Tag: prayer

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

I Won’t Complain by Reverend Paul Jones; Lyrics by genius.com

I’ve had some good days
I’ve had some hills to climb
I’ve had some weary days
And some sleepless nights
But when I look around
And I think things over
All of my good days
Outweigh my bad days
I won’t complain

Sometimes the clouds are low
I can hardly see the road
I ask a question, Lord
Lord, why so much pain?
But He knows what’s best for me
Although my weary eyes
They can’t see
So I’ll just say thank You, Lord
I won’t complain

The Lord as been so good to me He’s been good to me
More than this whole world or you could ever be
He’s been so good to me
He dried all of my tears away
Turned my midnights into day
So I’ll just say thank you, Lord

I’ve been lied on
But thank You, Lord
I’ve been talked about
But thank You, Lord
I’ve been misunderstood
But thank You Lord
You might be sick
Body reeking with pain
But thank You, Lord
The bills are due
Don’t know where the money coming from
But thank You, Lord
Thank You, Lord
Thank You, Lord

God has been so good to me
He’s been good to me
More than this whole world or you could ever be
He’s been so good
He’s been so good
He’s been so good
So good
So good
So good
So good
To me

He dried all of my tears away
Turned my midnight into day
So I’ll say thank you Lord
I won’t complain

Have a blessed week!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Today’s one of those days that I just don’t feel like writing. Honestly, I’m tired. I’m emotionally and mentally drained. The events that took place on January 6 at the U.S. Capitol did a number on me. I anticipated a few fights, maybe some vandalism of local businesses, but I was not prepared for the rest. What happened hurt my heart and soul. It wasn’t only the insurrection that took place, but the brutal reality that racial inequality still plagues our nation and people still seem oblivious to it. How can they still not notice? It was on display for the whole world to see. Never would a peaceful protest by Black people (yeah- I’m ONLY focusing on Black people) been met with such niceties and respect. From here on, I have nothing for those who choose to ignore the racial inequalities and inequities in our country. Nothing! I will no longer waste my time and energy trying to get people (Whites and Blacks– because there are a few) to understand the injustices Black people face on a daily basis. I’m done!

As you can see, I’m pretty emotional and hurt right now, so I’m going to end this. Yeah, today isn’t a good day for writing. Today I plan to disengage from social media and surround myself with positive vibes and love on my kids. I’m remaining hopeful that most people want change.

Next Sunday will be better. Please enjoy your day!

Shaun

Life

2020 – What A Year!

Shaun Bradford

Yes… What a year! Listen, I have to confess, I had the idea of reblogging last year’s end of the year blog and adding an overcomer’s intro– “This is where I was but God brought me out!” Sorry to disappoint or save you– it’s not going to happen. This time last year, I was really down and depressed. Had good reasons to be, but WOW! I had no idea I was that far gone. With that said, I will acknowledge that was where I was; however, I am so grateful I am no longer there. This year I am going to end things on a high note, you know, just in case I decide to reblog it next year. Gotta be intentional. Lol! Here we go:

First, and utmost importantly, I would like to thank God for all of His wonderful blessings. I cannot lie, He has been so good to me! Instead of giving a detailed review about everything He’s done, I will only highlight some of the key moments-

March 2020 – Purchased my home.
May 2020 – Decided to make my blogs public.
June 2020 – Turned 47 and decided to be my true, authentic self.
August 2020 – Invited to be a contributing author in a book anthology.
September 2020 – Became the Principal Investigator on one of my research projects.
October 2020 – Did my first live interview promoting myself. It was for the book, but it was all about me.
November 2020 – Did another presentation for the same company that left me feeling inadequate for two years. (That was major! Had to face that bull head on.)
December 2020 – Decided to live my life to its fullest! No regret!!

Needless to say, I don’t know what 2021 holds. None of us do. However, I will say I’m entering 2021 with open arms, an open mind, and an open heart, expecting to receive more blessings than hurts. Yeah, I’m entering 2021 knowing that whatever comes and whatever goes, God’s got me. That he will NEVER leave me.

Before I end, I wanted to share this with you. It’s a little off topic, but, for me, it is so timely. Wanted to write it here in case I don’t get around to adding it to A Research Diva’s Journey. Again, being intentional. So, I’m reading this book about the United Nations, “The Case for Humanity: An Extraordinary Session” by Yasmine Sherif. It’s about the underlying founding principles of the United Nations – vision, hope, peace, love, and humanity – everything I’m passionate about. Y’all, it is so important that we do not allow negativity to obscure our vision for the future. Listen, no matter how dismal things may appear, please embrace the positive and hold on to hope. In the words of the great Reverend Jesse Jackson, “Keep hope alive!”

That’s all I have for you today. Going to end with a quote from the book.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done. There is no passion found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” Nelson Mandela

My word for 2021 is “Live!” Can’t you hear Tim McGraw singing, “Live like you were dying.” I can.

Happy New Year’s Eve!!

Be blessed!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford
Final Sunday of 2020

Well y’all, we have finally made it to the final Sunday in 2020. Woohoo!! I’m not going to lie, it is a little bittersweet. Seems like I was just getting used to so many unexpectedly, weird things happening– good and bad. Now we are moving on.

So we say we are ready for 2021, but are we? Just to be sure we are somewhat prepared, I am going to end this Hello Sunday with a prayer for 2021:

Lord, please prepare us for whatever lies ahead– good or bad. Open our hearts and minds so that we are receptive of every blessing you have in store for us; and give us the strength to reject any- and everything that might cause us harm. Lord, shower us with your unconditional love, mercy and grace. Drench us with so much love and peace that we forget about the pains and heartaches of 2020. Lord, please give us the boldness to embrace our worth and walk in our purpose. Let others experience your love through us. Last, but not least, please heal our nation. We need You. Amen

I love y’all! Looking forward to celebrating a prosperous 2021 together.

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

We only have two Sundays left in 2020. Talk about mind blowing! Where did the time go? Maybe it’s just me, but this year seemed to pass by a little faster than past years. It’s like tomorrow is Monday and two days later it will be Friday! No joke! Y’all, time is moving much too fast. Perhaps that’s a good thing. God knows what He’s doing so I’m going to stop worrying about it. It’s not like I can slow it down. Lol!

Anyhoo.. I set out to write about one thing but now I’m writing about something else, something that’s currently on my mind. If you have been reading my blogs for a while you will know I have songs playing in my head all day. I rarely go a few hours without hearing a song. I wonder if everyone experiences this. I remember my great-great grandma humming all day long. So maybe it’s more common than I think.

Anyway.. got sidetracked.. the song that is currently playing in my head is Already Getting Better by William Murphy. The song says,

It’s already getting better
It’s already getting easier
God’s already moving on my behalf
He did it for me. . .
Yes, God did it

One of today’s Facebook memories was a quote by Trent Shelton from 2015. Here’s what he posted:

Sometimes we have to experience things we don’t understand just so God can bring us to a place where He needs us to be. Never doubt the season He has you in.

Trent Shelton, RehabTime 2015

William Murphy’s song and Trent Shelton’s quote are reminders that no matter where we are in life, or what we are experiencing, God is with us. At this very moment, we are where we are for a purpose, for His purpose. Like my issue with the speed of time, some things are not meant to be understood. They just aren’t. Our job, and really, our only job, is to trust God. Trust Him. Period. We may not understand the reason why things are happening, but He does. Maybe He’s preparing us for future endeavors. Or maybe He’s protecting us from harm. Whatever the case may be, we just have to trust Him. As William Murphy said, which is something we must remember, God is moving on our behalf. He’s got us!

Praying you have a wonderful Sunday and blessed week!

Shaun

Life

Thanksgiving

Shaun Bradford

Today I am giving thanks for every blessing God has bestowed on me. I’m alive. I’m well. My kids are here with me. My parents, siblings and their families are well. Y’all, I’m blessed.

With that said, I am also thankful for the small blessings I often take for granted like breathing freely. At this moment there are millions suffering from the side effects of COVID-19, one of which is labored breathing. Last week I watched my uncle struggle to breathe while urging us, his family and friends, to take the virus seriously. His Facebook Live from ICU was very emotional and difficult to watch. Watching him weep while telling God why he wasn’t ready to die was heart wrenching. It is not something I ever want to experience, or wish upon anyone else.

Two other things many of us take for granted are shelter and having access to food. How many of you actually wake up thinking I could be homeless right now or wondering how you will feed yourself and/or family? Unfortunately, there are hundreds of thousands who woke up last Thanksgiving oblivious of what was to come. Like you and me, they never imagined being homeless or food insecure. However, now they are homeless and have no idea of how they will eat tomorrow or next week. Just imagine being a parent trying to figure out how to provide for your children and you can’t even provide for yourself. Again, it is something I never want to experience. Prayers for those who are.

Y’all, this pandemic has really made me more aware of my blessings. It is so important that we stop and thank God for the blessings we have today because it is not promised that we will have them tomorrow.

Before I end, I would like to say I am thankful for each one of you. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blogs. It is something that I do not take for granted. I really do appreciate you. Wishing you peace and many blessings.

Shaun