Tag: anxiety

hope

Rooted And Grounded In God

Shaun Bradford
Stay covered.

Many changes and anticipated changes are happening at the moment, causing fear, anxiety, and conflict. My advice is that, no matter what happens, we must first stay rooted and grounded in God, and secondly, remain committed to protecting the sanctity and integrity of humanity. We must remain loving, kind, caring, compassionate, empathetic, and respectful. Y’all, the well-being—not only physical but psychological—of our future and future generations is dependent on it.🙏🏽

Yes, life as we once knew is slowly changing. Please, stay rooted and grounded in God.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

My Journey With God, No. 2

Shaun Bradford

Here’s a memory that is so worth sharing. Five years ago, I wrote—

“The only way I can move forward is to face my fears and stop sabotaging opportunities.”

Five years later (today)…

I’m trying not to laugh, because it’s definitely not funny, but I don’t know why I thought my fears would magically disappear. Call me naive, but I assumed that if I just prayed about it, everything would be fine. I didn’t realize I needed to actively put myself out there—joining groups, sitting on committees, and creating TikTok and YouTube videos—before the fear would start to subside. Now, don’t get me wrong, prayer helped, but it did not replace me facing my fears head on.

Now, I would be lying if I said fear doesn’t still pop up, because believe me it does; however, it’s not as intense as it was. I know y’all are probably tired of me talking about how my life changed after turning 50, but it really did. And it wasn’t until last week, when I decided to make a TikTok video, that I noticed the anxiety was gone. Nothing but God!

Listen, when I tell you I have been experiencing so many “God-moments” lately. Y’all, He’s working, and not only can I feel it, but I can also see it.

Thanks for following my journey.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Always Keep God First

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning!☀️

That’s what I wrote in my journal on October 22, 2023. “Always keep God first.” Believe me, He will not lead you wrong.

Soooo…

Did anyone do anything different yesterday?

Well, I did! It wasn’t drastically different, but it was different.

Yesterday, I wrote about how I felt my spirit worshipping God while hearing Tamela Mann’s song, “Change Me,” repeatedly playing in my head. When I finally listened to it, I had it on repeat for well over an hour. Every time I went to stop playing it, I kept hearing, “One more time.” So I played it until another song popped into my head, which was John P. Kee’s “I Do Worship.” Y’all, my spirit was definitely in worship mode.

So, here’s where ‘different’ came in. After listening to my songs, I really felt the need to share what I was experiencing with the world. I had already written it here (see Mid-Afternoon Worship) but needed to get it out verbally without any interruptions. So, I made a short video and shared it on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. I also shared how I could feel a shift taking place. I’ve been feeling it for a while; however, now the feeling is becoming stronger. And it’s not a bad shift, but a good one.

When I tell you it must have been for me to share! Y’all, I had zero anxiety. None! That has never happened, before. Never! I know it may seem small to you, but it was huge for me.

So, that was my different.

Y’all, God is good. So good. There’s no way I could not keep Him first. As I said, I know it may not seem like a big deal, it was just a video. But it was big for me. What took me a few minutes to do yesterday, would have taken me hours to do before, and it was only a couple of minutes long.

Thank you for allowing me to share. I pray you have a beautifully blessed day.♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

Life

How to Identify & Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Shaun Bradford

The following blog was written by Dr. Eric Perry. I remember reading it when it was originally published. So thankful he shared it again because I really needed this message. Y’all, imposter syndrome is real and from my experience, debilitating. Hopefully Dr. Perry’s blog will help you as much as it has helped me. Enjoy! Shaun

Written by Dr. Eric Perry Image Credit: Pixabay “I have written 11 books but each time I think ‘Uh-oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game…

How to Identify & Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

I Won’t Complain by Reverend Paul Jones; Lyrics by genius.com

I’ve had some good days
I’ve had some hills to climb
I’ve had some weary days
And some sleepless nights
But when I look around
And I think things over
All of my good days
Outweigh my bad days
I won’t complain

Sometimes the clouds are low
I can hardly see the road
I ask a question, Lord
Lord, why so much pain?
But He knows what’s best for me
Although my weary eyes
They can’t see
So I’ll just say thank You, Lord
I won’t complain

The Lord as been so good to me He’s been good to me
More than this whole world or you could ever be
He’s been so good to me
He dried all of my tears away
Turned my midnights into day
So I’ll just say thank you, Lord

I’ve been lied on
But thank You, Lord
I’ve been talked about
But thank You, Lord
I’ve been misunderstood
But thank You Lord
You might be sick
Body reeking with pain
But thank You, Lord
The bills are due
Don’t know where the money coming from
But thank You, Lord
Thank You, Lord
Thank You, Lord

God has been so good to me
He’s been good to me
More than this whole world or you could ever be
He’s been so good
He’s been so good
He’s been so good
So good
So good
So good
So good
To me

He dried all of my tears away
Turned my midnight into day
So I’ll say thank you Lord
I won’t complain

Have a blessed week!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Today’s one of those days that I just don’t feel like writing. Honestly, I’m tired. I’m emotionally and mentally drained. The events that took place on January 6 at the U.S. Capitol did a number on me. I anticipated a few fights, maybe some vandalism of local businesses, but I was not prepared for the rest. What happened hurt my heart and soul. It wasn’t only the insurrection that took place, but the brutal reality that racial inequality still plagues our nation and people still seem oblivious to it. How can they still not notice? It was on display for the whole world to see. Never would a peaceful protest by Black people (yeah- I’m ONLY focusing on Black people) been met with such niceties and respect. From here on, I have nothing for those who choose to ignore the racial inequalities and inequities in our country. Nothing! I will no longer waste my time and energy trying to get people (Whites and Blacks– because there are a few) to understand the injustices Black people face on a daily basis. I’m done!

As you can see, I’m pretty emotional and hurt right now, so I’m going to end this. Yeah, today isn’t a good day for writing. Today I plan to disengage from social media and surround myself with positive vibes and love on my kids. I’m remaining hopeful that most people want change.

Next Sunday will be better. Please enjoy your day!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday!

Shaun Bradford
We must conquer fear!

Fear. According to the New Oxford dictionary, fear is as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

Two years ago I shared the following Facebook post– “Fear is only temporary. Regret lasts forever.”

Fear.

Fear causes anxiety. It causes people to make irrational decisions. It creates chaos. It paralyzes. It is the root cause of hatred. Fortunately, fear is only temporary; however, it can cause a lifetime of harm and pain. Listen, if it is not addressed or managed, it can be deadly.

Yesterday we celebrated the 60th anniversary of Ruby Bridges becoming the first African American student to integrate newly desegregated schools in the South. Y’all, little Ruby was only six years old when she took her historic walk through a crowd of hatred. Can you imagine the fear she must have felt walking through an angry mob just to attend school? It reminds me of Psalm 23:4 – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Talk about POWERFUL! And let’s not forget the unfounded fear of the angry mobsters. Why were they so afraid?

Well, here we are 60 years later and some of those people and/or their children are still alive. Many attended school with Ruby. Some attended schools where other African American students were the first to integrate. I wonder if any of them regret their actions, anger, or fear, or are they still holding on to it and passing it along to other generations?

Here is my prayer. I pray God calms all of our fears so that we are able to think clearly, move forward, and live our best lives. Living in fear is not only detrimental to our health but to the survival of humanity.

Be Blessed

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford
We matter!

Another week down. Moving on to the next. Last week was a bit much. It began with another shooting of a Black man by police officers. Another one! Just thinking about it is stressing me out again.

Last week I could barely concentrate for crying. I actually became physically ill. It was too much. I was mentally and emotionally worn. I kept asking myself– Why are we, Black people, still fighting for equality? To be seen as worthy? Why is it that our Black men are viewed as a threat at first sight? Why are we, Black women, “angry,” when do not feel like smiling, or are having a bad day, or just simply being? Why are little Black kids handcuffed for acting out? Why are we not loved? Why are we not valued? Why do we not matter?!!!

Last week, Doc Rivers, a former NBA player and now head coach of the Los Angeles clippers, voiced what we have all been feeling. Emotionally, he said, “It amazes me why we keep loving this country, and this country does not love us back.” I felt that. Just thinking about it now makes me want to SCREAM! Doc Rivers’ Interview.

We have been used, abused, and murdered. Yet, we still love our country. We have fought wars and given our lives for this country. Yet, we are seen as animals (usually monkeys), second class citizens, dirty, nasty, unworthy, illiterate, thieves… Believe me, I could go on and on! No matter what we accomplish, or how pleasantly nice we are, we are never good enough. We are never quite there.. Ha! Almost there.. but not there.

So for those still wondering why we are screaming, “Black lives matter!” it’s because, unfortunately, our lives do not matter!

Praying for a better week– a safe week– a week without tears (unless they are happy tears).

Be Blessed

Shaun

Life

My Facebook Memory: August 11, 2019

Shaun Bradford

Hello! Here is a Facebook memory that I thought I would share. It was written on August 11, 2019, after a year of being in the doctoral program. This past March I decided to take a leave of absence, again (details included in the memory). This time it was the uncertainty of COVID-19 that had me stressed. I just could not focus on school. So I decided to take a year off. As I did last time, I have questioned myself about my reasons for pursuing this degree. Is it something I truly want? Glad I have a few more months to decide. Then we shall see what happens.

Here’s the memory (unedited):

Good Morning! No social media find this morning. I just feel like sharing.

Today’s the last official day of class. It’s been a year that I’ve been in the DrPH program. I’m not sure why I thought it would be easy. I’m still puzzled about that initial phone interview with my advisor. I was just so chipper. Why???🙄 I work at a university. I’ve seem so many students struggle through their doctoral program. Yet, somehow I thought things would be different for me. What was wrong with me?😩

A few days ago I finally really looked at my degree plan. Yeah, I never really reviewed it. I just started taking classes and going with the flow. When I saw how many hours I had left, my heart sank. The thought crossed my mind, “Will I ever have a life?” Y’all, this program is about to consume ALL of my time. I’m not going to lie, so far I haven’t been disciplined at all. I started off really disciplined. Had everything scheduled down to my “Tyler Perry Tuesdays” tweet time. Yeah, one hour to watch and tweet during the show and 1/2 hour afterwards to reply to tweets. I was serious. Then, life happened. It’s amazing how one little thing can shake you and your whole system crumbles.

I began to realize I used social media as a way of coping with the things happening around me. Whenever I wanted to get away, I would log on and mindlessly scroll down my timeline. Social media is a great distractor when you don’t want to deal with reality. At the time, I was going through the divorce. Somehow, in my little mind, I thought it was going to be a piece of cake and it wasn’t. Also, things at work were becoming stressful. It was just a lot. Then, on top of that, I had school. I had to post and respond to discussions every week. Honestly, it was all taking a toll on me. I finally realized I couldn’t take anymore and sat out the spring term.

During my break, I did a lot of soul searching. Was this program for me? Could I fulfill my purpose without the degree? Was my purpose even worth the struggle? Why couldn’t I just let everything go and just enjoy life like everyone else? I mean, I’ve already retired from the military. I’m sort helping my community through my research projects. Why not sit back and enjoy life? Why do I always have to make things harder for myself? Well, because that’s exactly what I do. I love a challenge. Something inside of me, no matter how hard I try to fight it, wants the adventure. So, when my advisor called me before the summer term began, and asked me if I was returning to school, I confidently told him I was going to finish the program.🤦🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️

So, here I am. This time I’m really serious about being more disciplined. I’m trying to narrow down my use of social media to things that will help me along this journey. I’ve discovered that the Twitter accounts I follow on my ResearchDiva site reflect were I’m going (UN in Geneva☺️). I’ve been able to use some of the information I’ve come across for my discussions and assignments. My Mississippi Thriving IG makes me feel like I’m still supporting my community. My blog, It’s Shaun’s World, gives me an outlet for sharing my random thoughts. And this page… y’all make everything worth it. I love logging on and seeing your smiling faces. Y’all keep me grounded.

I know this was long. I needed to get it out. So, if I miss posting a few social media finds, or showing you love, it’s not because I don’t care, I’m just trying to stay focused.

I love y’all!

GodIsWorking

BeBlessed 🙏🏽♥️

Thanks for reading!

Shaun

Life

Psalm 23

Shaun Bradford
Makes me feel like royalty.

My first thought was to save this for my weekly Hello Sunday blog since it sounds like a Sunday message. But this is how I am feeling now– in this particular moment. So I am sharing.

After checking Facebook and Twitter this morning, I began to feel discouraged. Every post/tweet was about chaos and doom. If someone was not sharing stories about us going to a cashless, socialist society, then they were sharing stories about injustices and living in the last days. Sometimes.. no.. most of the time, it is so overwhelming. However, this morning, as always, God reminded me that He is still in control. Our job is to trust Him in spite of what we see.

Story time:

When I was a little girl, I spent my summers with my great-great grandma, Madea. Every morning Madea would get up, pray, and read one chapter from her ginormous white Bible. That chapter was Psalm 23. It was her morning ritual. Y’all, she did this every morning before she started her day. To this day, that entire chapter is instilled in me. However, verse 4 is my secret weapon. Whenever I feel afraid, that one verse seems to calm all of my fears. I dare you to recite it when you are afraid. Whew! Talk about peace like no other! Personally, it kind of makes me feel like royalty. As if my daddy is The King and I am His princess. Like nothing can touch me. Sounds crazy– huh? But it does.

Anyway, without further ado, here is Psalm 23. Enjoy! And use it!

Psalm 23 KJV

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Amen. Y’all, God is with us. Trust Him.

Shaun