Tag: Life

Life happens. Go with the flow.

hope

Service

Shaun Bradford

Good morning, and Happy Veterans Day to all who have served in any branch of the military. Thank you for your service!🫡

Thirty-two years ago, when I enlisted in the Air Force, I was clueless about the path my life would take. It was a journey I was definitely not prepared for, but one I’m glad I took. Until today, although I always hear “Thank you for your service,” I never considered “service” to be service.

Since childhood, I always wanted to be of service to others. However, I thought I would do this through the Peace Corps, volunteering, or later working for the United Nations in some capacity. I never considered the military as service, mostly because it was not what I had imagined as service. Hmmm… I guess taking an oath to sacrifice our comforts and possibly lives for the freedoms of others and our country is an act of service. The ultimate act of service.

Here are a couple of photos from the beginning of my official service career.

I was tired, but I made it! I didn’t know my own strength.

Smiles were not permitted. We meant business.😁

Y’all, I still can’t believe I was in the Air Force. Forever an airman—always aiming high.🇺🇸

Shaun

A thought…

Thinking about my life and my lifelong mission to serve, does anything ever look like what we imagined? Or happen the way we imagined? When I really think about it, I have been serving in some capacity since childhood. As the oldest child, I served my siblings. As a teenager, I served as our church’s historian. In high school, my sister and I started the first recycling club (this was in the late 80s—we were going to save the planet 😊). I have been doing the work, but never considered it service.

What were/are some of your lifelong dreams and aspirations? When you think about it, have you already been doing them in some capacity? Have you already been living out your dreams?

hope

My Journey With God, No. 14

Shaun Bradford

I will always believe in a world capable of unity, love, peace, kindness, compassion, empathy, equity, and joy. To not believe opens the doors to hopelessness and despair.

Keeping hope and optimism alive.♥️

Doing it for my babies, your babies, and for generations to come. I can’t stress it enough, we are all connected.🫶🏽

hope

Pressing Pause, Works

Shaun Bradford

Pressing the “Pause” button on every day life is so necessary at times. Much too often, things outside our circle affect our psyche more than things within our circle. Here’s what I shared on November 10, 2022—

My past messages are always timely. Almost like they were written for now. Only God.🙏🏽

Y’all, pressing “Pause” actually works. I do it often. You should try it!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning.☀️

Y’all, I am finally starting to socialize more, and lately it’s been with my fellow veterans. This year, I have attended at least four events, including a small social I attended last night in honor of Veterans Day. Typically, I attend one every other year. However, this year is different—maybe my age has something to do with it (Giggles). This year, I am finally fully embracing my veteran status. I realize I belong to a very special community, and it’s a community I look forward to serving, as well as serving with.

Here’s a picture of me with one of my favorite veterans and friends, Mrs. Raylawni Branch. She’s a retired Air Force nurse and a pillar in our community. I always have a great time when we’re together.

Mrs. Raylawni is a fascinating person. Fun facts, she loves to travel and she taught herself the Korean language by watching Korean movies. Beautiful being.🥰

So far, my Veterans Day weekend has been pretty good. Not sure what I’ll do today. However, tomorrow, which is Veterans Day, is when the real fun begins. People treat us so well on Veterans Day. Smiling

Are you a veteran? If so, what are your plans for tomorrow?

Mine—Breakfast at IHOP, lunch at Olive Garden or Chili’s, and I’m not sure about dinner yet.☺️

Well, that’s all for now. It’s raining good (which is why I’m posting a little late) and I am about to turn over and go back to sleep.

Love you!♥️

Shaun

hope

Change Agents

Shaun Bradford

Are you a change agent for the greater good of humanity?

Two years ago, I shared my thoughts on Stacey Abrams’ concession speech in one of my “Wednesday Writings”. Here’s what I wrote—

“The highlight of the night was not a win, but a beautifully delivered concession speech by Stacey Abrams, Georgia’s gubernatorial candidate. Y’all, Stacey is not finished. … this is ONLY the beginning. Stacey is a change agent.”

In the words of the late, General Colin Powell, “Real change has to outlive the change agent.” Although Stacey isn’t in the limelight as much as she was during the 2022 elections, she’s very much present and still working towards a better, brighter future for everyone.

Questions:

What changes are you striving for—not only for yourself or those like you—but for the greater good of everyone?

Will those changes outlive you?

That’s all.♥️

Love you!

Shaun