hope

Freedom Fridays (2)

Welcome back to “Freedom Fridays”!

Today, I am releasing myself from the guilt and shame of not completing the DrPH (Doctor of Public Health) program. I may have been pursuing the degree for the wrong reasons, but I still wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. Yes, I must let the guilt and shame go. God has other plans—plans I don’t yet see—but I know He does.🙏🏽

I was in Tampa for my first residency.
hope

Our “Yes”

Good Morning!☀️

Just saw this quote by Pastor Mike Todd on Instagram— “God saw all of this before you said yes.”

Y’all, this quote hit my soul! I instantly thought about the yeses I’ve given God over the years and how where I am currently—physically, mentally, spiritually, etc.—is where God saw me before I even said “Yes.” He already knew what my “yes” would cost me. He already knew what my “yes” would bring me. He already knows where my “yes” is taking me.

If you didn’t know, your “yes” is just as powerful as, if not more powerful than, taking a leap of faith.

Our leaps of faith are usually dramatic—something others can see or follow. However, our yeses are very subtle and intimate. They are given with our hearts, and only God hears them. Sometimes, we say yes before we have a clear vision of what’s asked. The good part is, whenever we say “Yes” to God, we can rest assured that He will always be with us throughout our journey—He’s got us! And He will never ask us for more than He knows we are capable of achieving. If He asks, He already knows we can do it. (Let that sink in.)

Question—What have you said “yes” to lately?


Well, this is all I have for you at the moment. It’s raining, and I slept in. I’m really thinking about turning over and going back to sleep. Smile. I pray you have a fabulous day!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

My Journey With God, No. 43

Lord, please direct and guide my footsteps so they remain pointed toward You and Your purpose. I never want to move without Your guidance. Everything I touch and do must lead back to You. For I know, my existence is for Your praise and glory.♥️ ~Shaun

Singing “Order My Steps In Your Word” by GMWA Women of Worship.
hope

Prep Time is Up

Trust God. He’s got you!

“I guess my prep time is up,” is what I wrote in my notes on December 24, 2020. I’m smiling because this message will forever be relevant, whether it’s next year or five to ten years from now. When you think about it, we are always preparing for something because God is always moving. He’s not a stagnant God. So, today, this message is for whatever God believes we are prepared to receive.


Smile, your preparation time is up. You’re ready!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Good Morning!☀️

Lately, I have been a little more emotional than usual. It took me a minute to figure out why, and I finally have. A rebirth is happening. At least, that’s what it feels like.

Some may think what I’m about to say is weird, and it’s perfectly fine, but the timing of “The Six Triple Eight” movie and my daughter’s upcoming 30th birthday are so intertwined. The 30 years hit me while I was visiting her a week ago. Then, seeing the movie this weekend brought back memories of my experiences in the military around the time of her birth (almost 30 years ago) and the first few years of her life. Y’all, I’ve been crying nonstop this weekend. It feels like I am finally releasing everything I have held in for decades—the stress, uncertainties, and pressure I placed on myself to be a great mother to a child who did not ask to be here. I chose to bring her into this world, which meant I was responsible for making sure she always felt loved, protected, supported, and never like a burden. Those were the things I needed as a child, and I was determined to make sure she had them. And then the song “The Journey” by H.E.R. gets me every time I hear it. Y’all, these past 30 years have definitely been a journey.

Here’s what AI had to say about 30 years—

“It can be a turning point in a person’s life or a time when a historical event’s long-term effects can be seen. … It can be a time when someone realizes who they are, gains self-awareness.”

Whewwww… y’all, this is a lot.

I now realize that 30 years ago, I shut down part of my life to become the best mom I could be, and I know exactly when it happened. That’s a story for another time. Last week, I finally saw the woman my baby girl has become and know that my mission has been achieved. Now it’s time for me to live.


My life definitely changed 30 years ago, and I have absolutely no regrets—I never have. I just adjusted. Seeing my baby girl’s smile today lets me know all my sacrifices were worth it.

Here are two pictures… A lot can change in a year.

Squadron Christmas party in Germany (December 1993).
Squadron Christmas party in Florida (December 1994). Almost 9 months pregnant.

What a journey…

Thanks for allowing me space to exhale and release. I pray you have a glorious Sunday!♥️

Love you,

Shaun