Tag: peace

Life

The Important Things

Shaun Bradford
What is most important to you? For me, it’s my family and healthy relationships.

The last few days, actually months, have been quite challenging. Not sure if this is the most difficult season I have had to endure, but it’s pretty close. Although things have been a little crazy, I personally believe I am handling things well. I know that if any of this would have happened a few years back, I would have had a mental breakdown. Thanking God for growth. Thanking God for the smaller challenges – the ones I did not believe I would make it through – they prepared me for what I am facing today.

I believe I am doing better this time around because I am only focusing on, as well as holding on to, things and relationships that are most important to me. They are keeping me afloat.

I pray you are focused on what’s most important in your life. Love you!♥️

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.

Author Unknown

God is doing some amazing things, and I am finally happy and present enough to enjoy them.

Taking selfies is my own personal love language. It’s me saying, “Shaun, I see you. I love you. I got you.”

No longer afraid to live!♥️
Life

Fear

Shaun Bradford

Fear: an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

The Facebook memory I’m sharing below is from four years ago, April 11, 2019. It was written a few weeks after I signed the divorce papers that my ex refused to sign. Up until that day, not many of my friends or family on Facebook knew I was getting a divorce, let alone the things I was going through. And this was over four years after we had separated.

Well, on this particular day I had had enough. For years I was afraid he would kill me. In the memory I used the phrase, “my life would be taken,” to soften the blow for my readers. But it was sooo much deeper than that. I was scared. Like really scared for my life. The more he would tell me he wasn’t going to let me go, or send random texts about how much he loved me – and this was up until he finally signed the papers – the more afraid I became. It was rough. We hear about murder-suicides all the time, and for years, I just knew I would be a victim.

On April 11, 2019, I stopped being afraid. That day I declared my freedom.

Facebook Memory: April 11, 2019

Good Morning! No social media find, just my testimony. Warning: For those who hate when people put all of their business on social media – stop reading NOW!

For over four years I’ve been walking on eggshells. Trying to do everything just right, out of fear. I’ve been afraid my life would be taken at any moment. If not mine, my babies, or he would take his own life (what would that be like for my son). I prayed about it. Started working on my goals. Created a new life for me and my kids. However, there’s always one thing looming, fear. I keep my office door locked at work when no one’s there. I’m never alone with him. You may think I’m overreacting, but I don’t care. It’s what I feel. I’m tired of walking around in fear because he won’t let me go.

Today…today I’m releasing the fear and I’m going to live. That sheet of paper did not give him control over my life. Whether he signs the divorce papers or not, I’m living! And I’m living without fear! Life is too short to always be afraid.

Listen… I am so happy to be on the other side of that fear. To read the words and not feel the same sting feels absolutely amazing. For years, I could not imagine getting to this point, yet here I am. Y’all, God is so wonderful. I am truly, truly blessed.

Thanks for allowing me to share my story.♥️

Shaun

** Note: Never diminish someone’s feelings about being afraid. When they tell you that they fear for their life, believe them. Please do not act like they are overreacting. Sometimes they see and experience things you can’t understand. Also, what you may see as acts of love, another may see as torture. Be Blessed

Life

Lean on God

Shaun Bradford

Feeling empty… alone… lonely… or abandoned?

Lean on God. He is always with you.♥️ ~ Shaun

Time to chase and love on God like He loves on me.

A couple of weeks ago, I came across a blog I had written either last year or a few years ago about how my months seem to flow. In January, everything seems new. In February, I start planning how to execute whatever new ideas I have come up with. March is my happy, kind of carefree month. It’s when I seem to hear God the most. Then April comes… There is just something about April that’s not so shiny and bright. Yeah.. for some reason April is always gloomy. It’s the month where I begin to feel ghosted by God. Like, did He pour so much into me during the first quarter of the year that He has to take a breather and regroup? What is it about April that makes me feel abandoned, alone, and empty?

Thankfully, the blog reminded me of what was to come. At the time, I kind of blew it off. Told myself it was just a phase I went through in the past; that I was no longer in that space. Well, low and behold I am there!

So, how will I handle it this time?

I am going to lean in to God. I am going to pester and praise Him even more. Unlike us mortals, He won’t mind the pestering. Maybe that’s the part that I have been missing. I am supposed to chase Him, not retreat from Him.

Yes… I just need to focus on God and get through this month. May is when things miraculously brightens. Then June happens. June is when I’m the most happiest. Still can’t believe I will be 50 this year.

Life

Change Takes Courage

Shaun Bradford

Change is not always easy. Sometimes we have to let go of what’s comfortable and familiar in order to get to better. This requires courage.♥️ ~ Shaun

Change is necessary.

Note: It is so important to know where to make changes and how much of a change to make. Over the years, I have learned that some things just need to be tweaked, not completely modified or abandoned.