Life

Hello Sunday

Watching God work and smiling. He’s so amazing!

When I tell you I am smiling from ear to ear!!! Deion SandersPrimetimeCoach Prime… whichever one you want to call him, got me believing! I BELIEVE!!!

Last year when he left Jackson State University, I was in my feelings and had a lot to say—not about him, but his haters—the ones who are still waiting for him to lose. I understood that they were upset about him leaving but his assignment was over. He kept telling them he had to do what God was telling him to do. As he said back then, they believed him when he told them God told him to come there; however, they didn’t believe him when he said it was time to leave.

I know so many see this as a win for him and his team, but I see this as a win for God. Coach Prime is doing the same thing for our country as he did for Mississippi. He brought people together who had never agreed on anything. He had Jackson State’s rivals rooting for them. The atmosphere in our state drastically changed. I just wish they would have kept up the momentum. Instead, so many chose to trash him because they were disappointed. I understand the disappointment, but never, ever trash someone who has done nothing but elevate you. Even after they talked trash about him, he still spoke highly of them. His sons always make sure people know they played for a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). So many people didn’t even know what a HBCU was before Coach Prime. Which is another thing he did. Here’s what I wrote last year:

Hello Sunday (December 4, 2022)

According to Coach Prime, he took the job at Jackson State University (JSU) because he was following God’s lead– this was three years ago. Last night, he announced that he was taking the head coaching position at the University of Colorado, again following God’s lead. Although rumors were circulating about him leaving from the day he began coaching, he stayed. And during those three years he changed the entire atmosphere for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), nationally. It was so amazing to watch! Y’all know I love watching God work. Smile.

Not only did he change it for them but for Mississippians, as well. Listen, he made us proud to be Mississippians. He showed us that despite what outsiders believed, we are valued and invaluable. He did all of this while inspiring us to want more. He showed us that the top is obtainable. All we have to do is BELIEVE and put in the work! Honestly, I feel sorry for those who didn’t get it.

Last year, he had to have one or two toes amputated (something stemming from a prior surgery). While he was healing, he released a video thanking God for life. In the video he spoke about the enemy not wanting him to finish the job God had sent him to do, which was his primary focus– his purpose. Now, I don’t know what everyone else heard– loyalty, commitment and wins for JSU; but what I heard was loyalty, commitment and wins for God.

Now, for those who have seen Deion Sanders in action, we know he has a very big personality and a HUGE ego. Always has. Laughing. But from what I’ve seen, he’s used them to benefit others. Now it’s time for him to move on and help more people. All I have to say is this, when you encounter someone who has a vested interest in your growth and wellbeing, glean from them. Do not stand by and watch them work and marvel at their success. Join in! Listen, life happens and obligations change, as does assignments. When a person’s time is up, they have to move on. To guilt trip them into staying is not good for either party.

I believe Coach Prime left a playbook not only for JSU but for other HBCUs. I just hope that while they were criticizing his work they were also taking note so that the work continues. Okay.. I’ve said what I’ve said, now let me move on. Wishing Coach Prime and everyone who’s taken the time to glean from him, the best. Yes, it always hurts when someone good has to leave, but if you really believed in what they were doing, you honor them by continuing what they began.

Listen, I pray that they continue to win. This thing is so much bigger than Colorado football. It’s about watching God take something like college football and uniting people who would have never, ever come together otherwise. I absolutely love it!!!!

Smiling

Praying you have an amazingly blessed day!! Love you!♥️

Shaun

I BELIEVE

Life

Hello Sunday

Y’all, it’s December! Can you believe there are only three Sundays left in 2022? Also.. this is the final December of my 40s. Yes, this decade is almost over. Y’all, in several months I will be half a century. Woohoo!! Doesn’t that just sound grand! Smiling

Anyhoo.. this morning I have two things on my mind– 1) Coach Prime (Deion Sanders) leaving Jackson State University and 2) two of my top fives (Michelle Obama #4 and Tyler Perry #5) hanging together this weekend. Both have me thinking about God, faith and life, and how things don’t always work out how you planned. However, they always work out according to God’s plan. Here’s what I mean. I’ll start with Coach Prime —

According to Coach Prime, he took the job at Jackson State University (JSU) because he was following God’s lead– this was three years ago. Last night, he announced that he was taking the head coaching position at the University of Colorado, again following God’s lead. Although rumors were circulating about him leaving from the day he began coaching, he stayed. And during those three years he changed the entire atmosphere for Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), nationally. It was so amazing to watch! Y’all know I love watching God work. Smile. Not only did he change it for them but for Mississippians, as well. Listen, he made us proud to be Mississippians. He showed us that despite what outsiders believed, we are valued and invaluable. He did all of this while inspiring us to want more. He showed us that the top is obtainable. All we have to do is BELIEVE and put in the work! Honestly, I feel sorry for those who didn’t get it.

Last year, he had to have one or two toes amputated (something stemming from a prior surgery). While he was healing, he released a video thanking God for life. In the video he spoke about the enemy not wanting him to finish the job God had sent him to do, which was his primary focus– his purpose. Now, I don’t know what everyone else heard– loyalty, commitment and wins for JSU; but what I heard was loyalty, commitment and wins for God.

Now, for those who have seen Deion Sanders in action, we know he has a very big personality and a HUGE ego. Always has. Laughing. But from what I’ve seen, he’s used them to benefit others. Now it’s time for him to move on and help more people. All I have to say is this– because I’ve personally witnessed it many times during my work with communities– when you encounter someone who has a vested interest in your growth and wellbeing, glean from them. Do not stand by and watch them work and marvel at their success. Join in! Listen, life happens and obligations change, as does assignments. When a person’s time is up, they have to move on. To guilt trip them into staying is not good for either party.

I believe Coach Prime left a playbook not only for JSU but for other HBCUs. I just hope that while they were criticizing his work they were also taking note so that the work continues. Okay.. I’ve said what I’ve said, now let me move on. Wishing Coach Prime and everyone who’s taken the time to glean from him, the best. Yes, it always hurts when someone good has to leave, but if you really believed in what they were doing, you honor them by continuing what they began.

So, since I wrote so much about Coach Prime, I won’t keep you long gushing about my #4 and #5. I just love them! As in 2014, my #1 (Leah Chase) and #2 (Marcus Samuelsson) were at the same place at the same time, and I got to see them together. Y’all, I was on cloud nine! Well, that was then. This time things didn’t work out the same. Although I tried multiple times to make it to Atlanta to see Mrs. Obama and Tyler, every plan fell through. I guess you could say I should be thankful. Little did I know that I would be sick and wouldn’t have been able to attend or enjoy myself anyway. But God knew. Yes, I was a little disappointed, but it was for the best. With that said, y’all, I am so thankful for social media. I may not have been able to be there in person; however, I could feel their energy through their videos and it felt so wonderful! Smiling. I know God’s got me. There will be other opportunities because I’m blessed like that. Smile

Well, this is all I have for you today. Praying you have a wonderful Sunday and fabulous week!

Shaun