hope

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford
Happy first day of Winter!

Happy Sunday!☀️

This morning, I happened to be reading a journal entry that referenced a post I wrote on August 21, 2021, “Perceptions.” After reading it, I thought I’d reshare it with you. Here’s what I wrote:

Perception – a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression

Question – If you perceive something to be true, is it actually true? 

Social media has opened my eyes about the way we perceive things. Even when in agreement, we never truly understand the other person’s full perspective unless we ask, or they explain it in detail. Most of the time we assume that because we are in agreement, our perspectives are the same. When in reality, they are not. 

Honestly, perceptions can be very deceptive. Especially when we attempt to interpret another person’s feelings or words. Have you ever wondered how someone perceived you based on your words, feelings or actions? Do you believe their perception would be accurate if they never spoke to or interacted with you? More than likely, not. So why do we assume our perceptions of others to be true? 

My advice, if you really want to know how a person feels, or understand the meaning behind their words or messages, ASK. Also, people change over time. Just because they said something or felt a certain way a year ago, doesn’t mean they feel the same way today. Again, ASK.

Perceptions can be misleading. It’s so easy to make assumptions based on limited information. Even text messages, emails, and posts can be misinterpreted. It’s always best to ask for clarification than speculate the worst—because, let’s be honest, it’s always the worst thoughts that come to mind, never the best. Smile. As I stated four years ago, “… if you really want to know how a person feels, or understand the meaning behind their words or messages, ASK.”

This is all for now! I pray you have a wonderful Sunday. May it be filled with lots of love, laughter, peace, and joy.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

hope

My Journey With God, No. 125

Shaun Bradford
There is absolutely none like Him!

Y’all, last weekend was pretty hectic. Not only was I helping my sister with her little ones so she could rest, but I was also waiting for responses from board members regarding a last minute vote needed before 10:00 AM Monday morning. Y’all, this term as president is no joke! All while trying to act normal—eating and laughing with my sisters, binge watching “Stranger Things,” and helping with four little busy people (I just love my nieces and nephews)—my mind was on so many other things.

After the weekend was over and all votes were received (around 9:00 AM after several email discussions), I crashed out! Y’all, I was mentally exhausted. However, when I woke up, I had this indescribable sense of peace. I heard in my spirit to release everything—my worries, the stress, and anticipated outcomes—to God and to rest in Him. That everything had already been decided on long before I was born.

On Tuesday, two of my meetings were rescheduled (that was God!), so I got to rest and relax most of the day. Yesterday, I could feel the stress creeping up before my first meeting, and I immediately shut it down. I reminded myself that the outcome was already written; all I needed to do was show up (prepared, of course) and God would guide me through the rest.

Y’all, God is my superpower! He’s the source of my strengths. As the image above says, “But GOD!”

Listen, when you find yourself stressed or mentally drained, lean into God. He has the relief you need. Also, don’t worry about outcomes; they were decided on long before you were born. Rest in God knowing that He’s got you!♥️

I love you,

Shaun