Tag: blessed

gratitude, Life

Clyde Kennard and JET Magazine

Shaun Bradford

Last night I attended a lecture about a local civil rights icon, Clyde Kennard. Clyde Kennard was the first African American to attempt to enroll at what’s now the University of Southern Mississippi. Although he became part of civil rights history, he wanted to enroll for the same reason as everyone else—to get an education.

Clyde Kennard’s story is one of segregation, mistreatment, betrayal, imprisonment, illness, and unwavering hope. Until his death, Mr. Kennard hoped to see a world where everyone was treated fairly, equally, and had the same educational opportunities.

Here’s a short documentary about Clyde Kennard— Measure of Progress: The Clyde Kennard Story. Produced by Dr. Alysia Burton Steele and Bobby D. Steele, Jr.

Research on Clyde Kennard’s story was conducted by Dr. Sherita L. Johnson, Dr. Loren Saxton Coleman, Dr. Cheryl Jenkins, and Dr. Rebecca Tuuri. Their latest project is the book “Mixing: Race, Higher Education, and the Case of Clyde Kennard.”

So, you may be wondering why I included JET Magazine in the title. Well, much of the information gathered for the book came from the scholars (mentioned above) following the work of journalists and photographers who documented Clyde Kennard’s story in JET Magazine. Last night, they explained how Jet Magazine was the only national publication that humanized Mr. Kennard’s story.

From their lecture, I also learned that JET Magazine was one of the few national publications that conducted extensive research to present African American stories. For me, learning this was one of those indescribably beautiful moments. You see, I still have copies of JET Magazine. I look through them from time to time, but rarely stop to read the articles. I’m pretty sure I read a few of the articles when I purchased them, but I never considered the work that went into presenting those stories. This week, I plan to take a moment and read a few articles with this thought in mind.

I also have copies of Ebony, Essence, and Sister 2 Sister magazines.

Y’all, I truly love my life! If you only knew what I’m feeling right now. The only way I can describe it is Forrest Gump-ish—I’m surrounded by and standing in the midst of history.

My life and MY GOD! I can’t express it enough, I just love the way He loves me. I am truly blessed.🥰

This is all I have for now. Thanks for stopping by and reading. I pray you have a wonderful day!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

empowerment, Life

Happy Monday

Shaun Bradford

Hello!☀️

How are you? 

Me: I’m good.

Just dropping in to wish you a wonderful day and week.

Here’s today’s message—

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” –Arthur Ashe

Stop Waiting

Don’t wait until tomorrow to do what you’ve been longing to do. Do it today!

The song of the morning is Norman Hutchins’ “God’s Got A Blessing (with My Name on It).

Listen, God’s got a blessing with YOUR name on it. Hang in there!🌺

This is all for now. Have a beautiful day!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

Life

Hello Sunday (298)

Shaun Bradford

Happy Sunday!☀️

“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” –George Addair

Face Your Fears

I’ve been thinking a lot about my fears lately. Yes, I’m human. I have them. Smile. As I did when I came face to face with that snake almost a week ago (see It All Works Out), I must do the same with other fears. As George Addair said, “Everything [I’ve] ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”

How about you?

Are there fears you need to face?

What’s possible on the other side of those fears?

This is all I have for now. Wishing you a wonderfully, blessed day! May it be filled with lots of love and joy.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

Life

Just Gonna Sit This Right Here

Shaun Bradford

Feeling a bit disturbed. Didn’t wake up this way, but feeling it now.

A few weeks ago, I saw that an ex had started following me on Facebook. I tried to ignore the likes. But then he messaged me. That was the wrong move. I knew that responding would’ve opened a door that closed decades ago. Forgiveness doesn’t mean access. BLOCKED.

Just checked another Facebook account and here he is again with another follow—not even four hours ago. This time BLOCKED off the bat.

I’ve come too far to relive 30+ years ago. It took me forever to get my life back on track. That time and space is somewhere I never want to revisit.

If he’s the same person I knew back then, then I know he’ll see this message.

This is for YOU…

The love I had for you was ages ago and only for that moment. There’s no going back. I’ve moved on. You may have changed like you said, and I pray that you truly have. I wish you nothing but peace. I pray that you find love and live out the rest of your life at its best. May everything you touch prosper and be successful. I truly want you to be happy and blessed.🙏🏽

My life…

Why am I hearing Mary J. Blige singing “No more pain…”

No more drama.

No more pain.

Not this time.

Sorry to have included you all in the conversation, but it needed to be said.

I pray y’all have a glorious Self-Love Saturday! May it be filled with lots of love and joy.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

empowerment, trust God

Your Wings Are Ready: It’s Time To Fly

Shaun Bradford

It’s time to fly.🦋 You got this!♥️ Love you, Shaun

Your Wings Are Ready

Happy Friday!☀️

I was just about to share another post from this day several years ago, when this one from last year caught my eye— “Your wings are ready.”

Hey YOU!

Yes… YOU!!

Your wings are ready! Don’t just prepare to fly, prepare to SOAR!

Bet you didn’t know butterflies could become eagles, did you? God is good like that. Smile

This is all for now. Have a wonderfully, blessed day and beautiful weekend!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

Prepare to SOAR!!🦅 Don’t be afraid. God’s got you.♥️♥️♥️

empowerment

It All Works Out

Shaun Bradford

Happy Monday!☀️

“No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.” –Maya Angelou

Be Encouraged

I just realized I hadn’t spoken yet! I hope you’re doing well. Me, I’m just sitting here laughing at life. Sometimes all you can do is laugh.

Storytime…

A short while ago, I went to take out the trash. Usually, I’m careful when I move the trash can outside because I’ve seen lizards lurking underneath. Well, since I hadn’t seen any in a while, I didn’t hesitate to move it. Big mistake! Or more like BIG SNAKE! A long green snake came from underneath the can. It didn’t run. Instead, it raised its head and looked at me, and I looked at it. I told it that it could have the trash can. Then, I slowly backed away, let the garage door down, and came inside. By the time my son went to pull the trash can to the curb, the snake was gone.

Y’all, life is like that snake. Sometimes things will catch you off guard. However, I’m finding that the way you respond makes all of the difference. Had I started jumping and running, I’m pretty sure it would’ve reacted similarly. The key is to remain calm. Ask yourself if it’s a threat. If not, keep pushing. If it is, remove it or yourself from the situation.

Election Day is right around the corner, and things are becoming increasingly tense. Be careful and be mindful of your surroundings and who’s in your presence.

As life happens, keep this in mind—it all works out in the end.

This is all I have at the moment. Praying you have a wonderful day!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

hope

Hello Sunday (297)

Shaun Bradford

Happy Sunday☀️

Last year, I shared the following quote/image that I had saved to my phone on October 11, 2020.

I’m pretty sure that when I saved the picture I was all revved up…

Hold on! Let me go see how I was feeling that day. Gonna check my journal to see if I mentioned anything.

Wow!! I didn’t find what I was looking for, but found a gem instead.

Quick note: This is a glimpse of my writing process in real time. I start off writing about one thing, then in mid thought, stop to see if I have an experience to add to what I’m writing. Sometimes I don’t, but many times I do, whether I mention the experience or not.

Here’s the gem I found:

October 11, 2020 Shaun’s Journal Entry

Sarah Jakes Roberts “Dig Until You Get Back To Power”

Power and unbelief can live in the same place. It doesn’t mean you don’t have power, you just have to keep striking at the unbelief. God does not take back the power He’s given you because of your unbelief. You have to keep digging until you tap that power. 

Sometimes we’re anointed to do something but accustomed to doing another. Sometimes what we are accustomed to shows up instead of our anointing. 

Unbelief and disbelief aren’t the same thing. Disbelief means you don’t believe in something that has happened. Unbelief means you don’t believe in something never done before. When you have unbelief it’s the opportunity to believe on another level. Now is the time to grow my belief. Amen. 

A whole sermon! Didn’t know I needed this message today until now. God is so good. I just love the way He loves me!

This is all for now. I am so blessed. I pray you have a wonderful Sunday. May it be filled with lots of love, harmony, and blessings.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

Life

The Present is Now

Shaun Bradford

“The present moment is the only moment available to us, and it is the door to all moments.” –Thich Nhat Hanh

Stay Present

Breathe…

The present is now.

Life is happening now.

Blessings are unfolding as you read this message.

Breathe…

The present is now.

It’s a blessing from God to YOU.

Happy Self-Love Saturday!☀️

Remember to do something extra special for yourself. You deserve that little something extra.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

empowerment

Handle with Care

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning and Happy Friday!☀️

Woke up with the thought, “Handle with Care,” on my mind. When you handle something with care, you don’t just treat it any kind of way. You hold it as a gift, a treasure.

I know it’s the end of the year, but the next few months are a preface to the year to come. So it makes perfect sense that I set and implement my theme now—

“Handle Me with Care.”

Whoever enters my life, as well as those already here, must handle me with care. No, I’m not fragile—I’m rare and priceless. I am One of One.💎

I’m God’s Child

Listen, know your worth and make sure you’re treated accordingly. You’re not asking for too much to be treated with exceptional love, kindness, and respect.

I pray you have a wonderful day and the most beautiful weekend! May it be filled with lots of love, joy, and happiness.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

love

Singing, “Worthy Is Your Name”

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning and Happy Thankful Thursday!☀️

This morning’s song is Elevation Worship’s song, “Worthy.” The song says—

Worthy is Your name, Jesus
You deserve the praise
Worthy is Your name
Worthy is Your name, Jesus
You deserve the praise
Worthy is Your name

First, all praises to God for His love, mercy, and grace. Where would we be without Him?

Second, worthy is the name of Jesus. Much too often, we as Christians leave him out of the equation. We rarely say his name. Did we forget he’s the “Christ” in Christian? Not sure how we got here, but here we are. The name Jesus should never cause us shame or shame anyone, and it should never be used to condemn. When people hear the name Jesus, they should immediately think of love, peace, and humility. If not, then we’re not doing a good job representing him. I hear you saying you represent a higher power. You represent God. But how can you represent God and not honor His Son?

If no one else does better, I must do better because worthy is the name of Jesus. Amen

This is all for now. I pray you have a beautifully blessed day. May it be filled with love, peace, and joy.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.