the home-sweet-home lamp to read my books as we didn't yet have electricity. My mother left a large suitcase of books because she was an avid reader like me. I usually took one day to finish one book, sitting down and only moving when nature called or when granny said that i had to do something in the house. During my life I have faced rejection at every phase that I can remember…and this rejection crippled my progress for a very long time. I was afraid to step out because of fear of not being good enough. But when God has his hand on a person, it does not matter what mountain stands before them, it has to eventually move. I am very thankful for God ordained destiny helpers who have encouraged, pushed and motivated me. One of the life-changing experiences that I faced was when I went blind temporarily due to preeclampsia during childbirth. That moment tested everything I believed—and yet, it also gave birth to deeper trust, clearer vision, and greater purpose. Out of that season came a book that will soon be published entitled “Lessons in Trusting God: When I Lost My Sight.” My life has been a mix of trials and triumphs—but through it all, God has been faithful.3. Writing Journey I never set out to become an author. I was simply journaling through pain and processing life. I remember in high school I would write stories and my teachers would be so amazed. All I did was write based on the theme that was given. With a very overactive imagination, it was easy to coin a story in minutes. I started writing poems from I was a teenager expressing my feelings and using my writings as an outlet for the myriad of painful experiences that I would go through. But over time, those private pages became public testimonies. I realized there were people like me—women, leaders, believers—sitting in silence, battling rejection, abuse, shame, stagnation, or spiritual dryness. I knew I had to speak up.My first book that I wrote which will be published soon is entitled, “Get Up and Go! No More Delays,”  and this was born out of a personal struggle with procrastination and fear. This book contains some of the poems that I wrote from I was a child. I realized I had been sitting on my gifts for too long, waiting for the "perfect time." Through scripture, prayer, and bold action, I wrote that book not just for others—but for myself too. I know that when it is published it will help many persons to move out of delay. Let's talk about the book that has been published: “From Ruins to Revival: A Call to Intense Prayer and Intimacy with God.” This book was born in a season of deep intercession and divine confrontation. I was asked to preach at church and when I went before the Lord, the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel was what he highlighted to me. You see, there are times when we have placed other gods before the true and living God. we have allowed others to lead us away from the presence of the Lord. to make it more simple to understand, we don't pray as we used to, we don't spend time in the word, we no longer tell anyone about Jesus Christ, nor do we share with others the things that God has done in our lives. We have allowed worldly things to distract us and we have wandered further away from his presence. The purpose of man was to have a relationship with their creator and this has been evident from the book of Genesis. So this book is a simple call to return to the place from whence we have left. I had to rebuild my own spiritual altar—and God challenged me to call others to do the same. So If your altar has been neglected, It's time to rebuild.Every book has been a journey of obedience. I write from a place of healing and honesty, drawing from personal experience, clinical insight, and biblical wisdom. Writing is both ministry and therapy for me.4. Themes in My Books Each of my books explores deep, transformative themes that I believe are urgent for this generation.🕊️ From Ruins to RevivalThis book is a clarion call to rebuild the altar of the Lord in our personal lives, families, and churches. 🔥 1. Spiritual Rebuilding and RestorationThe central metaphor of the book is the rebuilding of spiritual "ruins"—broken altars, neglected prayer lives, wounded hearts, and lost intimacy with God. Readers are called to return to foundational faith and allow God to reconstruct their spiritual lives.🙏 2. Intense Prayer and IntercessionA strong theme throughout is the call to deep, consistent, and sacrificial prayer. I emphasized the need for believers to move beyond surface-level devotion and engage in travailing, prophetic, and strategic intercession.💔 3. Brokenness as the Path to RevivalI attempt to guide readers through the idea that personal and corporate revival often comes through seasons of pain, repentance, and breaking. God uses the ruins of our lives as the starting point for revival.💡 4. Awakening and UrgencyThere’s a prophetic urgency in the tone of the book—calling the Church and individual believers to wake up spiritually, prepare for the return of Christ, and stop delaying obedience.🕊️ 5. Intimacy with GodTrue revival is portrayed not as a public spectacle, but as a private renewal of love, obedience, and communion with God. I invite readers to pursue intimacy through quiet time, worship, and heart-to-heart surrender.🛠️ 6. Rebuilding the AltarThis is both literal and symbolic—restoring consistent devotional lives, spiritual disciplines, and family altars. It’s about reestablishing God as the center of everything.🪔 7. Identity and Purpose RediscoveryAs God revives and rebuilds, readers are encouraged to rediscover their identity in Christ and walk boldly in their Kingdom assignment, no longer living as victims of past failures or delays.📖 8. Scriptural Reflection and ApplicationEach section is infused with biblical examples, prophetic symbolism, and reflective insights, challenging the reader to apply the Word practically and personally.This book can be used by small groups, churches, and individuals across Jamaica and beyond for discussions, Prayer sessions and Quiet Contemplations.Key Scripture: “If my people, who are called by my name…” (2 Chronicles 7:14) Other Devotionals and JournalsI’ve also created “Rebuilding the Altar: A 30-Day Devotional and Prayer Journal” which will be used alongside “From Ruins to Revival”. These devotionals are tools to guide you day by day into deeper intimacy with God.5. Book Links You can find all my books on Amazon. Just search for my name: Latoya Jackson-Tulloch. You may also make contact with me via email at mailto:[email protected] or contact me by whatsapp at 8762472985. You will soon be able to purchase from my website at  🌐https://ispeaklifeministries.comThere, you’ll also find resources, event updates, and my blog.6. Social Media Handles (Approx. 1–2 minutes)Let’s stay connected!📘 Facebook:https://facebook.com/ispeaklifenow1 📸 Instagram:https://instagram.com/lattyvictoriousjt 🎥 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@ispeaklifelatoyajt5098

My name is Latoya Jackson-Tulloch and I am an author, worship minister, intercessor, Mother of 2 and Wife of One.I grew up in rural Jamaica in a district called New Market, and I went to the Beersheba All Age school and then on to the Black River High School. I am currently pursuing a 1st Degree at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean in the area of Applied Psychology. I grew up with my grandmother and got saved at age 11. Most of my life I have been in church serving in the capacities of Praise and Worship, choir, Women’s Ministry, Preaching, Intercession, planning and writing different pieces for Meditation, plays and Poetry Night.1. Can you share your inspiration behind your specific book and how the idea came to fruition?The book was written based on the story in 1 Kings 18 I saw a lack in the church, where we stopped seeking God the way that we used to and the power that used to be evident in the church was no longer there. I started doing my research and out of this along with a request to speak at church one sunday came the word “Rebuild the Altar. Elijah on Mount Carmel calling a nation back to God - Jezebel and AhabChurch had stopped prayingI had stopped seekingInternal battles (overworked, dealing with rejection)2. How does your personal background or experiences influence the themes and characters in your writing?So even though this is the first book published, this is not the only thing that i am working on.I am working on a book called Ms Jus Granddaughter, where i highlight stories of life growing up in Rural Jamaica. Stories about helping grandma to move the cow, to plant the fields, market day, water day, walking to school and church life. Now the characters in this story would be shaped by my personal background, my experiences and these would definitely influence the themes in that book.Most of my writings are influenced by the experiences that I have gone through over the years. Most times this is how the Lord deals with me…through the experiences and then i am prompted to put them in either poetry form or a story.I grew up in rural Jamaica, where faith, family, and community were central. Those early experiences shaped my understanding of resilience, struggle, and spiritual heritage. My journey—especially my moments of loss, including the traumatic experience of temporary blindness and deep rejection—deeply influences my writing. You won’t find fictional characters in From Ruins to Revival, but you will find my heart, my wounds, and my restoration journey reflected throughout. Every theme—like rebuilding, repentance, and intimacy with God—was lived before it was written. (Get up and Go my personal experience has influenced what i wrote)3. What challenges did you face during the writing process, and how did you overcome them?Self doubt/What am i writing, does it make sense/will anyone read my bookTime constraint/Balancing work/church/family/school/marriageOne of the greatest challenges was emotional vulnerability. Writing a book like this meant revisiting some very painful seasons of my life. There were moments I had to pause and simply weep before God. Another challenge was balancing writing with all my other responsibilities—ministry, work, family. But I overcame it through disciplined time in prayer, accountability, and sheer obedience to the call. God gave grace for every moment I wanted to quit.4. Are there any particular authors or books that have significantly influenced your writing style or storytelling approach?Valentine RodneyNicholas RobertsonT.D. JakesStormie OmartianDefinitely. Authors like Stormie Omartian and Priscilla Shirer have influenced my approach to spiritual writing—balancing scriptural depth with relatable experience. I also admire T.D. Jakes for his transparent yet empowering voice. On the literary side, I draw from the narrative depth of Caribbean writers who capture our culture with authenticity. I try to weave all of that into a voice that feels both grounded and prophetic.5. Can you discuss the significance of the title of your book and how it encapsulates the essence of your work?A life without the hand of God will result in ruins. A nation that moves from the direction of following God’s voice to following idols will end up in ruins.When the place of prayer is broken down, your life will end up in ruins because the place from which you make decisions will be that of self and there is no voice of God to lead you.This book is a call to come back to the presence of the Lord. So often we wander away…sometimes without us realising.When we have realised, we feel as though we have gone too far. But he is reminding us that we can come back to him. The prodigal son went away, but then he came back to his senses…and returned home.Many have been wandering in the dark, unsure of where they are going…but if you would turn around and head back to his presence, you will see your life being transformed as soon as you begin the repairing process. It's not just about revival in a church service; it’s about personal awakening, restoration of purpose, and rekindling one’s first love for God. 6. How do you engage with your readers and incorporate their feedback into your writing process? So when i was writing, there were two persons who were my sounding boards: Nicole Littlejohn and my husband ‘Al’. I would write a chapter and they would read it and tell me if it made sense.Outside of that, I started podcasting with my poems and the responses were very good. I plan to do the same thing with this book…I have already put together the materials to begin the podcast for From Ruins to Revival. Title:  Rebuilding the Altar: A 30-Day Devotional & Prayer Journal. I am also very much on social media, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube.7. In what ways do you think literature and storytelling can impact society or bring about change?Everyone wants to hear the testimonies of others who have overcome a challenge that they are facing. When i just got saved, i wanted to hear how the missionary overcame temptation when she was my age.Its the same thing with writing. People read stories to see how others have overcome. Even if it is fiction, we want to know how the hero won the battle or how the guy got the girl. Everyone wants to hear a story of triumph.Women who have been abused and are still in these abusive relationships, they want to hear how another woman overcame…how did they transition from being a victim to become a victor. So as we tell our different stories and the audience reads, then each story begins to change the very essence of the society that we live in. Literature holds the power to awaken, confront, and heal. When stories are honest and rooted in truth, they give people permission to feel, to process, and to hope again. Especially in faith-based writing, storytelling becomes a ministry tool—it restores faith, provokes prayer, and challenges complacency. In societies like ours where silence often surrounds trauma or spiritual drift, storytelling breaks the silence and invites people back to the heart of God.8. Are there recurring symbols in your work that hold special meaning to you? If so, could you elaborate on them?When i was writing the book, i realise that Elijah did not get new stones to build a new altar. He used the same stones that were scattered from the broken down altar on Mount Carmel. He invited the people to help to repair the altar. It was significant to me because the people had to have a hand in repairing and restoring of what was broken down.Dont expect to be lifted up and taken back to the altar. You have to be willing to come. You have to be willing to repair that which you neglected.God is always calling us back…but we have a responsibility to respond to the call.The Altar symbolised a place of surrender, sacrifice, dying, and a place of Fire…symbolizing revival. The more you engage the altar the more the fire of God will come. 9. How do you ensure the authenticity and accuracy of cultural or historical aspects portrayed in your writing?I write from lived experience, so much of the cultural texture—Jamaican spirituality, our language, and our way of worship—comes naturally. But I also make sure to double-check biblical references and theological concepts through study and counsel. I believe authenticity isn’t just about accuracy; it’s about integrity. I honor my culture and my faith by being careful not to misrepresent them, while still making my work accessible to international audiences.10. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are looking to embark on their own literary journeys?Everyone has a story to tell. Your story has value. Your story has its place. Your story has its audience. Writing is not always easy…its a journey that takes time, effort, sometimes tears. But just like when you are almost at the end of your journey and there are butterflies in your stomach and that excitement in your steps, its the same thing when you are almost at the end of the last chapter. Be disciplined; make an effort to write everyday even for an hour. Surround yourself with people who are positive and who will encourage you.I wrote a poem entitled Do it Scared…and i will encourage you to write even when you feel afraid and that little voice is in your head saying no one will read your book.You dont know the life that your story can impact…so whatever you do, start writing and keep at it until you have completed the book.

Activate Core Book Tour has given me the great opportunity to promote my book entitled "From Ruins to Revival:  A Call to Intense Prayer and Intimacy with God".Book ThemesMy books carry recurring themes of restoration, healing, spiritual intimacy, and overcoming life’s setbacks through faith. Titles like From Ruins to Revival, Get Up and Go! No More Delays, and Lessons in Trusting God: When I Lost My Sight explore what it means to rise from brokenness and live intentionally with divine purpose. I integrate testimony, biblical principles, and practical reflection, making my work accessible to readers at any stage of their faith walk. Inspiration Behind the BookEach book I write is inspired by real-life experiences, either personal or observed in ministry. For instance, From Ruins to Revival was birthed from a season of intense personal prayer and spiritual rebuilding. Get Up and Go! came from watching so many delay their destinies out of fear, doubt, or past trauma. I write to let people know:God is not finished with you. You can still rise.Themes in the BookSpiritual Rebuilding and Restoration Intense Prayer and Intercession Brokenness as the Path to Revival Awakening and UrgencyIntimacy with GodRebuilding the AltarIdentity and Purpose RediscoveryScriptural Reflection and Application Projects OngoingI am currently leading a 21-Day Intercession Challenge with a dedicated group of prayer warriors, and we are rebuilding spiritual altars in our homes and churches. I’m also actively building the I Speak Life Ministries platform—which includes a blog, devotional content, and podcasting. We are launching mentoring sessions, online courses on praise and worship ministry, and preparing to host conferences and retreats.Future Books / ProjectsSeveral books are in development! One is titled Breaking the Chains: God’s Heart for the Abused Woman, which will address abuse in Christian marriages from a biblical, psychological, and societal lens. I’m also working on a children’s book series called Miss Juss Granddaughter: Her Story, which highlights the joys and lessons of growing up in the Jamaican countryside. Another exciting project is Reconciliation: When You’re Ready to Come Back, written to support those who’ve backslidden and are finding their way home to God.Social Media PlatformsYou can connect with me and follow my work through the following platforms:Facebook: facebook.com/ispeaklifenow1Instagram: @lattyvictoriousjtYouTube: @ispeaklifelatoyajt5098Email: [email protected]: www.ispeaklifeministries.com (coming soon)@ispeaklifelatoyajt5098https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHDSQccnfshYra0tljYBleghttps://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/SXZpElVTyxb

So often we allow the pain of the past to act as a blockage from moving forward. Trauma is such a blockage that can trap a person into a place of stagnancy. But know that what happened in your past is not your fault.

In the midst of adversity there is always that feeling to stop fighting and give up. But how will you know what is on the other side of the struggle if you do not go through all of the experience? Simply put: to persevere means to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no indication of success. I know what if feels like to be pushing with no indication that anything will work. But the fighter in me will not allow me to quit in the midst of the struggle.

It is your duty to ensure that you attempt to resolve the issues that comes your way daily. Refuse to allow things to go unattended and unresolved. The danger with this is that you can lose valuable friendships over a simple misunderstanding. You can lose a loved one because you misread into things that were said. Never assume; ask questions and get clarity. Let us utilize the art of speaking kindly to each other and daily introspect to see if our response was warranted in that manner when we last spoke to each other. Never be too proud to apologise when you have found out that you were wrong. So are there persons that you may need to make contact with to make right something that had gone wrong? If you can think of issues that you have caused to fester within you because of something that you misconstrued, you may need to seek audience with the person to have it resolved. As noted earlier nothing is wrong with seeking assistance from a mutual person to act as a mediator. The bottom line is that life is too short to allow things to be festering in your system without you seeking to have it resolved. Wearing a mask and ignoring it will not change the fact that it is unresolved.

Have you ever felt the tugging of his presence on your heart? It is him calling you back to the place of prayer. There are persons in Christendom who are desiring revival. How do we get revival? It is not by the different churches that we align ourselves to. Nor is it based on the connections that we have with persons of influence. A revival is not predicated on how eloquently we can verbalise our messages or our speeches. It is not based on the money that we can raise by becoming philanthropists. A revival happens when the church returns to God and rebuilds the broken down altar. To be more clearer, it is when each person individually return to God and and repent. Then when we come together collectively, the fire of God will come. You may ask how do I carry out this task when it has been so long that I have been out of place? Many people have experienced this hesitation in coming back to God. This is because we are seeing God as how we see our fellow men.

You are being called to remember that there is an altar that has gone into ruins, that needs rebuilding. Can you not feel the tug of his presence on your heart? Aren't you tired of fighting his will? Why not come to the meeting with him and acknowledge what is right before you: a broken down altar? Once you have acknowledged that the altar has been broken down, then you will now know that it is time to rebuild.

Over the next few weeks we will be looking at Rebuilding the Altar. We will examine the showdown on Mount Carmel between Elijah and the prophets of Baal and see what lessons we can learn from it. There is a call to return to the place of sacrifice. Will you answer the call and return to a life of Intimacy and Communion with God?

Many people have experienced challenges as it concerns finishing what they have started. This can be due to a myriad of reasons. There are times psychological, spiritual, mental and physical issues are the causes of our inability to accomplish and finish. Be it known that each person has the ability to accomplish their dreams. It is innate in the human spirit to push until that which has constrained you is no longer a hindrance to you. What are the things that you have been facing that has convinced you that you cannot accomplish your dreams?

A description of the properties of light and how it relates to the characteristics of a Christian,@ispeaklifelatoyajt5098https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHDSQccnfshYra0tljYBleghttps://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/SXZpElVTyxb

A brief look at the passage in 1 Corinthians 13. As Christians do we really love unconditionally? Have we allowed ourselves to give love selflessly? Take the time to look within to see if our love hinges on conditions.@ispeaklifelatoyajt5098https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHDSQccnfshYra0tljYBleghttps://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/SXZpElVTyxb

Whatever God has instituted, He has also given a blueprint. The church has not always followed the blueprint of God as it concerns prayer and breakthrough. This podcast is geared towards reminding the world and the church what are some of the characteristics of a breakthrough and how to get it. One of which is consistency in prayer before God. Can we go back to what God has set out in his word from Genesis to Revelation? Let us not attempt to find another way when he has already given us 'The Way'.@ispeaklifelatoyajt5098https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHDSQccnfshYra0tljYBleghttps://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/SXZpElVTyxb

Letting go is never easy. But there comes a pivotal time in life when we have to make choices for the betterment of our wellbeing. I choose to be free! I choose life! Growing up in Jamaica, we are acquainted with the negative words that our parents and fore parents speak over our lives. Many live with these lies for years and have come to believe that this is the sum total of their existence. This is until they take the time to see and understand what the word of God says about them. We can choose freedom over depression! Life over death! Joy over depression.@ispeaklifelatoyajt5098https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHDSQccnfshYra0tljYBleghttps://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/SXZpElVTyxb

The answers to the problems we face are documented in the word of God

God's strength is made perfect in your times of weaknesses. You have help!

Trials are to be used as stepping stones, to bring glory to God and to develop one's character

A testimony of the care that God takes in keeping those he loves.

Surrendering your will, even when you want to react in your emotions.

A motivation for persons to remove themselves from a state of apathy into productivity.

A play on words: what men wear sometimes is simply a cover to hide what they are truly going through.

So often we get stuck in a mental box of our own making. Life throws you different things and you use them as excuses why you shouldnt or why you cant. Today is the day that the excuses stop!

Encouraging women who are experiencing a storm and needs to be undergirded.

Breaking limitations erected in our minds because of fear.

A charge to use each opportunity to witness and to fulfill purpose.

Have you ever been on the brink of some great accomplishment...but afraid to take the final step? Well this episode is for you.

Many people struggle with past events of rejection. This is a challenge for you to confront that which has been buried in the area of the unconscious. It is time to be healed.

It is sometimes difficult to serve those we don't like. But based on the example Jesus gave in the bible Christians are called to serve.

Have you ever been blocked by impossibilities? A change of focus can cause the 'mountain' to be removed.

Most people have experienced some aspect of rejection...How then do we deal with it?Listen and be encouraged.

An encouragement to keep putting one foot before the other...get out of monotony and move forward.

Have you ever had a challenge forgiving someone? Have you ever been at that place where it is difficult to let go?

It is quite normal to feel like giving up when things aren't going the way we expect. If many of the persons who are successful now had given up, we would never have heard their story. Stay in the fight, even if you have fallen down a few times. The righteous falls seven times but keeps getting back up each time!

For those persons who have made a mistake in church and feel as though they can't be accepted again.

There is a cry for revival in our churches and nation at large. When revival breaks out it usually begins with man seeking hard after God.This is a cry for revival in worship and prayer.