Just realized I hadn’t spoken today! I started writing this morning and forgot to finish my thoughts. This has been one busy week!
Anyhoo… Here’s what I shared today under Shaun’s Daily Inspiration.
“So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul—then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil. I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.” –Deuteronomy 11:13-15
Listen, the latter rains of autumn are coming. You will eat and be satisfied! Amen
I pray you have a great rest of your evening. May it be peaceful and relaxing.♥️
Last night I attended a lecture about a local civil rights icon, Clyde Kennard. Clyde Kennard was the first African American to attempt to enroll at what’s now the University of Southern Mississippi. Although he became part of civil rights history, he wanted to enroll for the same reason as everyone else—to get an education.
Clyde Kennard’s story is one of segregation, mistreatment, betrayal, imprisonment, illness, and unwavering hope. Until his death, Mr. Kennard hoped to see a world where everyone was treated fairly, equally, and had the same educational opportunities.
Research on Clyde Kennard’s story was conducted by Dr. Sherita L. Johnson, Dr. Loren Saxton Coleman, Dr. Cheryl Jenkins, and Dr. Rebecca Tuuri. Their latest project is the book “Mixing: Race, Higher Education, and the Case of Clyde Kennard.”
So, you may be wondering why I included JET Magazine in the title. Well, much of the information gathered for the book came from the scholars (mentioned above) following the work of journalists and photographers who documented Clyde Kennard’s story in JET Magazine. Last night, they explained how Jet Magazine was the only national publication that humanized Mr. Kennard’s story.
From their lecture, I also learned that JET Magazine was one of the few national publications that conducted extensive research to present African American stories. For me, learning this was one of those indescribably beautiful moments. You see, I still have copies of JET Magazine. I look through them from time to time, but rarely stop to read the articles. I’m pretty sure I read a few of the articles when I purchased them, but I never considered the work that went into presenting those stories. This week, I plan to take a moment and read a few articles with this thought in mind.
I also have copies of Ebony, Essence, and Sister 2 Sister magazines.
Y’all, I truly love my life! If you only knew what I’m feeling right now. The only way I can describe it is Forrest Gump-ish—I’m surrounded by and standing in the midst of history.
My life and MY GOD! I can’t express it enough, I just love the way He loves me. I am truly blessed.🥰
This is all I have for now. Thanks for stopping by and reading. I pray you have a wonderful day!♥️
This morning I woke up with Whitney Houston’s I Didn’t Know My Own Strength playing over and over in my head. Truthfully, how I have made it thus far is a blur. As I look back over my adulthood, I’m amazed at how many challenges I encountered and actually overcame.
Just finished reading the post that’s quoted and linked above. It’s a post I shared on this day five years ago (October 13, 2021). Smiling through tears (happy tears) because I made it through some really tough times. When I tell y’all I am so very blessed. If you need a little inspiration, click the Wednesday Writings link in the quote above. Listen, life does get better.
Yes, life does get better. I refuse to believe otherwise.
Five years ago, I was listening to Whitney Houston’s, “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” The song says—
I didn’t know my own strength And I crashed down, and I tumbled But I did not crumble I got through all the pain I didn’t know my own strength Survived my darkest hour My faith kept me alive I picked myself back up Hold my head up high I was not built to break I didn’t know my own strength
Woke up with the thought, “Handle with Care,” on my mind. When you handle something with care, you don’t just treat it any kind of way. You hold it as a gift, a treasure.
I know it’s the end of the year, but the next few months are a preface to the year to come. So it makes perfect sense that I set and implement my theme now—
“Handle Me with Care.”
Whoever enters my life, as well as those already here, must handle me with care. No, I’m not fragile—I’m rare and priceless. I am One of One.💎
I’m God’s Child
Listen, know your worth and make sure you’re treated accordingly. You’re not asking for too much to be treated with exceptional love, kindness, and respect.
I pray you have a wonderful day and the most beautiful weekend! May it be filled with lots of love, joy, and happiness.♥️
For years now, I have had LaShaundreaB’s Wellness Wednesdays on my calendar; however, I seldom take my wellness day. Well, today, I can’t take the full day, but I plan to take at least half the day to focus on my wellbeing. Yay Me!
Anyhoo… Back to the song of the hour. The song that I’m singing this morning is Yolanda Adams’ song “I’m Gonna Be Ready.” The song says—
I say a prayer every night Whatever I do, I’ll get it right With no regret, no guilt or shame this time No not this time
Once I surrender, I won’t dare look back ‘Cause if I do, I’ll get off track Move ahead in faith, and patiently await your answer What will it be?
Sight beyond what I see You know what’s best for me Prepare my mind, prepare my heart For whatever comes, I’m gon’ be ready Strength to pass any test I feel like I’m so blessed With you in control, I can’t go wrong ‘Cause I always know, I’m gonna be ready…
Y’all, God has been so good to me. I’m so thankful for sooooo many chances to get this thing called life right. I’m finally at the stage in life where I’m moving without regret, guilt, or shame—all three!
I’m so looking forward to where this next stage of my life will take me now that I’m truly committed to taking care of myself first. I know I’ve been stressing this a lot lately, and I wish that I could fully explain what this means to me. Maybe one day I’ll be able to find the words. Just know that I’ve reached another level of freedom that I never imagined possible.
Feeling grateful and blessed.
This is all for now. Remember to take care of yourself, because when it’s all said and done, besides God, you’re truly all you’ve got! Others can only do so much. The rest is on you.
I couldn’t help but smile when I saw the past post below. It’s a reminder to LIVE!
As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ve always had to make an effort to put myself first. It never came naturally. One call, one sound, or one look of despair, and I’d drop everything to tend to someone else’s needs. But not anymore. I believe that last conversation with my daughter finally got my attention. She told me that I needed to focus on me, and only me. She was right. My mom’s gone; she and my son are grown; my dad and stepmom have each other; my siblings have their spouses and family; it’s just me! For the first time in my life, I’m solo.
Here’s the post I shared three years ago, when I was a new 50 year old.
You better live! Life isn’t slowing down or waiting for you to catch up. Stop putting everyone else first like they’re more important than you. Listen… and hear me good… No one is more important or more valuable than you are. No one! You’re not being selfish, self-centered or inconsiderate. Nah… You’re just recognizing your worth. Now it’s time you start living in it. Love you!♥️ ~Shaun
So far, it’s been a week since I made a conscious effort to prioritize myself and my needs. Seeing this message today confirms and encourages me to keep moving in this direction. Not sure where it’s leading me; however, I’m looking forward to meeting the woman I’m becoming. The woman God predestined me to be.
Shaun, I got you girl!😘
Just a little self-love this morning. Smile
This message is also your reminder that you matter and must take care of yourself first. Take care of YOU before you pour into others.
For a few days now, I’ve been dreading this day because I didn’t know how my emotions would be when I woke up. Would I be sad? Would I grieve? Would it just be another day? Well, today I woke up feeling neither sad nor grieving. However, after scrolling through my Facebook memories, I decided to share my experience from seven years ago.
On October 5, 2019, my brother celebrated his 46th birthday. Several days later, he was admitted to ICU, and about a week or so after that, he was gone.
While checking my Facebook memories to see if I had made a birthday post on that day, I saw the post below and decided to share it. Y’all, this particular post drove my anxiety level through the roof! I logged off social media afterward because I was so overwhelmed. You know how you can feel something is about to happen, but can’t pinpoint what? Well, that’s where I was. The caption in the post kind of explains what I was experiencing.
October 5, 2019
The confusion and tears were so real.😔
Here’s what I shared in my journal entry on the same day:
Oh, today and sometime last week, the “Everything happens for a reason” popped up on social media. When I mentioned it today, I only referred to this particular time period. About an hour ago, I remembered that this year started off with the song by Zhane, “Reasons.” For about a month, it was my theme song. I couldn’t get it out of my head. Now, here I am, close to the end of 2019, and I’m hearing it again. God is working.
In the post, I used the hashtag #GodIsWorking, and as you can see, I ended my journal entry with “God is working.” Even though I was experiencing anxiety like crazy, I still believed that everything that was happening—and, unbeknownst to me, would later happen—was still under God’s control. I trusted whatever God was doing.
Now, here I am seven years later…
A lot has happened in seven years. Y’all, I’m sooooo glad I stopped hearing Zhané’s song “For A Reason.” Talk about traumatized every time I heard it after my brother’s death.
Oh, and I had forgotten to mention that my mom (not my brother’s mom) was admitted to the hospital the day before. What a crazy time that was!
My thoughts are still the same today as they were back then— “Rest assured, God’s got you [us]. He already has everything worked out. Just trust Him.”
The other hashtag I must mention before I end is the last one in my post— “Your purpose is too great to give up.” Whew! Talk about powerful! I had no idea what was coming. I’m so grateful I didn’t give up!
Today’s going to be a beautiful day because God is in it and still in control. Despite everything that happened seven years ago, I still trust God and His plan.
I pray you have a wonderful day and week. May both be filled with love, joy, and peace.♥️
YOU are your priority. Not another task. Not another goal. Not another mission. Not another person. YOU, my friend, are your only priority. Everything else is secondary.
My kids have been telling me for the longest that I am my only priority. The last time my daughter was here, she kindly told me that although she’s glad I still consider her and my son when making decisions, they should no longer be a factor in whatever I choose to do. She said that I need to reimagine my life not centered around them.
So what did I do? I started taking on tasks and putting other people’s needs, goals, and interests before my own. Not like I hadn’t been doing it before. Smile. But yesterday was my breaking point.
Yesterday, by noon, I had become so overwhelmed by everything I had taken on that I could literally feel my blood pressure rising—plus I was having hot flashes like CRAZY! Y’all, hot flashes are no joke!! Then, yesterday evening, I saw a post about one of my step-cousins passing from an apparent stroke. He was only a year younger than me.
After finally taking time to sit and breathe, I remembered what my daughter said, I am my only priority.
Today, I need to focus only on myself and what I want to achieve. I live to help and be there for others, but who’s here for me? Who’s helping me? Umm… no one besides ME! So I need to make sure I put myself first and do it daily, not just today. I’m not being selfish. I just want to live a long, healthy life. I have at least 50 more years of life to live.😊
This is all I have for now. Thanks for allowing me to share/ramble. I pray you have a beautifully blessed day!♥️
Your future starts today, not tomorrow. God’s already equipped you with everything you need to begin working towards your goals and dreams, today. All you have to do is start.
If you’re like me, with hundreds of ideas floating around in your head and unsure where to begin, ask God for clarity and guidance. Then, allow Him to walk you through the process. From experience, it may not always be the process you’d like to go through, but in the end, it will be worth it. I’m sure of this.
Again, it’s Self-Love Saturday! Do something that makes your heart smile and future self proud.♥️
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