Tag: storytelling

Life

Wednesday

Shaun Bradford

Speak life and believe. Every day. All day.

Yesterday I had decided I was going to blog about balance, balance and peace. However, this morning it was laid on my heart to blog about the importance of speaking life over our lives and the power of belief. I know it sounds like I’m about to preach a sermon but I promise you I’m not. This will be short– very short.

So this morning I woke up with Donald Lawrence’s song “I Speak Life” playing over and over in my head. Even though I kept hearing it, I still had plans of writing about balance. Well, that was until I read my journal entry from six years ago– May 26, 2015. That entry was the confirmation I needed to proceed in this direction. My guess is that this blog must be written, if not for someone else, for me for whenever I need it. Because more than likely, I’ll need to read it again. You know, that’s just how God works. His messages are always available when we need them. Anyhoo.. testimony time.

My Testimony:

It had been exactly two months to the day that I had been separated from my ex. Although my life seemed pathetic, I was happy. Y’all, I was back to driving my little, raggedy Dodge Neon– which was falling apart but was drivable and reliable. I was also about to lose my house and eventually did. With all of that going on, I woke up that morning not knowing if I would be employed a few months later. One of the grants I was working on was wrapping up, and the other didn’t have enough funds to pay my entire salary. However, there was an instructor’s position open. Although I had never considered teaching, I applied for the position. I applied for it with the request that I was allowed to continue to do research. The department chair at that time informed me that all of the other instructors only taught courses and they needed a full-time instructor. Instead of worrying about it, knowing I really needed the job and should’ve taken what was offered, I gave it to God and confidently told a friend, “God’s got me.” Listen, I spoke and believed God had me covered. I wrote about how I went about my day basically praising God all day. Everyone who knows me knows I’m always full of praise. Y’all God really is that good! Listen, by that evening God had worked everything out. I received an email from the Chair saying they had found a way for me to teach 50% of the time and do research the other 50. Whew!! When I tell you there’s power in speaking and believing! If it does not happen, it’s not that your belief is not strong, it just means God has other plans. And believe me, His plans are always better.

That testimony was only one of many. Whenever I find myself wanting to speak something negative, God blocks it. I’m constantly reminded, and I remind others, that words have power. Whether you speaking them over your life or about others, they’re powerful; and once they are said, you cannot take them back. Motivational speaker Les Brown said that even the smallest amount of doubt spoken can change the flow of God’s blessings (paraphrased). So remember to speak life and only speak life, and don’t forget to believe.

Be Blessed,

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford
My Joy

Today, I decided to reblog last year’s blog, My Joy. The experience I shared last year (May 16, 2020) is how I have felt every day over the past month or so. No lie– EVERY DAY! Y’all, I never knew I could be so happy all day every day. Lately, whenever something negative tries to enter my space, God blocks it with something positive. Just a thought– Maybe God has always provided positive options but I chose to focus on the negative OR not listen and follow His guidance. Hmm… something to think about from now forward.

Listen, I cannot emphasize this enough, when you allow God to lead and love on you your reward is that unspeakable, indescribable joy. Y’all, it’s how I’m living! Forever Grateful ~ Shaun

My Joy

I could not end this week without testifying about all of my wonderful experiences this week. Smiling as I reminisce. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a …

My Joy
Life

Wednesday

Shaun Bradford

Today’s blog was pretty easy to write because I wrote it two years ago, May 5, 2019. Y’all, I can’t say it enough, I absolutely love Facebook memories! As I’ve mentioned in several blogs this year, 2019 was a pivotal time in my life. Didn’t realize how much so until I started paying attention to the number of Facebook posts I made that year. Well, around this time two years ago, I had finally let go of being angry at my ex for not signing the divorce papers and had decided I was going to live as a free woman despite his signature. Guess what– By the end of that month, he had signed the papers. I was actually a free woman! Go figure, all I had to do was let go.

Well, while I was trying to get a grip on being free again, I was also struggling with insecurities. I can’t lie, from time to time I still do, but nothing like back then. Now I find myself struggling to embrace “chubby” Shaun… okay… overweight Shaun (hey, I’m a registered dietitian nutritionist- I have to call it like it is) while continuing to move forward. As the fabulous motivational speaker Lisa Nichols said, she didn’t let her weight stop her from being great. And I can’t allow mine to stop me from doing the same.

Here’s my post from May 5, 2019.

For as long as I can remember, I have always found something wrong with the way I look. When I was in grade school, I was too skinny and too dark. When I was 11, I discovered bags under my eyes and went CRAZY! Yeah, I woke up one morning and the bags were there – TO STAY! I’ve always had a gap. I always loved my gap. Then I joined the military; got braces; and the gap went away for only a second and life was good.😁 But then it came back. Lol! Next, I had my first child and lost the weight. A few years later I thought I was humongous at 125 lbs.🤦🏽‍♀️ Life went on; however, the older I got, the more insecure I became.

Today, I seem to be insecure about EVERYTHING- my height, my weight, my voice, my accent… Crazy, huh? I never imagined that at 45 I would be worried about ANYTHING. It’s not the life I imagined. I thought I’d have it all figured out by now and that my confidence level would be out of this world! Not so!!😩😂

So, this morning, I decided to share a picture that makes me very uncomfortable. It’s one of me being myself. No posing. Living in the moment. Me being me.☺️ Yes, I know this was long, but I needed to get it out. I believe the only way I’m going to overcome my insecurities is by flaunting them. My purpose is greater than my insecurities. It’s time to let them go. I have work to do! For real!

As I said two years ago, my purpose is greater than my insecurities. I have real work to do!

Thanks for reading.

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Smiling as I write. Nothing in particular, just happy to be alive. Happy knowing God is working behind the scenes taking care of the unknown. Now I’m tearing up with tears of joy behind that thought. Just think, He’s forever working behind the scenes to make sure we are able to handle whatever comes, good or bad. He’s just good like that. Praying only good is to come, or so much good that it overshadows the bad.

I know I haven’t shared much about what’s happened since I resigned. I will eventually. You know.. since I believe in being transparent. Smile. Just know God’s been doing His thing! Talk about working overtime behind the scenes. Ha! Now I’m crying. Y’all, He never ceases to amaze me. It’s like I can see every detail, every puzzle piece put into place in realtime. It’s difficult to explain. For years I’ve described my life as a Forrest Gump life. It’s like I’m present for everything. Again, it’s hard to explain. It’s like I see the backstory, present and where it’s leading, all in one setting. I see how it all fits together. Okay.. let me stop writing before y’all think I’m crazy. My life.

Going to end with a quote I shared on May 2, 2019:

You owe it to yourself to become everything you’ve ever dreamed of being.

I’m becoming that person. It’s my hope you’re doing the same. Enjoy your Sunday!

Be Blessed

Shaun

Life

My Life

Shaun Bradford

No, it’s not Wednesday. Was reading through my Facebook memories for today and came across a response I wrote to an interview Ciara gave at Essence Carnival. As usual I’m getting emotional. Y’all, specific dates, times, and seasons in my life are so significant. This particular response I’m referring to, I wrote on April 27, 2019. However, as I scrolled through my memories, I saw where I had documented another significant moment, April 27, 2014. That was the day my ex said he wanted a divorce. Instead of me falling for his pity party and disregarding my feelings, as I had times before, I said okay. He immediately tried to retrieve his words but they had already been said. That was the day I knew for sure it was over. Well… 20 years before then, April 27, 1994, was the night I conceived my baby girl. Yes, I remember it like it was yesterday. I had just got back with her father. That night he told me he was going to give me what I always wanted, a baby. I laughed it off because that was the last thing I wanted. I had orders to Eglin AFB in Florida. Baby.. the last thing on my mind was a baby. HA! Six weeks later I found out I was pregnant. My life…

Okay.. didn’t mean to get sidetracked but y’all know I do. Here’s what I originally attended to share. I guess you can say it’s somewhat related. It’s about life and the flow of things.

April 27, 2019:

“Wise words from Ciara. Whatever’s meant for you, is for YOU! Stay the course.

I’m going to add, whatever’s not for you, will pass you by. And you need to let it pass. Let it go. Believe me, you won’t have to rearrange your life for what’s meant for you. You won’t have to change who you are. Things will flow without being forced.

I can recall things that happened in my life- jobs, relationships, places I’ve been, other professional opportunities, etc. – that I forced to happen, and things that happened naturally. What wasn’t meant to be, caused more stress and anxiety, than happiness. The things that were supposed to happen, or meant to be, happened so smoothly. Things just fell into place. Everything was in order.

Here’s just one of many examples: (yeah, I feel like writing, do you feel like reading- lol)

When I received orders to Turkey, I thought my career was over. I had decided to turn down the orders if I couldn’t take my daughter. Well, I had just enough time left in the military to do an accompanied tour (2 years). I didn’t want to leave Florida. However, God had other plans. When I got to Turkey, I was given 30 days to find childcare, a designated person to accompany Ki back to the States if a war broke out, and find housing. When I say everything happened so effortlessly, believe me. Everything was in place. I’m getting emotional just thinking about how God worked it all out. The people He placed in my life, were placed there for a reason. I didn’t have to worry about anything. However, what I did have to do was- 1) have faith, 2) listen to God, and 3) act when He told me to. God is so good! He’s truly amazing!

Okay. That’s all. Just felt like sharing. Also, I spent forever writing all of this, I refuse to delete it now. It may or may not make sense.🤷🏽‍♀️😂”

As you can see, I’ve been trusting God forever. I’m sleepy. Going to hit “Publish” and go to sleep. Enjoy!

Good Night

Shaun

Life

It’s Wednesday

Shaun Bradford

I’m still not sold on the “Wednesday” title. Sounds boring. At least I added “Hello” to Sunday. If y’all have suggestions, please share. My Wednesdays need help!

Anyhoo.. Short story…

Yesterday someone decided to create a fake Twitter account by cloning mine. Y’all, I’m so happy someone caught it when it first happened. I’m not going to lie, at first I was somewhat flattered. Couldn’t believe someone wanted to be me. But then, the more I thought about it, the more agitated I became. I kept trying to figure out the person’s thought process behind creating the account. Talk about perplexed! Why me? I’m not famous. I don’t have many followers. Why my account? As I sat there trying to figure it all out, I noticed that some of my followers started following the account. Okay, that’s when I got upset. LISTEN… I really wanted to cuss the person out. Like… FOR REAL!! However, I decided to take the high road.. WHEW.. by politely telling them they needed help and that I was praying for them; all while I was praying for myself. Lord knows I wanted to go off! Never in a million years would I have imagined that I would have to report someone for impersonating me. What’s wrong with people? Do they not have anything better to do than create confusion? Are they that unhappy with their lives that they have to pretend to be other people. Some might say they’re just hackers trying to solicit money or people playing around. Either way, they’re still miserable. No one who is mentally stable and love themselves would be involved in such foolishness.

Anyway, in the end, I was forced to prove my identity to have them removed. Crazy, huh!

My life…

Y’all, enjoy your Wednesday! Remember, just be yourself. And I guess I should add, make YOU so great that others want to be you! Lol

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Umm.. trying to figure out where to begin. Y’all do know I always write on the day I publish, right? I want my blogs to be as authentic as possible. So whatever I’m feeling whenever it’s time to publish, that’s what I write about. With this said, I did promise to tell y’all my news.

Drumroll………

On April 1st, I took a wild leap of faith and resigned from my job. Yes.. I resigned!

When I think about it, the 18 years I spent at the university resembled the 18 years I served in the military– 18 and 18, they overlapped but kind of eerie, huh. Anyway.. was about to get sidetracked. Lol. The resemblance was similar because of the levels career advancement. In the military I went from Airman Basic (E-1) to Master Sergeant (E-7). During my 18 year stay at the university, I went from an undergraduate student to principal investigator. Talk about favor! I will say, both institutions allowed me the freedom to explore different opportunities without ever having to leave my safety net. For that, I’m forever grateful.

So what happened? Why did I resign?

Simple. God said it was time. I woke up one morning and He said it was time to leave. Of course there’s a back story but it’s not important. What’s important is once again I listened and let go– which is also the title of my chapter in the Finally Free book anthology. This time when He said it was time to leave I didn’t ask questions. And yes, this time. You see, I had been instructed to leave several times before but I was too afraid. I used to ask, “Lord, how am I going to make it?” I’m not going to lie, I needed a detailed plan that included a good financial setup. However, this time I said, “Okay, Lord. I trust You.” Never once did I think about how I would survive, nor was I afraid. Even when I told my kids they didn’t question what God had told me. They said they knew everything would work out because God has always taken care of me. Talk about faith! When I tell you I have the best kids!!

Y’all, 2020 restored my dreams and this year I’m fulfilling them. In my first Hello Sunday for this year, I wrote I was starting this year with a blank canvas. That’s when I hit the reset button and started rebuilding my life. Now it’s time for me to fully walk in God’s purpose. Y’all, I can’t wait to see the picture He paints. I know it’s going to be spectacular!

Before I end, here’s another eerie story. On April 1, 2011, I retired from the military. Ten years later I resigned from the university. It’s crazy because I had no idea I had chosen the same day until I saw my Facebook memory. Timing. God’s timing.

Be Blessed

Shaun

Life

God’s Promises

Shaun Bradford

Hello.. Hello.. Hello!

Y’all, I had planned on writing something else. Something related to tonight’s season finale of Tyler Perry’s Sistas. Wanted to finish my conversation about Aaron (see It’s My Tweet Night). Instead, I’m leaving you with this gem I found from last year’s Facebook memory. Yes.. another Facebook memory. I just love them!

Listen, I’m so grateful God has me leave nuggets for my future self. On March 31, 2020, I closed on my house. This year my news is even greater! As I said on Sunday, I’ll write about it in my next Hello Sunday. Just know that this particular message was written for me to read TODAY!! Talk about timing. Y’all, God just blows my mind!

March 31, 2020

“Good Morning! Here’s today’s social media find. Y’all, God is sooo good! WHATEVER He asked you to give up, or leave behind, will always be replaced with something greater. I promise you, He will not leave you hanging. Don’t cry over your loss, just let go and let God. Amen”

Whew!! Have a blessed day!

Also, if you’re watching #SistasOnBET tonight, tweet with us!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

I’m a little late getting started today. I cannot believe I actually slept until 6:00 a.m. So unusual, yet so needed. I know that the past few Hello Sundays have not been very informative and they’ve been pretty short. Believe me, it’s not because I don’t have anything to write about, it’s the exact opposite. Y’all, I have so much I can write about, I just don’t know where to begin or which story to tell. All I can say is, God is sooo good and y’all, He’s working!!

Listen, this past year– from last March to this March– things have been happening nonstop.. one significant event after another. You would’ve thought the pandemic would have slowed things down but it had the opposite effect. Everything just sped up. It reminds me of how Bishop T. D. Jakes used to say, “Get ready! Get ready! Get ready!” Listen, when God starts moving, you better be ready! Honestly, everything is happening so quickly. I haven’t even had time to ask myself if I’m ready. I’ve just been moving with the flow. It’s like an opportunity presents itself and I take it. God says to do this or that, and I do it, no questions asked. I mean, I’m really going with the flow. I know this blog probably doesn’t make any sense because I’m so in my feelings right now. Everything that’s happening is surreal. Listen, I’ve always said I love watching God work. However, it’s one thing to watch Him work in others’ lives and a totally different feeling watching Him work in your life. Totally different!

I’m going to end now because the tears won’t stop flowing. Which is a good thing. I’ll take tears of joy over tears of sorrow, any day. I’m blessed.

Here’s an excerpt from a Facebook post I made on this day in March 2019. Y’all, I’m beginning to realize I posted a lot that March. Feeling like a butterfly because I believe that’s when my metamorphosis began, March 2019. Wild! Timing.. God’s timing.

“When I began expressing my gratitude, even for the tiniest thing (like finding a parking space), God began to bless me. It’s true, when praises go up, blessings come down. No, I’m not rich financially, but I’m rich spiritually. Spiritual blessings are indescribable. The bond I have with God is like no other. I’m so grateful He loves me. I’m so grateful for His mercy and grace. I’m so grateful He changed me. I love my new life.”

Y’all, life is good. A couple of weeks ago I made another life changing decision which I’ll write about it in next week’s Hello Sunday. Just know that I’m excited about what God is doing and where He’s leading me.

Be Blessed

Shaun

Life

Déjà Vu! Didn’t I Say This Yesterday?

Shaun Bradford

We’ve all had déjà vu moments at some point in our lives. It’s like you’re standing somewhere and for a split second you think, “I’ve been here before,” or “I’ve heard this before.” Well, this morning while scrolling through my Facebook memories I found a post I made on March 8, 2019. Y’all, it’s so similar to yesterday’s blog that it’s scary. Wow!! Just take a look at the screenshot. I guess I really needed this message, or perhaps someone else needed it so much so that I had to post it TWICE. Just, Wow!!

I actually said this 2 years ago! Speechless

I’m listening God!

Shaun