Tag: love

hope

My Milestone, Too

Shaun Bradford

Listen, the tears are flowing! I was just texting with my daughter about her plans for her birthday and she mentioned that it was a milestone for me as well. Y’all, the fact that she recognizes her 30th birthday as a milestone for me means a lot. It makes my heart smile. She doesn’t have to keep reminding me to celebrate myself as well, but she does.

I remember when I first felt her move. At that moment, I was committed to becoming the best mom that baby could possibly have. Now, don’t think I was a laid-back, “do whatever you want to do” kind of mom. No, I was, and always have been, a real momma. She had rules to follow, and I never allowed any disrespect. However, I allowed her to be who God created her to be. I gave her room to express herself (believe me, she has never been one not to express her opinions), and I tried my best to make sure she could do whatever she aspired to do. Of course, we didn’t always agree on everything and still don’t (smile), but that doesn’t make me love her any less. I actually believe I love her even more because she’s who she is and has never tried to be like anyone else. I love watching her move through life. It’s so beautiful to watch. Y’all, I can’t believe I am so blessed.🥰

At 3 years old.
At 29 years old

Yes, I am truly blessed.☺️

Shaun

hope

Around This Time 30 years Ago

Shaun Bradford

I haven’t shared much about my daughter’s upcoming 30th birthday lately, but I haven’t forgotten about her big day—which she says is also mine and that I should buy myself a small cake and celebrate too. Y’all, I just love her!🥰

The first picture is from my surprise baby shower, which the ladies from work had planned for me. As you can see, I have pink and blue balloons. I had decided I wanted the sex of my baby to be a surprise, so I had no clue what I was having. They were very creative in finding gender-neutral baby items. I was so blessed to have their friendship and support.

The next ones were taken days before I went into labor. I was working my last set of mid-shifts (10 PM – 6 AM). I remember telling my coworker, Tim, that my mucus plug had come out before I came on shift. When I tell you that chain smoker smoked more cigarettes than he’d ever smoked during a shift. Baby, he was so nervous.😂 I ended up going into labor my first night off. Crazy but good memories.☺️

By this time, I was tired. I couldn’t even tie my boots on my own. Had to wait until I got on shift for help. My coworkers were so sweet.

On the wall behind me were pictures of astronaut crews that had stopped through. They loved flying into Eglin. Ft. Walton Beach/Destin, Florida, then was nothing like it is today, so I imagine they come in more often now.

I think about all the pictures I took back then, and I didn’t even have a cell phone. Well, I had one—a big, bulky one that plugged into the car—but not like I have today, with easy access to my camera. So, it amazes me that I always kept a camera with me. Wow! I was very intentional about documenting my pregnancy. Pretty cool!😌

hope

Drown Out The Noise

Shaun Bradford

The song of the hour is Smokie Norful’s “I Need A Word.” The song says (Lyrics: Musixmatch)—

Life seems so loud
I’ve been too proud
So, Lord, what do I do?
I just need a word from You

Oh, I need a word
Tell me which way to turn
I need a word
Tell me which way I should go
I need a word

To tell me just what to do
Please, send a word
God, I need to hear from You
Drown out the noise
Let me hear Your voice
I need a word from You

Drown out the noise so you can hear God’s voice—which is what I’m finally doing because there’s absolutely nothing I can do at the moment.

Yes, drown out the noise. God is speaking.

Guess what He’s saying?

Trust Me.

I got you.

Smile.♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

hope

An On Time Word

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning.☀️

I must remember that I am God’s child.

This memory made me smile. It’s so timely. So many can use a little encouragement at the moment, including myself.

Over the past few days, I have watched my lifelong dream of a kinder, healthier, and safer world crumble before my eyes. First, the president withdrew us from the Paris Climate Agreement, and then the World Health Organization (this one hurt!). Now, there is uncertainty regarding the future of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. If another outbreak, of any kind, were to occur, no one would know about it. This means we will be unable to prevent avoidable deaths. And then there’s everything else that moved us forward as a nation that’s now setting us back. So, yeah… this has been one tough week.

Soooo….

Seeing the words “Be Encouraged” made me smile and momentarily gave me a sense of hope.

I know God is with us. I know God is in control. I also know that certain things have to happen for better to come. Since the beginning of time, there hasn’t been an era without conflict, a great disaster, or some form of devastation. Well, now it’s our time.

I’m staying in prayer and trusting God. I won’t say too much, but God had already prepared me for this right before my 50th birthday. At the time, I didn’t understand what He was saying, but now I do.

Y’all, I know God’s got us. I don’t doubt that at all. However, I am still human, and my heart hurts.

This is all I have at the moment. I pray you have an amazing day!

Stay encouraged.♥️

Love you,

Shaun