Tag: Life

Life happens. Go with the flow.

Life

I Am My Rescue

Shaun Bradford

Facebook Memory: February 8, 2022

Once you realize you’re responsible for your own survival, you begin to move differently.

That’s what I shared two years ago after watching one of Lisa Nichols motivational videos. Everything she said about making a way for herself and her son to live a better life resonated with me. But to be honest, I never looked for someone to rescue me. I always knew I was my rescue. Often, I was so much of a superwoman that I turned away help. Sometimes much needed help. Mostly because I never truly trusted anyone to help without there being a hidden agenda.

From what I witnessed, even from childhood, the only reason people helped was to go back and tell others how they helped you or for you to return the favor. Back then it was my mom needing help, whether with babysitting or financially. I saw how she was treated. Even heard what others said through their children. My mom never asked for help often. She was always very independent and a very hard worker. When my sister and I were babies, she picked cotton during the summers to take care of us (yes, in the 1970s). With that being said, she also graduated high school a year early and immediately went to college, and took me and my sister with her. She refused to leave us behind. She was her own rescue. So, whenever she did ask for help it was because she really needed it. For reference—My mother was a teen mom. Had me at age 15 and my sister at 16.

As an adult, I swore I would never ask for help, and rarely accepted it. Whatever I needed, I learned to get it on my own. One of the hardest things I had to do was ask for help after becoming a single parent. And most of the time it was because I needed a babysitter. I never asked for financial assistance, even when I needed it most. So, that statement did and still does resonate with me. I am my rescue, but now with God’s guidance. I have found there is a huge difference between doing things on my own and doing things with God.

Didn’t intend to write this much. Wishing you a wonderful day!♥️

Shaun

Life

Gratitude: What Are You Most Grateful For?

Shaun Bradford
Originally shared on February 7, 2022

I am most grateful to be alive. Grateful that I have another chance to love on my babies; another chance to experience something exciting and new (why am I hearing the Love Boat theme song—smile); another chance to accept or decline opportunities; another chance to make better decisions; another chance to live…to really live.

Of course I am grateful for so much more…including YOU! Thank you for taking the time to drop in and read my posts. I truly appreciate you.♥️

Now, it’s your turn. What are you most grateful for?

Shaun

Life

My Jewel

Shaun Bradford

Today is my bonus mom’s birthday! Didn’t quite know how I would feel when today came since my biological mom is no longer here. Plus, it’s also a reminder that my biological mom’s birthday is coming up (February 21) and I won’t be able to celebrate it with her. Yep… I am feeling pretty emotional this morning.

My Jewel—her name is actually Jewel—is one of a kind. She has been in my life since I was about three weeks old, so my entire life. She tells everyone I was her first baby, even though she was pregnant with my late brother at the time of my birth. I have always loved her just as much as I loved my mom. Sometimes I feel guilty because I still have a mother here with me and my siblings do not. I feel so guilty that I rarely mention her around them. Like today’s her birthday and out of respect for them, I am not going to post anything on Facebook. However, I will celebrate her here. When God blessed me with her, He blessed me with a gem. So, how can I not celebrate my blessing.

My jewel.♥️

I have to take some updated pictures. Been using the same one for years. My sister and I have so many pictures with my dad, but not many with Momma. Gotta change that…TODAY! Yes, I will be seeing her in a few hours. I am working an hour away from her today so I am planning a surprise visit. Can’t wait to see her and love on her a little.

That’s all for now. Thanks for reading. I pray y’all have a great day.

Love you,

Shaun

But y’all, I miss my Momma. I miss her soooo much.♥️

Life

God Has The Final Say

Shaun Bradford
God’s got you!

No matter what you are going through or what things may look like, remember God has the final say. Keep your head up and keep going because it is not over until God says it’s over. Can’t you hear Maurette Brown Clark singing, “It ain’t over, til God says it’s over. … Keep fighting until the victory is won.” Well, I surely can. Smile (It Ain’t Over)

Wishing you a fabulous week.

Be blessed!♥️

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

This morning I am torn between sharing the song that’s currently in my head or, not one, but several Facebook memories. The song has nothing to do with the memories. It’s just what I woke up hearing.

Hmm…. Let’s see what I decide.

Well, I went to my journal for inspiration, and my entry from last year basically summed up the Facebook memories I was thinking of sharing. So, I guess I will share a snippet of what I wrote.

Journal Entry: February 4, 2023

Today’s quote was, “Keep Showing Up.” I’m learning more and more that my dreams are not meant to be given up on. Even when I feel like things just aren’t going to happen or everything is pointless, God shows me otherwise. Those goals that I wrote down years ago, as well as the dreams I had as a little girl, they’re all going to come to fruition. What I imagined over 40 years ago, I will have. I just have to keep showing up and allowing God to lead.

I ended the entry with–

Lord, I’m trusting You to do it Your way. Amen

Honestly, I really don’t need to write more. I believe that said it all. The only thing I will add is, no matter what, do not give up on your dreams. Many of mine are over 40 years in the making and I still have not given up so you don’t either. Love you!♥️

Shaun

P.S. That song that’s currently stuck in my head is “Exhale” by Whitney Houston. I know, very random, but that’s me. Smile

Life

The Past Twelve Years

Shaun Bradford

I shared this message of Pastor Joel Osteen’s 12 years ago. Twelve years ago! Y’all, sooo much has happened since then. Since me saying, “God, I’m going to let You take me where You want me to go.” Honestly, I do not believe anything could have prepared me for what would come. Listen, sometimes our plans and God’s plans are completely different.

Took many years to finally appreciate the freedom of allowing Him to lead/drive. Now, it’s almost like second nature…almost! Smile. There are still times when I take the wheel because I believe I know what’s best. Then when things don’t quite work out, I let Him drive again. As Pastor Osteen said, God sees the detours, dead ends, and shortcuts. He sees all. Thankfully, I am finally at a point in life where it doesn’t take me as long to realize who’s in the driver’s seat.

Twelve years later, and I am beyond blessed. I am so glad I allowed God to drive.♥️

This is Year50…

Shaun