Tag: faith

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

You cannot be who you’re going to be and who you used to be, at the same time.

Bishop T.D. Jakes

I shared this quote six years ago. Today, I feel like I’m finally living in the space of where I’m meant to be as well as becoming the woman I’m meant to become. It’s taken me a while to get here. HA! Almost half a century! (Smiling) But I’m here.

Yes.. I am here!

Okay, let me stop and give myself roses for making it thus far because I absolutely deserve them.

You see, I’m so proud of myself for not giving up when times got hard. Oooo.. if you only knew how many times I just wanted to give up and settle where I was. I’m also proud of myself for rolling with the punches. Whew! I’ve taken so many hits over the years– disappointments, heartaches, heartbreaks and losses. Sometimes I stumbled. Sometimes I fell. However, through the grace and strength of God (all Him) I always managed to bounce back stronger than ever. Yes, you best believe I’m resilient!

Lastly, but most importantly, I’m so proud of my relationship with God. Y’all, for as far back as 5 or 6 years old, I have always acknowledged God’s presence in my life. I love my relationship with Him and I love where He’s taking me. Even though I can’t see the entire picture, I can look back over my life and see where I’ve been compared to where I am now, and know my future will be great. Y’all, I’m truly blessed.

So, to refer back to the quote. No, I cannot be who I used to be and who I’m going to be, at the same time. Wouldn’t be honoring God if I did. It’s called–

Maturing

Growing

Evolving

Becoming Me

Thanks for reading and following my journey to becoming the person God’s called me to be. Enjoy your day!

Shaun

Life

Moment of Silence

Shaun Bradford

Today I would like to ask you to take a moment of silence to remember those who have recently lost their lives to mass shootings in the United States (May 14 – 24, 2022):

Buffalo, New York (Supermarket)
May 14, 2022
10 lives taken

Laguna Woods, California (Church)
May 15, 2022
1 life taken

Uvalde, Texas (Elementary School)
May 24, 2022
21 lives taken

Prayers for their loved ones who are heartbroken and confused. Prayers for those who are saddened, hurt and angered by those who fail to recognize and address the racial and ethnical issues we have in the U.S.; as well as the gun violence that continues to plague the United States. As much as I desire to see the good in everyone, I’m actually beginning to believe that some people are incapable of love, empathy and compassion. Because if they were, they would care more about lives than their agendas.

I have to remain hopeful or I will become like them.

Shaun

Life

Faith

Shaun Bradford

It’s so easy to become distracted and discouraged by what we see; and what we see changes daily. This is why we must focus on the promise, God’s promise. If HE said it, it WILL BE. Period! ~ Shaun

Life

Hang in There

Shaun Bradford

Smile. God is still working. Whatever He began, He will finish. Hang in there. ~ Shaun

Life

Believe

Shaun Bradford

Never stop believing.

In spite of what you see, how you feel, or how long it takes.

Never stop believing.

Even if it’s only a smidget of faith.

Never stop believing.

Shaun

Life

Take the First Step

Shaun Bradford

I’m learning this more and more. Take the first step and God will do the rest. I’m not going to lie, taking the first step isn’t always easy. Sometimes you have to take it afraid and sometimes you have to take it alone. However, in the long run, you’ll look back and realize it was all worth it.

Life

Very Random Blog

Shaun Bradford

Yesterday I posted my first blog! I’m excited because I’m following through with something I love. I have NO idea where I’m going. None. All I know is that I’m moving and I can’t stop. – Journal entry dated December 7, 2017

So far I have published almost 450 blogs between this site and my other. Yesterday, I posted the quote, “Success requires sacrifice which requires discipline.” I added the following to the post I shared on Twitter:

After reading #WillSmith’s memoir, I truly believe anything’s possible. Too often we allow others to define what our success should look like. But it’s personal and should only be defined by us.

Align your sacrifices and discipline with what you truly want and it will happen.✨

I added even more to my Facebook and Instagram posts. For me, success is not based on financial goals or popularity. It is based on the ability to do what I love, which includes making positive connections and spreading love, kindness and hope. These are the things that fulfill me. And believe me, each of them requires sacrifice and discipline.

I do love my life.

Shaun

Life

Just Felt Like Writing

Shaun Bradford

It’s almost 4:00 AM. This time I fell asleep in the recliner. Woke up about an hour ago and can’t go back to sleep. So I guess I’ll write and share one of my Facebook memories.

Two years ago, I was on cloud nine. Life seemed so surreal. Two days before I had written the post below, the judge finalized my divorce. I had waited over four years for that day. I remember being so nervous as I entered the courthouse. I tried not to expect the worse but I did. The night before, I had googled everything that could possibly go wrong. What if my ex changed his mind? What if the judge decided not to grant the divorce? Sooo many what ifs. Y’all, I was a nervous wreck. I remember my lawyer telling the judge that I was really nervous. The judge assured me that I didn’t have anything to be nervous about. That I had waited long enough, she was signing the papers. After it was all over, all I wanted to do was hug my babies. They knew what that day meant. They knew what I had been through because they went through it with me. I always tried to hold it together around them. Never wanted them to see me sad or cry, but they knew. They were my rocks. I’m so grateful they allowed me to love on them over that four year period. The love I gave them they reciprocated, which has continued to this day. Honestly, I have never been loved so unconditionally. They are my blessings.

Y’all, I’m forever grateful I listened to God. Despite how crazy people thought I was for getting the divorce, I listened to God, let go and haven’t looked back. In April of this year, I did the same with my career of 15 years. I left it all behind and haven’t regretted it once. Unlike when I separated from my ex– all nervous and afraid– this time I wasn’t nervous or afraid. I happily let everything go knowing I was following God’s lead and that I was safe in His hands. I guess you could say the divorce and that four year period of only relying on God prepared me for where I am today. Without going through what I went through back then, I would not have been able to make it today. Y’all, I have been jobless since April 1st and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. God assured me He would provide and He has. Grateful.

Okay.. I’ve written enough. Here’s what I shared on June 19, 2019. By the way- Happy Juneteenth!!

Happy Hump Day! Here’s today’s social media find. Take the leap! TAKE THE LEAP!! I guarantee, if God said He’ll catch you, you have NOTHING to be afraid of. Words of caution– it’ll be a bumpy fall. You’ll have some scars. Mostly because you decide to trust yourself and not God. But it’s all good. Those bumps will help you grow and become stronger. Just know, in the end, when God catches you!!!.. Whew!.. You’ll KNOW it was well worth the leap.

Unlike that particular leap, this one hasn’t been bumpy at all. As I said earlier, I believe the first leap prepared me for where I am today. I learned from the first one to trust God, COMPLETELY! Forever grateful and blessed.

As always, thanks for reading my early morning ramblings.

Shaun