Tag: grace

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

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

In God’s Hands

Shaun Bradford
Breathe….

You are in God’s hands. You’re covered. Right now, I can hear Marvin Sapp singing, “He Has His Hands On You.”

Marvin begins his song with these words—

“A lot of us in this house tonight, we are on the potter’s wheel right now and it’s not comfortable. It doesn’t feel good. But we need to just take solace in the fact that even though it may not feel good right now, as long as I’m in His hands I know that everything is going to be alright.” –Marvin Sapp

In God’s hands is such a wonderful place to be. After I shared my last post, “My Journey With God, No. 38,” God led me to read my journal entry written two years after I made the Facebook post (see previous post for reference—the journal entry date was December 18, 2020). After reading that entry, I heard, “There’s life after heartbreak.” He went on to show me a few other things. Things that gave me a sense of peace and hope.

This is what happens when we’re in God’s hands, when we’re covered. He will always send comfort, we just have to be open to receive it. And what I love about God—because He’s had to do this with me many of times—is that He doesn’t force us to receive the comfort when it’s offered. Instead, He holds it until we are ready to receive it. Today, I needed comforting after I saw that Facebook memory. God knew I was open to receive it, so He gave it to me. Beyond Blessed

Despite how crazily unpredictable life can become, I know that God has me covered. I am in His hands.

And so are you!♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

This post was shared today on Instagram. A word, indeed. Gotta let the past hurts go and step into the great things the future holds.♥️
hope

Grace, Part 2

Shaun Bradford

Very quick update—

I received my answer. Just had to be quiet enough to hear God’s voice. The grace I needed had nothing to do with me slacking or being on social media. I needed to give myself grace to be human, to be me.♥️

hope

Grace

Shaun Bradford
I wrote this, but now I’m struggling with following my own advice. Gotta love life.☺️

Grace…

Right now, I am struggling between giving myself grace and chastising myself for not dedicating at least 75% of my time to work today. I have been working but slacking a lot. Been on social media a lot more than usual today. I should have made yesterday a rest day because, baby, I definitely feel the weight of my trip today. Now, I am trying to figure out if I should attempt to do more than I already have scheduled (my last client is at 7:00 PM) or just take it easy during my breaks.

Should I feel guilty for not feeling motivated to do more, or should I give myself grace?

I’m really struggling with this…😩

Shaun

hope

Be Kind To Yourself

Shaun Bradford

A little bit of kindness goes a long way. Have you been kind to yourself lately?

Remember to be kind and gentle with yourself. Nothing in life ever remains the same. You are growing and evolving like everyone else and deserve just as much grace. So please, be kind to yourself.♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

hope

My Journey With God, No. 31

Shaun Bradford

“The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

That phrase seems to be on repeat in my mind at the moment.

“The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

Y’all, I am so grateful for God’s love, mercy, and grace.

“The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

Beyond Blessed♥️

hope

My Journey With God, No. 24

Shaun Bradford

Psalm 34:1 – I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

♥️

Praising God for His love, mercy, and grace. Thankful for His covering and protection. Where would I (we) be without them? All praises to God. Amen

hope

God Is Good

Shaun Bradford
Originally shared on November 22, 2023.

God is good!

That’s the post. Nothing more to add.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Praise The Lord

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning☀️

Since 2020, I have begun my day with reading Psalm 113. It all started when my friend Tara sent me a scripture from this chapter, which led me to read the entire chapter. I’ve been reading it every morning since.

Here is what I wrote—

“Before I forget, this morning’s scripture from Tara came from Psalm 113. I was led to read the entire chapter. This chapter matches what I am feeling at the moment. What I was feeling last night. It begins with “Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord…” Whew!”

Praise the Lord, y’all!

I pray you have a lovely day and beautiful week.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

Psalm 113 (NIV)

1. Praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord.

2. Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.

3. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.

4. The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.

5. Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,

6. who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?

7. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;

8. he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people.

9. He settles the childless [barren] woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.