Tag: God’s plan

Life

A Necessary Task

Shaun Bradford

Today’s Facebook memory basically falls in line with the pruning I experienced several months ago, and the decluttering I wrote about before the new year. When we really start growing—especially mentally, emotionally and spiritually—we begin to discover we have to let a few things go (sometimes people). We have to let go of things that trigger and/or hinder our growth or progression.

From experience, I know this is not easy thing to do. I still struggle with it. I believe it’s difficult because some things have been with us for years if not our entire lives (certain mindsets, behaviors, and beliefs). Believe me, it takes a lot of discernment and a good relationship with God to know what to let go of and what to hold on to because if we are not careful, we could toss what we need and hold on to what we don’t. Yes, discernment is very important. Also, being still so we can clearly hear God’s voice is utmost important. I know…sounds like a brutal task, doesn’t it? But it’s not. Smile…

Listen, God will never steer us wrong or leave us without. If we accidentally let go of things (opportunities, relationships, etc.) we should have held on to, we will receive them again. Believe me, whatever is meant to stay in our lives, will stay. It’s called God’s mercy, grace, and favor. For those who know, know there’s nothing like it! Amen

Okay… I’m done rambling. Just know that in the end everything always works out because God’s got us!♥️

Here’s today’s memory.

Facebook Memory: January 13, 2022

Walking away from things that no longer serve us is often difficult and sometimes painful, yet it is so necessary for growth. I pray God gives you the strength to walk away from things that no longer serve you so that you are able to move forward freely.

It’s not easy but necessary. And don’t worry about making the wrong decision. God won’t let us fail. What’s meant to be will be.

Sending blessings and love your way. Have a wonderful weekend!♥️

Shaun

Life

God Is Always Working

Shaun Bradford

Here is what I shared earlier on my social media platforms:

God is forever working behind the scenes on our behalf. Our job is to be patient and trust Him while He works, even when we don’t see anything happening. Eventually, everything will work out in our favor, and it will be better than we imagined.♥️

On this date for the past two years, I have shared this same image with the caption “Trust the process.” I guess that’s the real message. Trust God’s process.

Moment of transparency…

Since the end of June 2022, I had been struggling to secure contracts as an independent consultant. Even applying for jobs did not work. Then, in August of that year, my mom had a stroke and I became her primary caregiver. Even though I was with her 24/7, I was still looking for work (even remotely) and nothing panned out. I kept hearing to rest and just spend time with her. That I had enough to sustain me. I did not need more.

Sadly, it wasn’t until almost the end of her life that I actually understood what was meant by resting and spending time with her. I am so grateful I eventually listened. I needed that time with her.

After she passed last May, seemed like nothing was working in my favor. Everything was just “blah.” And it was also during this time that I was experiencing the greatest spiritual pruning of my lifetime. I mean, I did ask for this side of 50 to be different. I just did not know what that entailed. Basically, patience, trust, faith, hope, and endurance. Lots of endurance!

By the end of last year, I had completely surrendered control to God because nothing I attempted to do was working—nothing. And that’s when things began to change. I started receiving job offers out of the blue. I felt like Celie in The Color Purple after she found Nettie’s letters. There were so many of them. Unfortunately, most were not a true match but I kept an open mind.

Fast forward to today. I just secured another contract as an independent consultant. God is so good!

Listen, even when things appear to be falling apart, they are actually falling in place. Most of the time it happens when we cannot feel or see God working. As I stated earlier, our job is to be patient and trust Him to work things out in our favor. Amen

God’s got us!♥️

Shaun

Life

Smile, It Happened and Is Still Happening

Shaun Bradford

Life is forever evolving and changing. Instead of crying over what was, smile because it was. Smile because you had the opportunity to experience it. Then, smile even bigger because you now have the opportunity to experience something even greater.

Facebook Memory: January 11, 2019

Happy Friday! Here’s today’s social media find. So, I’ve been reading old journal entries from 20+ years ago and reminiscing about the good old days (BTW: Today’s MJB’s birthday🎉). It’s amazing how time flies. If I could go back, I would definitely handle some situations and relationships differently. There were people in my past I wish I would have kept in touch with (grateful for FB reconnections 🤗). There were opportunities that I let slip away because I thought I was “oh so” brilliant 🤷🏽‍♀️ or because of fear. Either way, I lived and learned. One thing for sure, I can’t continue to look back on what could’ve, should’ve, would’ve, or might’ve happened. I can only look forward and enjoy the present ride.

I’m truly grateful for all of my wonderful experiences, whether they lasted for years or only a few seconds (that smile did something to me 😉).

Make the best of every moment. Don’t spend too much time thinking about how the story could’ve ended or will end. Enjoy the here and now.

Yes, it happened and it is still happening. Stay present and embrace the beauty of what’s happening now.

Just because a particular experience ended doesn’t mean something new is not already happening. God is forever working even when we cannot see it or feel it. Remember that every new day brings new opportunities and experiences. If we continue to dwell on what was, we will miss the beauty of what’s happening now. So, keep smiling. Our story is far from over. The best is yet to come!♥️

Shaun

Life

Life: Trust God’s Process

Shaun Bradford

Life is so wonderfully unpredictable. You set out with one thought or goal in mind and end up somewhere completely different. Different is not necessarily a bad thing, it’s just different.

No matter where you are in this particular moment in life, know that it is temporary. Sadly, the highs don’t last forever, but thankfully the lows do not either. Y’all, God is so merciful. We must remember life is full of necessary ebbs and flows. They are all part of a greater purpose and plan. Although we may question where life is taking us, it is so important for us to trust God and trust His process. He really does have our best interest at heart. Everything will work out in our favor.♥️ ~Shaun

God’s got you!

Life

Dare To Be Different

Shaun Bradford

Dare to be different.

Dare to stand or walk alone.

Dare to dance to the beat of your own drums.

Dare to dream your wildest dreams and expect them to come true.

Dare to be yourself.

Yes, dare to be YOU.

You are one of one. You were not created to fit in. You were created to stand out. Now, shine!♥️

Blessings,

Shaun

Life

Much More Is Waiting

Shaun Bradford

As I wrote two years ago, where you currently are is not where you are meant to stay. There is so much more waiting for you to see and achieve. Keep going!♥️ ~Shaun

Facebook Memory: January 8, 2022

Where you are at in this moment in time is not where you are meant to stay. Do not give up and whatever you do, please do not settle. Higher IS waiting.

You have come too far to stop now. Keep going higher!🙏🏽♥️

Life

You Did Not Give Up

Shaun Bradford

This time next year, you will be in a better place in all aspects of life because you did not give up. You overcame your fears, mastered your challenges, and blocked all self-doubt. Yes, YOU!

You kept going despite the odds. Now look at you all glossed up and bossed up! I see you, and I am so very proud of you. You did not give up!♥️ ~Shaun

Smile, you made it!! Now, keep going!
Life

It Won’t Always Be Like This

Shaun Bradford

Singing VaShawn Mitchell’s “Turning Around For Me.”

Turning Around For Me by VaShawn Mitchell
Lyrics: Musixmatch

Sometimes discouraged but not defeated
Cast down but not destroyed
There are times I don’t understand
But I believe it’s turning around for me

I’ve had struggles and disappointments
There were times I felt so alone
Some of my friends, they let me down
But I still believe, it’s turning around for me

Around for me
Around for me
Around for me
It’s turning around for me

Around for me
Around for me
Around for me
It’s turning around for me

‘Cause I can see the breaking
I can see the breaking of day
God is making a way
A change is coming for me
If I stand strong and believe
There’s no reason to doubt
I know He’s working it out
It’s turning around for me

It won’t always be like this
He will perfect that concerning me
And sooner or later, it will turn in my favour
Sooner or later, turn in my favour
It’s turning around for me

It won’t always be like this
The Lord will perfect that concerning me
Sooner or later, turn in my favour
Sooner or later, turn in my favour
Sooner or later, turn in my favour
It’s turning around for me
It’s turning around for me

Around for me(around for me)
Around for me(around for me)
Around for me(around for me)
It’s turning around for me

Around for me
Around for me
Around for me
It’s turning around for me

Around for me
Around for me
Around for me
It’s turning around for me

It won’t always be like this
He will perfect that concerning me
Sooner or later, turn in my favour
Sooner or later, turn in my favour

Smile. Good news is on the way. I can feel it!

Be Blessed♥️

Shaun

Life

Trust God’s Plan

Shaun Bradford

I wrote the following two years ago (January 4, 2022)–

As the years pass, I’m learning that the dream doesn’t always look like what you initially imagined. Nothing like it! My advice is to let go of whatever you had in mind and trust God to lead and guide you to where you’re supposed to be. Believe me, what He has planned is far better than anything you’ve ever imagined! Trust Him!

Believe me, even if you cannot see or feel anything happening, it is. God is still in control and working, and your dream is still intact. Hang in there!♥️

Shaun

Life

It’s Already Done

Shaun Bradford

Facebook Memory: January 3, 2022

Whatever you have been asking for or waiting on, know that it’s already done.

Just believe!♥️

Shaun