It’s Shaun’s World

I believe the quote above is true. People tend to go above and beyond what’s asked when they feel appreciated—appreciation matters.

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In my Tupac voice, “You are appreciated.”♥️🌺

Love you,

Shaun

Signed and sealed with love, light, and wonderful memories. May you always remember the fun times you had.

–Shaun’s Daily Inspiration

On February 5, 2024, I ended my journal entry with—

“The best is here. I’m just at the beginning of everything coming to fruition.”

Whew!

Story time…

In 2014, I began what I considered a rebirth. It was as if the dreams that had lain dormant for years were finally coming to life. I could feel again. I could breathe again. I could dream again!

In May of that year, I received an invitation to attend a culinary event in New Orleans. After the event, I felt ready to pursue my passion in the culinary world. I was also celebrating the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer in Hattiesburg, where the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) had planned and trained in Mississippi. Just the thought of living in a city where a major part of Civil Rights history took place was exhilarating!

Well, in October of the same year, I connected with three culinary icons—Leah Chase, Marcus Samuelsson, and John T. Edge. Y’all, I felt like I was in culinary heaven!

I reconnected with John T. Edge at an event where he was discussing the history of Southern cuisine. I explained that I was interested in making a mini-documentary about the history of food in the Mississippi Delta. Long story short, there was a history professor at the same event who shared a similar interest, and we exchanged contact information. Unfortunately, we only met once, and life went on until…

We reconnected!

In the fall of 2024, I was asked if I’d serve on the planning committee for the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. The theme was celebrating the history of food in Mississippi. No lie! And guess who else was on the committee? The history professor I had met ten years earlier. Y’all, I couldn’t believe it! But that wasn’t all. When the organizers began sharing their ideas of what they envisioned, I couldn’t help but smile because it was so similar to what I had imagined years before, and even more.

Last week, we kicked off the event by previewing what’s coming this month. But…get this…the celebration doesn’t actually end until June, when we recognize those who fed the students during Freedom Summer. Yes, Freedom Summer! Talk about a full-circle moment!

If you’ve been following my journey for a while, you know I love watching God work, and it’s usually in someone else’s life. Well, now I’m watching and experiencing Him working in mine.

Today is the official first day of “Cooking Up History.” This event is in partnership with the African American Military History Museum and the Historic Eureka School in Hattiesburg.

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Smiling as I write because I can finally see this—

“The best is here. I’m just at the beginning of everything coming to fruition.”

My God is forever working behind the scenes. As the saying goes—“Delayed but not denied.”

God is so good! If He’s given you a dream, trust that He will bring it to fruition. It may not look like what you imagined, but I guarantee you it will be so much better!

Hang in there. God hasn’t forgotten you!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

Breathe…

You’ve got this.

Keep showing up!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

Signed and sealed with love, light, and tenacity. May you endure the struggles, for they are only preparing you to fulfill your purpose.

–Shaun’s Daily Inspiration

Do YOU know what YOU truly want out of life?

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Valid question, right?
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One that is definitely worth pondering for more than a few seconds.

I pray you already know the answer, or you are on the path to finding it. Believe me, it’s worth knowing.♥️

I love you,

Shaun