Tag: Sunday

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

“Some opportunities only happen once.”

I wrote this on May 30, 2015 when I had the opportunity to do a promotional video for Oprah & Deepak 21-Day Meditation Experience. When I received the email, my initial thought was- “Is this legit?” After the writer assured me that it wasn’t a joke– because I’m very leery of things I receive online– I became afraid. Y’all, so many thoughts filled my head– “How will I look on camera?” “Will I say the right things?” “How many people will see the video?” “Why me?” The more the questions flowed in the more fearful I became. So I replied to the email and politely declined making the video, but I did provided written feedback. Y’all, I really loved the 21-day series. I participated in multiple ones. They helped me manage my emotions during some really difficult times. If you ever have the opportunity, please sign-up. And guess what- they’re usually free!

So that was six years ago. Now let’s fast-forward it to a few months ago. I was contacted by someone doing PR for a show I watch. They asked if I would do a short video about how I liked the show. Unlike the first time, this time I was offered a small incentive, which should have encouraged me to do it, but I declined. Again, the same thoughts came rushing in with the first being “Is this legit?” Once again, fear had won. Later that evening, I saw a video that another viewer had submitted and thought to myself, “I could have done that.”

So, do opportunities only happen once? My answer is no. If it is something that is meant to be– like me being heard as well as seen– the opportunities will continue to come. A little over a week ago, I was contacted by a journalist from a TV station to do an interview. This time I wasn’t afraid. I accepted the opportunity. Do I care how I’ll look, or if I’ll say the right things? Of course! However, those thoughts no longer control me, nor does fear.

Y’all, I am so grateful God doesn’t give up on us, especially when we have given up on ourselves. After the first opportunity, I was sure no one would ever contact me again. Honestly, I felt like a failure. But God had other plans! As I’ve said many times before, I’m so grateful for second, third, fourth, and even 100 chances. God is good.

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

“Life is beautiful,” is a quote I share on May 23, 2014.

Just to be here and experience God’s greatness is such a wonderful blessing. As I look back over my life, I have had my share of traumatic experiences. Some that made me hate myself so much that I wished I was dead. So many times I felt hopeless and believed I did not deserve better. But grace! I can hear is BeBe and CeCe Winans singing “Oh, oh, oh, grace. Where would I be without grace?”

Listen, I’m so grateful God had other plans! Yes, He didn’t allow those moments to consume me. Honestly, there’s nothing like God’s love, mercy and grace. I’m so grateful He allowed me to see there was so much to live for. So grateful the wonderful experiences have outweighed the horrible. He’s just so good.

So yes, life is beautiful.

Forever Grateful~

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

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

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

No one knows what tomorrow holds, not even the next moment. Over the last few weeks, I have witnessed life changing moments (good and bad) happen in a blink of an eye. Y’all, one move, one decision, really can change everything. Some decisions were planned while others happened unexpectedly. I have learned that the key to maneuvering through changes is to completely rely on God.

Before I started writing this blog, I watched a video by motivational speaker Trent Shelton. Within the last month, Trent has lost his mother and grandmother. And just two days after his mom died, his baby girl was admitted to the hospital where she spent four days in ICU. In the video he spoke about faith, purpose, and the value of time. I’m so grateful I haven’t experienced any losses in the last few weeks, but I have learned a valuable lesson about faith, purpose and time– most importantly, time. If you would have asked me a few weeks ago which of the three was most important, I would’ve chosen faith then purpose. Today my answer is time, not as it relates to death but as it relates to life.

So, I just spent an entire week in my hometown. Something I haven’t done in at least 20 years. I went to celebrate my dad’s birthday and ended up staying longer than planned. As usual, God had a purpose. While there, I had a rude awakening about time. Because of the circumstances of my stay, I was forced to throw my schedule out window and go with the flow. I have always considered myself a flexible person, able to adjust to anything; but y’all, I’m not as flexible as I thought. It seemed like the more I tried to control things the more frustrated I became until I finally decided to let things be. Let time be. Honestly, I needed to spend time with family. I knew everyone was aging because… well… I’m also aging. However, I guess I never realized how much they were aging. My parents, aunts, and uncles now remind me of their grands and great grands. Seems like it was only yesterday that they were my age or younger. Now they’re in their 60s and 70s. All I can say is I’m so grateful God granted me the opportunity to spend time with everyone.

Now I’m back home. Y’all, I missed my babies. They leave me all the time, but this time was different, I left them. Being gone so long (yeah..I know it was only a week) made me appreciate the time I spend with them even more. Made me cherish the hugs a little more. My next move is to spend a little quality time with Shaun. I’m always promoting self-care but rarely do it. I have a few things scheduled for the first part of next week, but afterwards it’s all about me.

Here’s what I’ve learned. Time should be appreciated as well as respected. From the time God’s given us for self-care, to the time He’s given us with others, it must be cherished.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Shaun