Tag: gratitude

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Today’s Facebook memory has me smiling from ear to ear and in tears. Y’all, what are the odds of actually getting a second chance, getting a do over? Listen, and hear me good, DO NOT give up on your dreams. I can hear Yolanda Adams singing—

“I have a word to share with you. Those who feel God has forgotten you. I know you feel your time has passed. God’s only saving the best for last. And your future’s greater than your past.” Donald Lawrence’s Best For Last featuring Yolanda Adams

I know this word isn’t only for me!! Listen, it’s not over. Your dreams are still intact. If God has given me another go at my dreams, I know He will do the same for you. Your time has not passed. Nope. Not at all. God was only saving the best for last. Your future will be greater than your past.

My advice, because this is what I did and am still doing, stop trying to figure this thing called life out. Stop trying to figure out what your future will look like. Honestly, we can paint a million pictures of how our future might look and God will flip the script and do something we never imagined. We cannot predict what will happen or how things will turn out. We just can’t. So, let life flow and be open to new opportunities and possibilities, and keep your dreams alive. Don’t let them go. I’m seeing 80 year olds getting their doctorate degrees. So all isn’t lost, just delayed until the right time; and only God knows when that is. Until then, enjoy the here and now. Stay present and let God do the rest.

Love you!♥️

Shaun

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to have another conversation with the late John Lewis. However, that opportunity happened by chance anyway. I literally bumped into him as he was coming out of his office. Truly a destiny moment. This is definitely a sign that I cannot give up. I must keep going.
Life

Purpose Part 3

Shaun Bradford

Decided to continue my Purpose series (didn’t know it would become one). For years, I have known what my purpose was/is; however, I have never known how to fully embrace it. My purpose is connected to my dreams and part of my DNA, and there are people attached to them.

Here is another Facebook memory (had so many gems today, some I shared elsewhere):

Facebook Memory: June 8, 2019

Happy Saturday! Here’s today’s social media find. Progress IS progress. Encourage others, but also encourage yourself. It’s true, we’re usually our own worst critic. Just because you’re not where you thought you’d be by now, doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

This is where journals come in handy. Journals allow us to look back and see how far we’ve actually come. Believe me, if you’re better off than you were a year ago (like me 🙋🏽‍♀️), then you’re making progress. So cut yourself some slack. You’re doing great! Remember, God is working!!

It’s definitely been slow, but continuous. Had a few setbacks but I kept going, and will keep going. Photo Credit: Unknown

This was my first time serving as President-Elect. Beyond grateful for second chances. I had so much more to give, so much more to do. Listen, even when you have given up on your dreams, God has not given up on you. Your purpose is much too great for you not to keep going.

Love you,

Shaun

Life

The Divine Plan

Shaun Bradford

Last year on this date, I shared two posts—one was about purpose, which I basically reshared this morning, and other was the reblog below. The reblog was based on a message written on a butterfly display —“Your life is unfolding according to The Divine plan.”

Stay focused on God, not what’s going on around you. Believe me, He’s got you!

And life is doing just that, unfolding according to God’s plan. Although we have some control over how it unfolds, it’s probably not as much as we would like, and that’s a good thing. Keeps us humble. What I have learned over this past year is to allow life to do what it’s going to do. Of course I must continue to do my part which is to keep striving towards my goals and dreams. However, I cannot get caught up in the whirlwind of things happening around me, nor allow the tactics of the enemy (because they are real) throw me off course. I must remember at all times, and you should too, life is unfolding according to God’s plan, and He is in control.

Praying you have a lovely day and wonderful weekend.♥️

Love you always,

Shaun


Just Had to Share
Life

Purpose

Shaun Bradford

Facebook Memory: June 7, 2024

Your purpose is unique and connected to something you do effortlessly. It’s authentic, never forced.

Advice–if you desire to live a happy, fulfilled life, follow your purpose.♥️

Your life’s purpose fits perfectly with God’s plan. Never take it lightly.♥️

Be Blessed,

Shaun

Life

Make Your Story Beautiful

Shaun Bradford

A few years ago, I shared the following image with the caption, “What are you writing? Hope it’s something beautiful.”

Shared on Facebook on June 6, 2021. (Photo credit: Unknown)

None of us knows what the future holds. Most of the time we look at it through the lens of our past. If we are not careful, we will continue to write and create the same stories.

This year (Year50), and my mom’s death, forced me to stop and reflect on the limiting patterns and stories I kept repeating and creating. Some I had been doing my entire life. I couldn’t seem to let certain parts of my past go. Not so much physically, but mentally. However, once I decided this side of 50 would be different, I intentionally began to make it different. And I am still doing so. It’s an ongoing process that I am committed to continuing. Not sure where my story will take me, but I do know—not believe—it will be beautiful.

I pray your future is just as beautiful. My advice is to release control and allow God to do the rest.♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

Side note: I used to be terrified of giving God complete control. Didn’t fully trust Him with my future. (Being transparent.) I believed He would bypass my dreams and aspirations to only fulfill His purpose and plan. Now I realize my dreams and aspirations were always part of His purpose and plan. He’s the one who gave them to me. So I have to trust Him to do the rest.

This is Year50…

Life

From Believing to Knowing

Shaun Bradford

Facebook Memory: June 6, 2022

Here’s a much needed reminder that God will give you beauty for your ashes.🌹

God is restoring and replacing all that was lost plus more.

You have been through a lot. More than anyone knows. More than you’ll ever share. Exhale and rejoice! God is giving you beauty for your ashes.♥️

On a personal note. When I wrote this two years ago, I was trying so hard to believe what I was hearing—“God will give you beauty for your ashes.” Even though I wrote it down and shared it, deep down I didn’t completely believe it. Just being honest. I didn’t believe it because I was too distracted with trying to figure out the how and when instead of leaving things in God’s hands. Again, being honest. Y’all, I am not even sure what changed or when it changed. All I know is one day I went from trying to convince myself to believe it could happen to actually knowing it was happening. I knew without a doubt God was restoring and replacing my ashes with beauty. I will say this, it started on the inside, first.

Loving this space I’m in.♥️

This is Year50…

Shaun

Life

Praise Is What I Do

Shaun Bradford

Singing—

Praise is what I doooooo ouuuu ou ou… it’s what I do

Never imagined I would be here, at this point in life, where I don’t feel weird or crazy for having multiple praise breaks during a day. Ha! But God did!

Again, singing—

Praise is what I doooooo ouuuu ou ou… it’s what I do

Have a blessed night.♥️

Shaun

“Praise Is What I Do” by William Murphy

Life

I Am Worthy of God’s Best

Shaun Bradford

Facebook Memory: May 31, 2022

Affirmation on Repeat:
“I am worthy. Yes, ME. I am worthy of God’s best.”

Listen.. and hear me good.. YOU are worthy of God’s absolute best. You don’t have to settle for less.

Yes, you and me both. We are worthy of God’s absolute best. No more settling for less.

Guess what?! Tomorrow is my birthday month!!!! Listen, I don’t care how old I get, I love celebrating my birthday! Just saying the word birthday makes me feel like I’m a kid again. Smiling. Looking forward to ending my jubilee year on 10 and bringing in Year51 on 100!! Y’all, I am already hyped and I have absolutely no idea what I’m going to do. Probably nothing. However, it’s always the excitement leading up to my birthday that’s the true gift. If I happen to actually do something spectacular, then it will be the icing—real buttercream icing—on the cake. Blessed

Anyhoo… Wishing you a wonderful day and magnificent weekend!♥️

Year51 is loading!

Shaun

Life

God’s Guidance

Shaun Bradford

God’s guidance is strategic. Don’t worry yourself trying to figure it out. He knows where He’s taking you. He knows what lies ahead—the good and the bad. Trust Him and allow Him to lead and protect you. Rest assured, He’s got you! Everything is going to work out in your favor.♥️ ~Shaun

Release control and be obedient. You can trust Him.

Year50…

Life

Be Ready & Prepared

Shaun Bradford

Here’s an excerpt from my journal entry written on May 28, 2017:

“God’s not dead. Jesus is not dead. Remember this. He’s all powerful! God is about to open windows. You NEED to be ready! READY! PREPARED!”

Not quite sure what all happened after that, but I do know later that year I launched my first consulting business, The ResearchDiva–RD. Y’all, I was ready. Couldn’t tell me nothing. I was The Research Diva–RD, ready to save the world! Global health equity was my mission and I was on it. When I tell you I just knew I was about to be working with international entities. Looking back, maybe I was a little too confident. Doors were opening and I was making moves and connections. However, what I had not accounted for were the hiccups and setbacks that came with my quest. Y’all, why did I think everything was going to flow as smoothly as I had planned in my head and on paper? All it took was one blow and I was out. Just being transparent. I was done. Physically I was still there doing the work; however, mentally I was gone.

So, here I am seven years later seeing and hearing that same message everywhere—“Be Ready! Windows are opening.” And I see it happening. Over the past few months some of the same opportunities I had 7-8 years ago have re-presented themselves and of course I am taking them. I know everyone doesn’t get second chances so I refuse to let them slip away. However, unlike seven years ago, I am not oblivious to the fact that all good things and successes come with challenges. This time I’m prepared. Yes, this time, no matter what happens, I will keep going.

Listen, please do not think this message is only for me. No, YOU should also be ready and prepared. Windows are opening. Setbacks and disappointments will happen as you move forward, but keep going!

I pray you are having a wonderful day thus far. Be blessed and again, keep going!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

Rebranded, but still the same goal—health equity.♥️