Tag: memories

Life

My Story Continues

Shaun Bradford

Here are two more Facebook memories I wanted to share before this day ended. They are my annual reminders that where I am today is not where I am meant to stay. As long as I am breathing, there will always be more to my story.

Facebook Memory: December 4, 2019

Good Morning! Here’s today’s social media find. I’m in tears, y’all. This was three years ago during one of my lowest moments, and a few days before my car accident. Whew! It was posts like this that kept me going. When I couldn’t see my way, I would always find words of encouragement through social media. I’m so grateful I made it through those tough times. I’m here. I’m still standing. What was meant to break me, didn’t work.💃🏽

Originally shared on December 4, 2016

Facebook Memory: December 4, 2020

Blessed.
Humbled.
Grateful.

I entered 2020 without any expectations. I was tired of expecting things to happen only to be disappointed at the end of the year. This year I decided to allow God to lead. What I discovered is when He leads, AMAZING things happen!

I’m so grateful to be a contributing author in the Finally Free anthology. I’m so thankful for my Finally Free family. I have always believed in divine connections. I know God has placed me where I am at this specific moment in time, with this group of authors, for a specific purpose. For His purpose. He’s so intentional, y’all! It didn’t happen two or three years ago when I thought I was ready. It happened now, in the midst of a pandemic! HOW AWESOME!! He just amazes me! Y’all, I’m so thankful I allowed God to lead.

What a difference a year makes. My brother had just passed away in October 2019, and I was in a funk. I was disappointed, heartbroken, and felt hopeless. I really didn’t want to see or hear anything about expecting great things in the new year. Then, 2020 came and flipped everyone’s life upside down. By the time I was asked to do the anthology, I was just happy to feel normal again. Y’all, God is so good. He knew exactly what I needed to keep me going.

As I mentioned in my previous post, life never really happens as we envision it to; however, it always happens according to God’s plan and in our favor. This year I am without my mom. To be honest, everything feels like déjà vu. However, unlike four years ago, I am going into 2024 expecting great things to happen.

That’s all for now. Wishing you a good night.♥️

Shaun

Life

Propelling Forward

Shaun Bradford
Random picture from November 6, 2016

Facebook Memory: November 6, 2016

I love my life. Someone on Twitter asked, “If you could change one thing about your childhood, what would it be?” I thought and thought. For years I wished that things were different. I wished that we had more. That I was loved more. That I didn’t have to go through so many things that could have caused me to lose my mind. But I responded with, “I wouldn’t change a thing.” Everything I’ve gone through has shaped and molded me into the person I am today. I’m able to help others because of what I’ve been through. I believe that’s what God wants us to do. Our past negative experiences aren’t for us to wallow in and complain about. They’re there to inspire others. While we’re going through difficulties we usually can’t see a way out.

If you’re still breathing, it means you’ve made it! You may not be where you want to be, but you’re here!!

I know this is long. I’m used to journaling. I just wanted to share my thoughts. I woke up this morning thinking about all of the turmoil around us. Like everything else, we’ll make it through this. My great great grandma, Madear, was not a “saint.” I can probably count on one hand how many times she actually went to church. However, one thing she did every morning, as soon as she got out of bed, was say a prayer and read Psalms 23. She did this EVERY morning. Whenever I’m going through something I always remember Psalms 23. Like I said, she wasn’t a “saint,” but she instilled in me the value of ALWAYS putting God first no matter what. I miss her so much. I thank God for placing her in my life.

That’s all. Be blessed!🙏🏾❤️

That was written seven years ago. Today, my answer is still the same, I wouldn’t change a thing. Yesterday I came across a short segment of a discussion between Jay Shetty and Tony Robbins (Escape Your Misery). Although it was only eleven minutes long, the message was so powerful. It was about the choices we make after experiencing difficulties. Either we allow them to take us further down or we allow them to propel us forward. Over my lifetime, I have always attempted the latter. Maybe not like Tony, but I have and I plan to continue doing so.

Looking back—everything I went through made me the woman I am today; and everything I am currently going through is shaping the woman I am to become tomorrow. Taking no experience for granted. Using them all as fuel to push forward.

Enjoy your day!♥️

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Happy Sunday! I know I have been sharing a lot of Facebook memories lately instead of actually writing. I have exactly one week left in this term. Afterwards, I will begin drawing and sharing new writings again. Until then, please enjoy my memories.

Facebook Memory: November 5, 2022

Today, I encourage you to stay focused on the bigger picture. The goal. The dream. The mission. The purpose.

Gotta stay focused.

I also found this gem from the same day.

It definitely takes a while to build a dream. Seems like I have been building most of my life. My dreams may not have come to fruition yet, but I know they’re coming. I can feel it! I cannot stop working towards them.

It’s reminders like Tyler’s posts; meeting Dr. David Satcher and Chefs Leah Chase and Marcus Samuelsson; seeing Carol Moseley Braun pop up in my Facebook memories; and endless inspirational and motivational YouTube videos from too many people to name, that keep me going. They remind me of my “why”. There is so much more I am meant to do. So many more lives I am meant to touch. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am meant to help those in need. Not on a local, state or national level, but on a global level. Last night I dreamed I was somewhere helping a group of people and I was speaking French. Y’all I have to stay focused and push through this process. I must see this thing through.

Listen, I love y’all! Thank you so much for supporting me and reading my blogs. I really do appreciate you. As I mentioned above, soon I will be back with new content. Praying you have a fabulous Sunday.

Be Blessed!♥️

Shaun

Life

Facebook Memories From October 24th

Shaun Bradford

Thought I would share several Facebook memories from October 24th.

October 24, 2022

Stay strong. You are going to make it!♥️

You WILL make it!

October 24, 2021

Believe

October 24, 2020

Took forever for me to learn this lesson. Thankfully, I finally have.

October 24, 2015

So thankful for God’s love and grace, and for giving me time to grow and heal.

October 24, 2014

At the re-dedication of the Leah Chase Louisiana Gallery! Got to meet two of my favorite chefs- Chef Leah Chase and Marcus Samuelsson!! I am on cloud nine!!!

The day God showed me that all things were (are) possible through Him. All I had (have) to do is believe.

I can’t stress it enough, God is so amazing. Even on my darkest days He finds ways to get light through. Whew! Y’all just don’t know. I’ve had some rough times. However, God has never left my side. I am so very grateful for His love, covering, and protection.

I’m blessed!♥️

Shaun

Life

They Say Everything Happens for a Reason

Shaun Bradford

As I mentioned a few days ago, Zhané’s, “For A Reason,” used to be one of those songs I couldn’t shake for a while. Four years ago, it seemed like that particular song and the message, “Everything happens for a reason,” was showing up everywhere.

October 5th…

October 5, 2019 was my brother’s 46th and final birthday. They say time heals, but the pain of his death still stings. It doesn’t hurt as bad as it used to but it still hurts. A few days after his birthday my mom told me that my uncle, who is now running for a state office, had been rushed to the hospital. All I kept thinking was he couldn’t die. We were the same age and basically grew up like siblings. I said I couldn’t imagine life without him. Little did I know my brother was also sick and was about to pass away. Life…

Here’s a Facebook memory from October 5, 2019. Talk about eerie.

Second message this week about everything happens for a reason. So I must make it today’s social media find. Rest assured God’s got you. He already has everything worked out. Just trust Him. Believe me, I know it’s easier said than done, but it’s something we must learn to do. Y’all have a blessed day.🙏🏽♥️

Wow… No words. Didn’t even know what was coming. I did not smile through the tears. I screamed. I hurt. I felt like my life was falling apart. What a time…

Today would have been my brother’s 50th birthday. Life without him just isn’t the same. I miss him.