Today, I’m remembering my brother, Alton Sutton, Jr. He passed away on this day five years ago (October 19, 2019). There’s so much I want to say, but at the moment, I’m finding it hard to articulate my thoughts. When I tell you his presence in our family is so missed.
My brother was our gentle giant—kind, caring, loving, and very mild mannered. Definitely had a heart of gold. He was my dad and stepmom’s only son.
We were on this earth together for 46 years. Born almost three months apart (I was the oldest). Practically, twins… Yes, I miss him.
May he continue to rest in power and peace.🙏🏽🕊️♥️
Taken a year before his death.We are my dad’s girls. This picture was taken at the hospital the night before my brother passed.🙏🏽
Your purpose is much too great for you to settle for what is, or where you are. As I said last year, “You’ve got purposes to fulfill and lives to touch. Get moving!”
Shared on October 19, 2023.
Yes, get moving and keep showing up. Someone somewhere is counting on you to continue walking in your purpose so that they can walk in theirs.♥️
Today, I am remembering Former Secretary of State, General Colin Powell, who passed away on October 18, 2021. His presence in this world is greatly missed.🙏🏽🕊️
Thought I’d share his Thirteen Rules of Leadership.
Number One—“It ain’t as bad as you think! It will look better in the morning.” This one has to be the one I have experienced most often. It feels like it’s the end of the world while you going through the pain, but once you’re over it, you eventually (it definitely takes time) realize it wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been. It also reminds me of Anita Baker and The Winans song, “Ain’t No Need To Worry.” The song say—
“Ain’t no need in worrying what the night is gonna bring, it’ll be all over in the morning. … Weeping will last, but only for a while, but when the sun shines, you’ll wear a smile. It’ll be all over in the morning.”
Photo credit: Unknown. I shared it on October 18, 2015.
“Everything you are going thru is preparing you for what you asked for.”
Whew! Sometimes, I wonder what I asked for because I didn’t think it was much. You would think I asked God for the world. Laughing
Honestly though, what did I ask for that requires so much preparation?
Up until Year50, I thought I knew; however, at this point, I am at a complete loss. If you have been following me for a while, you know that I did ask God to make this side of 50 different from the last. Well, I guess I had one thing in mind, and He had another. This side is different, but not as different as I would have liked. Baby… I was looking for all things to be new (I mean, He is God😉), not just my mindset. But, I guess that’s where different starts.
Anyhoo…
I have absolutely no idea where God is taking me. I asked for different than what was, and I guess that’s what He’s preparing me for. However, it had to start with my mindset, first.
Right now, I’m just going with the flow. I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty nerve wracking at times because I was so used to anticipating what came next. Now, I’m out here blindly following God’s lead, with absolutely no idea of what’s to come—like, none—completely clueless. Yep, I’m just out here trusting His lead, and trusting His love for me. I know He will not lead me wrong, and whatever different is, will be greater and better than I imagined.🙏🏽
Well, that’s all for now. Thanks for reading! I pray you have a wonderfully, blessed weekend.♥️
I know how it feels to lose yourself trying to hold on to others. Been there many times. And I’m not only talking about losing myself in love relationships. Of course, those are the ones most people noticeably lose themselves in. However, friendships, work relationships, and family relationships are others.
Check your relationships, all of them, and make sure you’re showing up fully as YOU, and not who others want you to be. You are too important to lose yourself to anyone other than yourself and God.♥️
“Be sure to consult with God before making your next big move. Moving without His permission could be detrimental. Maybe not physically, but spiritually, emotionally, mentally and/or financially.”
Again… Did you ask God? Believe me, you don’t want to move without Him.
I have always believed in creating something solid. Something that would outlast even me. Something sustainable.
Sustainability was always one of my first thoughts when asked to work on community-based research projects, especially those that had the potential of making or breaking communities—leaving them healthier or leaving them worse.
I always asked—and I’m pretty sure many were annoyed—What’s the plan for after?
After the funding ends.
After the results aren’t found favorable, or publishable.
After a bigger and better opportunity comes along.
What’s the plan for the community?
I have found that commitment, longevity, and endurance are key to sustainability. You have to be committed to the plan (the vision), and in it for the long haul. You have to push through the hard times. Now, I am not going to lie, there were times when I wanted to give up. Times when my heart was so broken that I did give up. Y’all, people be peopling. However, I am now realizing that when God has a purpose for your life, even you can’t stop it!
So, here I am.
What I am building will last. I know this to be true because God didn’t give me a vision for something temporary. For a quick fix. He gave me a vision for something sustainable, where communities will thrive.
Here’s another great share from Bruce Van Horn. When I tell you his posts kept me encouraged! He is missed.
Slowly, but surely, things are happening.
One crawl, one step, and one leap at a time. It will happen… It is happening.♥️
I’m pretty late today with my first post. Y’all, I actually slept the entire night. Something I seldom do. Believe me, I needed it. Feeling blessed and refreshed.😊
Here’s the post I was working on before I fell asleep.
You are a beautiful, radiant flower. Although one of many, your unique design makes you one of one. Keep showing up in your fullest glory. The world needs the light, love, joy, kindness, and peace you bring.🌸
Remain Present—This very moment is all you really have.
Remain Prayerful—Stay connected with God. He’s your source for all things. Don’t ever let Him go.
Y’all, time never stops or slows down. Be sure to make the best of NOW. Also, keep that line of communication between you and God open. As I mentioned above, He’s your source for all things.
It’s Shaun’s World 
You must be logged in to post a comment.