Tag: God’s child

hope

What a Difference Time and Experiences Make

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning!☀️

For several years now (since December 24, 2018), I have shared the same quote from Michelle Obama’s book “Becoming”–

“Am I good enough? Yes, in fact I am.”

For years, I questioned my worth. Seeing Michelle Obama (who’s #4 on my infamous list of people to meet) mention it in her book gave me hope. If she also questioned her worth at times and still surpassed her wildest dreams, then I could, too.

In 2018, I began a doctoral program to earn my DrPH (Doctor of Public Health) degree. I decided to pursue this degree after experiencing one of my most crushing moments professionally. Before then, I was always on top of my game. Personally, my life was in the pits, but professionally, it was taking off. Y’all, I was “The Research Diva!” I was so confident and sure of myself and where my career was going. Other professionals and organizations had begun contacting me because of my experience and expertise. However, I hadn’t accounted for some only reaching out because of the fact that I was Black. Once I realized I was only being used because of the color of my skin and my ability to reach populations some couldn’t, I was crushed.

After this realization, every project I was asked to work on, I questioned why I was asked. Was it because of the color of my skin? Did they truly recognize my worth? That’s when I felt if I had my doctorate, my race wouldn’t matter. But I already knew the answer to that, too.

So, for six years, I pursued the DrPH degree. I started strong, but then life happened…COVID happened…then life again. Last year, when I shared her quote, I had just finished another semester of the program, and I had a decision to make—spend more money working towards a degree that I was only pursuing to be deemed worthy or to withdraw. In May of this year, I finally withdrew from the program. Part of me felt like a failure because I couldn’t push past the fact that I was only doing it to prove my worth. Like girl, still get the degree! Then, the other half felt relieved because I could finally focus on the things I wanted to pursue, my real goals and dreams. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be referred to as Dr. LaShaundrea B.; however, I know I am worth more than a title and credentials.

Soooo…

Am I good enough?

Baby, YES! I’m more than good enough!

I now realize I needed to go through all of that craziness to get to where I am today. I can see where my ego and pride could’ve eventually been my downfall and at a higher level. Life is truly a journey.

Well, that’s all I have at the moment. Listen, if you are currently questioning if you are good enough, this is assurance that you are. You are more than good enough. You’re the best!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Be Blessed

Shaun Bradford
“Be Blessed” by Yolanda Adams

On this day ten years ago (December 23, 2014), I was listening to “Be Blessed” by Yolanda Adams. The song says (which is also my prayer for you)—

“I want you to be blessed. Don’t live life in distress. Just let go, let God. He’ll work it out for you. I pray that your soul will be blessed. Forever in His hands. For you deserve His best, no less.”

Yes, YOU deserve God’s best. Nothing less.

Be Blessed♥️

Shaun

hope

You

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning!☀️

It’s YOU! You’re the key.

Everything you touch, you change.

And everything you change, changes you.

Let that sink in.

You’re God’s child.

Inspire someone today!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Good Night (32)

Shaun Bradford

As we wind down for the night and prepare for the upcoming holiday week, be sure to surround yourself with love. Love and be loved.

My daughter arrived home this morning. I’m looking forward to loving on her and my son this week and allowing them to love on me. Yes, I’m going to sit back and take it all in. We’ve already had a lot of laughs today. Y’all, they crack me up. I just love them!🥰🥰

I pray you have a restful night and a wonderfully blessed week.

Love you,

Shaun

hope

My Journey With God, No. 40

Shaun Bradford

This morning, I’m singing Hezekiah Walker’s song “Grateful.” The song says—

“I am grateful for the things that You have done. Yes, I’m grateful for the victories we’ve won. I could go on and on and on about Your works because I’m grateful, grateful, so grateful just to praise You Lord. Flowing from my heart are the issues of my heart, it’s gratefulness.”

God is so good. So very good. I’m so grateful to be in His presence. I am so grateful for His love. I am truly blessed.♥️ ~Shaun

hope

My Journey With God, No. 39

Shaun Bradford

After watching a recent interview with Denzel Washington, where he asked God to let him see His face, I decided to ask God to show Himself to me as well, but not in the same way. I wanted to hear Him. I wanted Him to speak to me in real-time and so clearly that I wouldn’t have to question if it was Him. And y’all, He did it. Of course, I didn’t hear His voice, but He answered a very specific question, in detail, through someone else. Listen, can’t nobody convince me that God isn’t real. The crazy thing is that He always talks to me, but sometimes I second guess what I hear. Him answering me as He did only made my relationship with Him stronger.

Seeing this Facebook memory from three years ago puts my request into perspective. God is real, so very real. And the best part is, He loves me!♥️ ~Shaun

Let Me Touch You by Kirk Franklin

hope

Keep Shining Bright

Shaun Bradford
That shine looks good on you!

Every time you dim your light, you betray yourself and minimize the glow God has placed inside you. Let your God-given light shine through and let it shine bright!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

The Six Triple Eight, Part 3

Shaun Bradford

Yes… I’m back. Hopefully this is the last of my posts about the movie and my military experience.

As a soldier, airman, or seaman, the mission always comes first. You don’t have the luxury of being in your feelings while working. No, you suck them up and get the work done. I was one of the “lucky” (written with lots of sarcasm) ones like the women of the 6888 battalion because my job was mission essential. Meaning, we worked around the clock, 24/7, no weekends or holidays off. We were blessed to have superiors like Major Charity Adams who were generous enough to work breaks in. Morale was everything!

Being a single mom in the military added another level of stress to a job that was already stressful (if you only knew all that my job entailed—whew!). I remember my desire to always overachieve because I didn’t want anyone to use my status as a single mother against me. I never missed work. I always made sure I had a babysitter even when my daughter was sick. I never wanted to be the burden to the group.

When I received orders to go to Turkey, I asked if I could turn them down and accept another location stateside. I was told I couldn’t. That if I didn’t accept the orders I would be forced to get out. So, I had to make a decision—to leave my daughter with my mother who was already struggling to care for my siblings or out process. I told the person handling my case that if I could not take my daughter with me, I would out process. After reviewing my enlistment papers and the orders, I was told I had exactly enough time remaining on that enlistment to do an accompanied tour, which meant I could take my daughter with me. Y’all, that was God! Because I was ready to give it all up if she couldn’t go with me. Then, when I got Turkey, I had 30 days to find someone—a stranger—who could escort my daughter back to the states if a war broke out. Whew! Just thinking about it all brings back so many memories and feelings. I was 24 years old with a little one. I remember walking around base with her in tow trying to get things done. I had a car but it was being shipped over, and I didn’t have the money to keep taking taxis. I would make our little trips adventures so she wouldn’t complain or cry. Most of the time it worked but not always. She was still a child, and when she got sleepy it was over!

I remember this one time when missiles were launched towards our base (yes…Turkey is in a war zone) and the sirens were going off (again, I can relate to the movie), I had to choose between grabbing my chem gear to protect myself or not. I was at home at the time. Had just gotten off of a 12-hour night shift and my daughter was at daycare. My thoughts were if she’s not going to survive, why should I? Fortunately, the missiles were intercepted and life went on. Those were crazy times.

Y’all, I actually made it through those times. This is why I praise God. I have soooo much to be grateful for. So much! I made it and my baby girl made it. We’re here!

Okay… THIS is the last of my military story…at least for now.

Thanks for allowing me to spill.♥️ ~Shaun

To lighten the mood, here are a few pictures from our stay in Turkey. She was 3 when we arrived.

With my friend Destiny (Kader). She owned a tailor shop.
She loved taking pictures…and I loved taking them of her.
Forever posing.
Christmas
In Cappadocia. Nothing like the Cappadocia today.
In a hotel in Cappadocia. This was taken after a 6.3 earthquake hit Adana. I was stationed at Incirlik, which is 5-10 minutes from Adana. We had just arrived at the hotel, which was about 3 hours away, and we felt the earthquake there. I had just checked in and was sitting on the bed when I felt the tremors. The electricity went out. And this was 3 hours away! Talk about divine timing on my part! We could’ve been at home when it happened, or on the road. The only damage I had was cracks in the wall and pictures knocked down. Others had it worse. So many in the city of Adana and surrounding areas lost their lives. The next week, we had another one but it was only about 4.5.

My life….

I am beyond blessed.

Grateful🙏🏽

hope

Releasing the Limits

Shaun Bradford

I KNOW y’all probably think I’m a little loony because of the way I praise and interact with God, but I promise you I’m not. This connection I have with Him is surreal.

I shared my last post, “Welcome to Freedom Fridays,” almost 3 hours ago. How about I just opened YouTube, and the first sermon was Pastor Steven Furtick’s message “Freedom From What’s Holding You Back,” which was posted five hours ago, hours before I wrote my post. Well, it gets even better! Y’all, why was he talking about the limits we keep placing on God and how they’re holding us back?! In my post, I wrote, “I’m releasing the limits I’ve placed on myself and the ones I have placed on God.” I had no idea he had already preached this in a sermon. Talk about confirmation! So, yes, the limits must go!

Here’s the link: Freedom From What’s Holding You Back

You see, this is why I have to write more. Soooo much happens between posts. So many testimonies and revelations to be shared. Listen, get you a relationship with God. He’s so amazing!!

Love you!♥️

Shaun

hope

Tiny Successes

Shaun Bradford

Facebook Memory: December 20, 2021

I believe successes are just like blessings; no matter the size, each should be acknowledged and celebrated.

Each success means that you are one step closer to achieving your dreams. I know the tiny ones may feel like drops in a huge bucket that seem impossible to fill. Believe me, I am right there with you. However, I also believe that one day, that bucket will overflow with success. You just have to keep filling it. You must stop looking at the size of the bucket—it’s a distraction. Instead, lean into the size of your God. With Him, what might be considered a tiny success could be enough to fill that one bucket, then some. But the only way you’ll know is if you keep going and keep adding to the bucket—adding to your dreams.

Please, do not give up. Keep going. The impossible is possible with God.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

P.S. I’m ditching my posting schedule. It’s way too limiting. I have too much to share in between scheduled times that never gets posted. As I have said before, some people make videos, I write. Looking forward to sharing more!

Hmmm… I think I just reached another level of freedom.

Welcome to my world!😘