Tag: goals

Life

Remembering Chef Leah Chase

Shaun Bradford

Two years ago we lost one of culinary’s finest, Chef Leah Chase. Here’s the Facebook post I shared on June 2, 2019.

Feeling some kind of way. I became a culinary student in 2000, and the two chefs I wanted to meet the most are in this picture, Marcus Samuelsson and Leah Chase.

In 2014, my dream came true. I remember sitting and making a list of people I wanted to meet one day. Then, a couple of weeks later I came across a flyer for a rededication event honoring Chef Chase, and the guest speaker was none other than– Marcus Samuelsson! Yes! I knew right away it was meant for me to attend. God had lined everything up so perfectly. Y’all know I love watching God work.

Of course I had to deal with a few setbacks before attending the ceremony. Nothing ever works the way we envision it. Lol. The day before the event was to happen, I was hit with an unscheduled meeting at the same time I had planned to leave for New Orleans. Y’all, I immediately became disappointed. I felt like it wasn’t meant for me to go. But God! After my meeting ended, I told myself if God put both of them in the same place at the same time, after I had asked to meet them, I’d better go. I was so worried about getting there late, and guess what– it didn’t even start on time. Lol! I also thought she would be too busy for a photo. Well, to my surprise, we actually had time for a conversation.

Yes, I’m in my feelings right now, but I said all of this to say, when God is in it, the ONLY person who can stop things from happening is you! Don’t talk yourself out of God’s blessings. I’m so grateful He blessed me with the opportunity to meet Chef Chase. She will be missed.

And she is definitely missed.🙏🏽🕊

Marcus Samuelsson, Leah Chase, and LaShaundrea (Fall 2014)
Life

Happy Wednesday!

Shaun Bradford

Since I usually write on Wednesdays and Sundays, I’m thinking about creating one title for Wednesdays as I did with Sundays. Everyone seems to use Wisdom Wednesday. Well, as you know, my blogs aren’t always written to inspire. Most of them are about my wonderfully, crazy life. Yeah.. I’ll figure something out.

So how are things going since I resigned? FABULOUS! Part of me keeps saying this is the honeymoon phase, things will get bad. Then I hear God say, “Shaun, this is really it!” A couple of weeks before my last day, I was thinking about how others would respond to my news. I told myself they would say, “Well, you know it’s not going to be easy.” And at that moment God stopped me and asked, “Why can’t it be easy?” This changed my entire thought process. We’re so conditioned to believe every blessing comes with a struggle, yet we say, “With God ALL things are possible.” God let me know then that He had already prepared the way. All I had to do was allow Him to lead. Whew!! Y’all, and I love where He’s taking me. Listen, when He says jump, I don’t ask why, I ask how high! I love adventures and so far this is the wildest ride yet.

Listen, whatever God’s asked you to do or give up, just do it. No questions asked. He’s got you!

Be Blessed

Shaun

Life

Hold On, God is Working

Shaun Bradford

Didn’t feel like writing this morning. Was going to post a statement about accountability and be done. One of my words for 2020 was consistent and boy am I trying to remain consistent. My other word was sustainable. As we know, you cannot have anything sustainable if you’re not willing to be consistent. Which often means showing up when you don’t feel like it. Anyhoo.. I found this Facebook memory from March 3, 2019 and thought I’d share.

“Good Morning! Here’s today’s social media find. No matter how long it takes, keep holding on. Don’t throw in the towel. I love this quote because it’s so real. It seems like the closer you are to your dream being manifested, the more excuses and doubts fill your head. Whatever calling, or purpose, you have on your life, God will equip you to fulfill it. This is something I have to remind myself of when I start having doubts about what I know I’m supposed to do. Although tempted [to quit], don’t do it (in Joe’s voice😉). God will equip you with everything you need for all occasions. Have a blessed day.”

I’m here to encourage you (and myself– yes, I needed this message too) to remain steadfast. If you’re like me– you’re tired, you want to throw in the towel, or you just don’t feel like trying anymore– don’t give up!

Y’all, I needed this message this morning. Thankful for Facebook memories. Yesterday I posted, “Hang in there. You are stronger and more powerful than you think.” It was a message for yesterday. However, I’m pretty certain it’s definitely a message for future Shaun.

Listen, stay encouraged because God is working. He’s always working.

I love, y’all! Be blessed.

Shaun