hope

My Journey With God, No. 30

Was feeling some kind of way for not feeling bad about a situation. Was beginning to think I was being heartless. Even stopped what I was doing to check myself. Decided to read a past journal entry written on this day and the message I needed was right there as plain as day!

Here’s what I wrote on December 2, 2017—

“The lesson I learned is never fight more for someone than they are willing to fight for themselves. NEVER!”

On that particular day, I was putting my career on the line for someone who didn’t even want to work with us. I assumed he was being treated unfairly. Come to find out he was doing the bare minimum and couldn’t wait to leave.

Sometimes when people aren’t fighting for themselves it’s not because they don’t know how, sometimes it’s because they don’t want to. Do what you can, then step back and let them continue on their own. If they want to succeed, believe me, they will.♥️

Shaun

hope

God’s Presence

When I tell you Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts delivered a word this morning!!! Listen, God’s presence is everything!!! I know what God has promised me, but I don’t want the promise without God’s presence. Me and God are in this together for life. For life. I can’t move without Him. I refuse to move without Him. ♥️

I refuse to move without God’s presence.
hope

Thankful Thanksgiving

Hey You! I am thankful for YOU. Yes…YOU!♥️

Good Morning☀️

This morning, I am most thankful for family. Since my mom passed, I seem to value the time I spend with family a little bit more. Of course, I always cherish the time I spend with my two hearts (smiling because my daughter’s home🥰); however, lately, I have been intentional about not rushing time spent with extended family, especially my siblings and their families, and my mom’s siblings. Now, when I am in their presence, I’m present. I soak up everything—from their words and expressions to the very essence of their being. Yes, I’m right there with them. Before, I may have taken it all for granted, but now I realize just how precious family is.

What are you most thankful for today?

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Good Morning!☀️

“Never doubt that you are loved. YOU are so very loved.”

That’s the quote I shared on this date a year ago. Y’all, it feels so wonderful to be loved, and to be loved unconditionally.

Yesterday, I got to spend the day with my two hearts. Now that they’re grown and doing their own thing, it’s been a while—maybe since last Christmas—that we’ve spent more than an hour or two together. My son is usually working on the weekends, and my daughter no longer lives in Mississippi.

Well, yesterday, we were together almost the entire day. We sang, danced, laughed, and talked about nothingness (nothing too deep this time). It was just an overall wonderful day. One that I needed so badly. Then, last night they treated me to dinner at our favorite restaurant.

Yes, it feels absolutely wonderful to be loved.🥰

My ♥️♥️s.
Orleans snow crab claws.
Our meals. I’m so glad they don’t mind me taking pictures of my food. Well, my daughter doesn’t. My son…🤷🏽‍♀️☺️

I pray you had a lovely weekend, and may today be even more beautiful. If no one’s told you in a while—like, since I told you yesterday☺️—you are loved.♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

hope

Remembering Alton Sutton, Jr.

Today, I’m remembering my brother, Alton Sutton, Jr. He passed away on this day five years ago (October 19, 2019). There’s so much I want to say, but at the moment, I’m finding it hard to articulate my thoughts. When I tell you his presence in our family is so missed.

My brother was our gentle giant—kind, caring, loving, and very mild mannered. Definitely had a heart of gold. He was my dad and stepmom’s only son.

We were on this earth together for 46 years. Born almost three months apart (I was the oldest). Practically, twins… Yes, I miss him.

May he continue to rest in power and peace.🙏🏽🕊️♥️

Taken a year before his death.

We are my dad’s girls. This picture was taken at the hospital the night before my brother passed.🙏🏽
hope

Your Purpose Is Too Great To Settle

Good Morning!☀️

Here’s my first message for today—

Your purpose is much too great for you to settle for what is, or where you are. As I said last year, “You’ve got purposes to fulfill and lives to touch. Get moving!”

Shared on October 19, 2023.

Yes, get moving and keep showing up. Someone somewhere is counting on you to continue walking in your purpose so that they can walk in theirs.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Don’t Lose Yourself

Shared as a Facebook story on October 17, 2021.

I know how it feels to lose yourself trying to hold on to others. Been there many times. And I’m not only talking about losing myself in love relationships. Of course, those are the ones most people noticeably lose themselves in. However, friendships, work relationships, and family relationships are others.

Check your relationships, all of them, and make sure you’re showing up fully as YOU, and not who others want you to be. You are too important to lose yourself to anyone other than yourself and God.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Present and Prayerful

Remain present and prayerful.

Remain Present—This very moment is all you really have.

Remain Prayerful—Stay connected with God. He’s your source for all things. Don’t ever let Him go.

Y’all, time never stops or slows down. Be sure to make the best of NOW. Also, keep that line of communication between you and God open. As I mentioned above, He’s your source for all things.

Correction… He is the Source.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

When Rain Drops Start To Fall

Good Morning!☀️

At the moment, I’m hearing New Edition’s “Can You Stand The Rain” playing in my head. The song says—

“Sunny days, everybody loves them. Tell me, baby, can you stand the rain? Storms will come. This we know for sure. Can you stand the rain?”

Thinking about this election and how the closer we get to November 5th, the more people are allowing a few drops of rain (sound bites here and there) to throw them off.

Yes, everyone loves sunny days. They love when everything is happy and sounds great; however, how many can actually stand the rain?

I’m sorry, but I don’t want anyone on my team or in my circle who can’t stand to get even a little wet. I love you. I will never mistreat you. However, I can’t allow you to have access to me in a way that your thoughts or opinions are in my ear. You need to go elsewhere.

Muted.

Unfollowed.

Blocked.

I hate that every election season I have to start muting people. I have even unfollowed a few. Thankfully, I haven’t blocked anyone yet. I don’t interact with people enough to block anyone. But you best believe I will—in a heartbeat—because I don’t like mess. Oh! And that algorithm on X is horrible! Click one post and a hundred more like it shows up. Y’all, it’s a nightmare. However, it is very revealing how people react when they disagree with something. How uncivil they can become. It’s very disheartening and disappointing.

One drop of water and their entire demeanor changes. So, how would they ever fare in a storm, any storm? And I’m not only speaking about politics or during an election season when emotions are running high, but when it comes to life in general.

Everyone loves those sunny days. However, it’s the rainy ones that we need to be most concerned about.


I know this post was random. Just finished scrolling through my timeline on X (which is living up to its new brand). Think I’ll post whatever I’m going to post on it, then log off. I believe I’ll hang around on the Slowgram and Family and Friends Book for a few days because the other is way too toxic and divisive for me. That’s where storms stay brewing. The kind I refuse to stick around for.

Anyhoo… I know this one was more of a random ramble. Thanks for allowing me to share. Wishing you a wonderful, sunny day. Listen, don’t be one of those who run when the rain drops start falling. If it’s someone you believe in or care for, stick around. Don’t be a fair weather friend (just had to throw in a little J.G.😉). Weather that storm with them.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Who’s In Your Circle?

Good Morning!☀️

Who’s in your circle?

Do they build you up or tear you down?

Do they give or constantly take?

Are they supportive?

Are they kind?

Can you trust them?

Again, who’s in your circle?

Hmmm…Something to think about, right?!


That’s it for now. Praying you have a wonderful day and fabulous week!♥️

Love you always,

Shaun