Since turning 50, I have experienced quite a few full-circle moments, many of which I didn’t see coming. Today, I had another one of those moments. The Facebook post I shared three years ago is still true—what you’ve gone through or are currently going through is preparing you for where you’re headed. Hang in there. Trust God, His process, and His plan. Stay open to opportunities that resurface. They are not all negative. I’m finding most are opportunities to do things better or move us towards our goals and dreams.
Remember, as long as God’s in the opportunities—and you’ll know if it’s Him—you won’t fail. He’s got you!♥️
“Message—I must surrender and trust God. Fully trust God. Trust that He will not send me somewhere unprepared or unequipped. I must surrender totally.” Shaun’s Journal, November 11, 2023 @ 4:04 PM (just thought I’d add the time☺️)
Not sure who else needs this message, but completely surrender to God.
Also in that entry, I wrote about my fear of making wrong decisions. Well, today I am confident that if I completely surrender to Him, my decisions won’t be wrong.
Never, ever doubt that God’s got you! Never!!
Surrender and do not be afraid. He’s already prepared and equipped you for what’s next.♥️
While patiently awaiting the next—whether it’s the next level of success, new opportunities and relationships, or a change in season—stay in preparation mode. As the saying goes, great things take time. Well, they also require preparation.
There’s always room for improvement.
A few posts ago, I asked what I could possibly be preparing for. Well, in God’s typical fashion (when dealing with me), He didn’t answer while I was so set on trying to figure things out. No, He waited until my thoughts were clearer, and I was open to receive the answer. And y’all, that’s when the answers started pouring in. When I tell you I love the way God loves me! He knows me so well. I know, He’s God so He should know me. Smile.
Listen, I am forever amazed by how much He sees and understands every detail of my being. Anyway, one of His messages came through a YouTube video by the late Jim Rohn—motivational speaker, author and entrepreneur. When I tell you it was exactly—down to every word of advice—what I needed! Whew!! Again, I just love the way God loves me.🥰
Here’s an excerpt from my journal entry written on May 28, 2017:
“God’s not dead. Jesus is not dead. Remember this. He’s all powerful! God is about to open windows. You NEED to be ready! READY! PREPARED!”
Not quite sure what all happened after that, but I do know later that year I launched my first consulting business, The ResearchDiva–RD. Y’all, I was ready. Couldn’t tell me nothing. I was The Research Diva–RD, ready to save the world! Global health equity was my mission and I was on it. When I tell you I just knew I was about to be working with international entities. Looking back, maybe I was a little too confident. Doors were opening and I was making moves and connections. However, what I had not accounted for were the hiccups and setbacks that came with my quest. Y’all, why did I think everything was going to flow as smoothly as I had planned in my head and on paper? All it took was one blow and I was out. Just being transparent. I was done. Physically I was still there doing the work; however, mentally I was gone.
So, here I am seven years later seeing and hearing that same message everywhere—“Be Ready! Windows are opening.” And I see it happening. Over the past few months some of the same opportunities I had 7-8 years ago have re-presented themselves and of course I am taking them. I know everyone doesn’t get second chances so I refuse to let them slip away. However, unlike seven years ago, I am not oblivious to the fact that all good things and successes come with challenges. This time I’m prepared. Yes, this time, no matter what happens, I will keep going.
Listen, please do not think this message is only for me. No, YOU should also be ready and prepared. Windows are opening. Setbacks and disappointments will happen as you move forward, but keep going!
I pray you are having a wonderful day thus far. Be blessed and again, keep going!♥️
Love you,
Shaun
Rebranded, but still the same goal—health equity.♥️
Do not be discouraged. This is not where you are meant to stay. God is growing and preparing you for where you are going.♥️ ~ Shaun
There is so much more to come.
Had to come back and add an update. Yesterday, I came across this exact sermon Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts had preached in Denver. All I could do was smile and shed a few tears. What if she would have given up after 2018? Just think, everything that transpired over the last year would not have happened.
Y’ALL!!! We have to keep going. I have to keep going. I know deep down there is sooooo much more God has planned for me. This is not where my story ends. Listen, I cannot afford to give up, and neither can you!! We must keep growing. Love you!
Everything you have gone through, and everything you’re currently going through, is preparing you for where you’re headed. Trust God and trust the process. ~ Shaun
I really should be asleep, but since I’m awake I’ll write. Was having a crazy dream about the rock band KISS, rappers Kid n Play, and eating dry cornbread in some fancy hotel room. Woke up coughing and reaching for water. I bet I can’t find KISS, Kid n Play, or dry cornbread in one of those dream book. Y’all, even while asleep, I’m being entertained. Gotta love life!
Anyhoo.. Yesterday I came across a photo I had taken at a conference. It was a picture of one of the speakers’ slides which read, “Preparation. Protection. Promotion.” I remember the speaker saying these are the steps God takes us through each time we embark on something new. First, we’re prepped for it. Meaning, we go through all kinds of tests and trials until God believes we’re ready to move to the next phase- Protection.
God’s protection zone is usually uncomfortable because it’s where nothing appears to be happening. You’re still in the preparation phase but you think you’re ready to shine. You know, it’s where you keep saying, “God, I’m ready!” and He responds with, “Not yet.” I don’t know about y’all, but I’ve gone through years of saying “I’m ready, Lord.” Only to hear Him say, “Be still. Not yet.” I’ve learned from experience that when He says to be still, I need to be still. It means I’m being protected. His method of protection reminds me of a parent protecting a child from touching something hot. The parent constantly tells the child not to touch the object because they’ll get burned. But once the parent turns their back, the child touches it. Lol. As I said, I’ve learned from experience to listen.
The protection phase isn’t as bad as it sounds. It’s where you get to make mistakes and no one seems to notice. You get to try what works and what doesn’t work. I guess you can say it’s the “trial and error” phase of the journey. The only problem I’ve had with this phase is that, in some situations, it can become too comfortable. Sometimes it becomes so comfortable that when God says it’s go time, you refuse to move. You make excuses for not moving forward. As usual, I’m not just writing this for you; as I write, God is speaking to me, too.
So, once God says you’re ready– which, from my experience, is when you feel the least prepared– comes the promotion. Promotion is scary, yet exhilarating; especially if you like adventures! However, promotion comes with a cost. Promotion comes with more exposure. More vulnerability. More responsibilities. As Biggie said, “Mo money, mo problems.” However, as Fred Hammond said, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” Y’all, I’m so grateful I have God in my corner. When the problems come, or I encounter situations that seem unbearable, He reminds me that I can handle anything that’s thrown my way because I’m His child. I’m royalty!
This year I’m walking into new adventures standing tall knowing that God’s with me every step of the way. Ready or not Shaun, it’s game time!
As always, thanks for reading my early morning ramblings. Now it’s time to go back to sleep.
It’s Shaun’s World 
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