For a few days now, I’ve been dreading this day because I didn’t know how my emotions would be when I woke up. Would I be sad? Would I grieve? Would it just be another day? Well, today I woke up feeling neither sad nor grieving. However, after scrolling through my Facebook memories, I decided to share my experience from seven years ago.
On October 5, 2019, my brother celebrated his 46th birthday. Several days later, he was admitted to ICU, and about a week or so after that, he was gone.
While checking my Facebook memories to see if I had made a birthday post on that day, I saw the post below and decided to share it. Y’all, this particular post drove my anxiety level through the roof! I logged off social media afterward because I was so overwhelmed. You know how you can feel something is about to happen, but can’t pinpoint what? Well, that’s where I was. The caption in the post kind of explains what I was experiencing.
October 5, 2019
The confusion and tears were so real.😔
Here’s what I shared in my journal entry on the same day:
Oh, today and sometime last week, the “Everything happens for a reason” popped up on social media. When I mentioned it today, I only referred to this particular time period. About an hour ago, I remembered that this year started off with the song by Zhane, “Reasons.” For about a month, it was my theme song. I couldn’t get it out of my head. Now, here I am, close to the end of 2019, and I’m hearing it again. God is working.
In the post, I used the hashtag #GodIsWorking, and as you can see, I ended my journal entry with “God is working.” Even though I was experiencing anxiety like crazy, I still believed that everything that was happening—and, unbeknownst to me, would later happen—was still under God’s control. I trusted whatever God was doing.
Now, here I am seven years later…
A lot has happened in seven years. Y’all, I’m sooooo glad I stopped hearing Zhané’s song “For A Reason.” Talk about traumatized every time I heard it after my brother’s death.
Oh, and I had forgotten to mention that my mom (not my brother’s mom) was admitted to the hospital the day before. What a crazy time that was!
My thoughts are still the same today as they were back then— “Rest assured, God’s got you [us]. He already has everything worked out. Just trust Him.”
The other hashtag I must mention before I end is the last one in my post— “Your purpose is too great to give up.” Whew! Talk about powerful! I had no idea what was coming. I’m so grateful I didn’t give up!
Today’s going to be a beautiful day because God is in it and still in control. Despite everything that happened seven years ago, I still trust God and His plan.
I pray you have a wonderful day and week. May both be filled with love, joy, and peace.♥️
Stopping to say, Thank You, God. Thank You, for being You.
Be sure to take a moment to thank God for everything He’s done and is doing in your life. The things you know about and those you don’t. Thank Him for His love, mercy, and grace. For His kindness, covering, and protection. Amen
My song is BACK! (see past posts about Byron Cage’s song “Breathe.”)
I’m really not sure why this song is lingering so long. As I said in my last post about it, I’m going to let it be. Maybe it’s God’s way of reassuring me that His presence is with me. Which leads me to today’s message— “Lean Into God.”
When you find yourself feeling uncertain about your next move(s), lean into God.
When you enter unfamiliar territory, lean into God.
When things seem to be moving faster than your next breath…
Stop…
Breathe…
and Lean into God.
Allow God’s presence to guide and surround you. He’s got YOU!
Wishing you a wonderful day and beautiful weekend. May it be filled with lots of love, joy, and sunshine!♥️☀️
This morning’s post is for anyone who can use a little encouragement. Know that difficult times don’t always last. They do pass. I’m not just saying this because it sounds good, but because I know firsthand that they do pass—they do not last. God really does have a way of making everything all right.
The song of the hour is “Be Encouraged” by William Becton. The song says—
I know right now it’s impossible to see, but God is gonna work it out if you just believe. Remember this one thing while you’re going through, if God delivered Daniel, He’ll do the same for you.
Be encouraged no matter what’s going on, He’ll make it alright, but you gotta stay strong. Lyrics: Musixmatch
Listen, hang in there. Stand on your faith and stand on God’s word. Trust Him. He’s got you!
Wishing you a lovely Sunday and beautiful week ahead.♥️
Today, I’m taking a moment to celebrate two months of being 53 years old. Y’all, it’s a blessing that I do not take lightly.
Over the past few weeks, I have witnessed so much suffering, pain, loss, grief, and sadness. So many young lives lost. So many people losing hope. Honestly, seeing it all made me want to retreat into my bubble and disconnect from everything outside my small circle. No matter how much light I tried to fill my timelines with, the more heart-wrenching stories seeped in. It was too much—so overwhelming. I know I can’t disconnect as I did before. I have too much work to do, and my purpose won’t allow it—Not this time!
As I prayed last night, God gave me this message—
You were never meant to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. It’s far too heavy a burden to bear. If you really must help, here’s what …
Today, I’m giving every burden and every care to God and celebrating life.🌺
I pray that you do the same. I know it’s much easier said than done, and I’m pretty sure I’ll have to remind myself to do so throughout the day. Smile, I’m human. But we’ve got this because God’s got us!
Wishing you a wonderful day filled with peace, love, and joy. You deserve it!♥️
I believe this is my first post having a Tuesday title. Will have to check and see. Poor Tuesday… I need to be more intentional about showing this day some love. Smile🥰
Anyhoo… I hope your week has started off well and continues to go well. Here’s the post I shared today on Shaun’s Daily Inspiration—
God knows what lies ahead. He knows the uncertainty you will face, the hills you will climb, and peaks of mountains you will see. Allow God to guide.…
This morning, I’m singing “Trust In God” by Elevation Worship. Listen, today’s Daily Prompt has me praising God!
Y’all, God is sooooo good! So good! Clink the link above if you’re interested in reading what I wrote. I’m running this morning. Not physically running. Smile. I just have a lot to do in a short period of time.
I’m still singing Marvin Sapp’s “Praise Him In Advance.” I guess it’s the song of the week. Smile. The song says—
That’s why I praise Him with my hands. That’s why I praise Him with a dance. He’s given me a second chance. Come on, let’s praise Him in advance.
This morning I’m thanking God for a hundred second chances. Yes, a hundred—plus some. There are some things God has been working with me on for years and now I’m finally getting around to doing them. He’s given me so many chances to get things right.
Honestly, I believe I needed all of those chances because each time I didn’t follow through with whatever I was supposed to do, I learned something new about myself. I also gained more knowledge about what was asked of me, and God gave me room (grace) to improve. I am so loving this over 50 version of Shaun/LaShaundrea.🥰
Listen, no matter how many times you have to start over, know that every restart is an expression of God’s grace allowing you the opportunity to do better and become a better version of YOU.
This morning I’m singing Smokie Norful’s song “I Understand.” The song says—
And then He said One more day, one more step I’m preparing you for myself When you can’t hear My voice Please trust my plan I’m the Lord, I see and yes I understand
Y’all, God is so good! I know I shared a lot yesterday. I haven’t revisited what I wrote, so I really don’t quite remember all that I actually shared. Just know that I had to get it out. It was time.
A couple of weeks ago, I began watching a new podcast by Pat Smith called “Pursuing You.” Pat is also in her 50s and so much of her story has resonated with me—life after divorce, grief from losing a sibling and parent, having adult children, unchecked shame from making unfavorable decisions, and the list goes on. Y’all, I didn’t know how much I needed this podcast—yes, needed! In two episodes, she has mentioned things that I have experienced over the past several years that I had no words for. You know how you know you’re feeling something but you just can’t quite explain it? Well, after Pat began sharing her experiences, especially those of isolation, grief, and shame, I realized I wasn’t alone. Then, yesterday, when I saw the clip of Hayden Panettiere sharing her experience of abuse, I just had to release what I could never quite share. I had to release the shame and the blame I had been carrying for years, and I had to release it then! If I hadn’t, I would have kept it buried.
Whew!! My life…
Y’all, I don’t know what kind of journey God has me on now. However, I’m here for whatever He’s doing because I know He’s preparing me for wherever He’s taking me. I truly trust Him and His plan.
I believe this is enough rambling for now. Thank you for allowing me to share. I pray you have a beautifully blessed day.♥️
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