“Just look up. Tomorrow’s sun will let you know your life’s not done. Just look around. Love’s pouring down. Trust in God.”
Those are a few lines from The Winans’ song, “Trust In God.”
This morning, I’m keeping my prayers going. Praying those experiencing grief, sadness, or anger due to their loss don’t lose their trust and faith in God. Let God send a sign of hope their way, even if it’s just a glimpse.🙏🏽
According to the song, God bottles up our every tear and understands our every fear, meaning we matter. Despite what things may look and feel like, God cares and loves us, and He’ll never leave us.
While looking through an old notebook that I was using as a journal and as a study guide (not sure why I was using one notebook for both😩), I found a letter I had written but never sent to my sister. Here’s a snippet of what I wrote.
30 January 1993
At the time, I was 19 years old and stationed at Ramstein AB, Germany. Y’all, I was just a baby. However, even back then, I made note of gems that I still live by today:
True happiness can only be found within. (Thanks, Master Splinter)
God will place us where we desire to be, but it’s our responsibility to make things happen. (A good one, right?!)
Life isn’t easy… but it’s so worth living.
As I mentioned in the letter, I was where I had always dreamed of being, but I wasn’t doing anything with the opportunity I had been given. Looking back, I realize no one in my circle had the same or similar goals or dreams. So, instead of venturing out and doing my own thing, I adapted to their world. From what I had written—“I don’t have any goals anymore.”—I believe I had lost hope.
How sad…
But very eye opening.
It’s so important that we surround ourselves with like-minded people or our dreams and aspirations will suffer. Or…we must be strong enough to venture out and do our own thing to keep our dreams alive.
Can you believe we’ve already reached the end of 2024?! This year flew by, but by the grace of God, we’re still here! Hallelujah, we are still here.🙏🏽
On December 29, 2021, I shared—
“Your next chapter will be AMAZING! Receive it. Speak it – “My next chapter will be AMAZING!” Own it!”
I’m smiling because I spoke it, received it, and now I’m owning it. I’m not sure when I stopped viewing my life as chapters in a book. Maybe it was during or after the COVID pandemic, or maybe it was last year, my Year 50. All I know is I haven’t thought about another chapter or looked forward to something AMAZING in years. I don’t have to because I’m already living in it. My life is already AMAZING—it just keeps getting better!
Y’all, I am absolutely loving this side of 50! Thank You, Lord, for making this side different and better than I ever imagined.
Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with viewing your life in the context of chapters. As you can see, I also did. However, I’ve reached a point where I try to find the AMAZING in everyday moments instead of waiting for it to miraculously show up in the future. Life is just too precious and short to keep waiting for something amazing to happen when it’s already happening now. Just look around and you’ll see it. Then, once you see it, receive it and own it. It’s yours!
That’s all I have for you now. Wishing you an AMAZING, relaxing Sunday.♥️
Lately, I have been a little more emotional than usual. It took me a minute to figure out why, and I finally have. A rebirth is happening. At least, that’s what it feels like.
Some may think what I’m about to say is weird, and it’s perfectly fine, but the timing of “The Six Triple Eight” movie and my daughter’s upcoming 30th birthday are so intertwined. The 30 years hit me while I was visiting her a week ago. Then, seeing the movie this weekend brought back memories of my experiences in the military around the time of her birth (almost 30 years ago) and the first few years of her life. Y’all, I’ve been crying nonstop this weekend. It feels like I am finally releasing everything I have held in for decades—the stress, uncertainties, and pressure I placed on myself to be a great mother to a child who did not ask to be here. I chose to bring her into this world, which meant I was responsible for making sure she always felt loved, protected, supported, and never like a burden. Those were the things I needed as a child, and I was determined to make sure she had them. And then the song “The Journey” by H.E.R. gets me every time I hear it. Y’all, these past 30 years have definitely been a journey.
Here’s what AI had to say about 30 years—
“It can be a turning point in a person’s life or a time when a historical event’s long-term effects can be seen. … It can be a time when someone realizes who they are, gains self-awareness.”
Whewwww… y’all, this is a lot.
I now realize that 30 years ago, I shut down part of my life to become the best mom I could be, and I know exactly when it happened. That’s a story for another time. Last week, I finally saw the woman my baby girl has become and know that my mission has been achieved. Now it’s time for me to live.
My life definitely changed 30 years ago, and I have absolutely no regrets—I never have. I just adjusted. Seeing my baby girl’s smile today lets me know all my sacrifices were worth it.
Here are two pictures… A lot can change in a year.
Squadron Christmas party in Germany (December 1993).Squadron Christmas party in Florida (December 1994). Almost 9 months pregnant.
What a journey…
Thanks for allowing me space to exhale and release. I pray you have a glorious Sunday!♥️
I finally made it home from visiting my daughter. Before I got on the road, I also visited my oldest nephew and his wife. He lives about 30 minutes from her, so the visit wasn’t out of my way. However, once I got to his place, he wanted me to spend a little time with him, too—which I did because he’s also one of my babies. Lol. So we went to breakfast and talked for a couple of hours before I actually left town. Overall, I had a wonderful trip, but I am glad to be home. Now it’s time to rest.
I hope you had a lovely Sunday, and pray you have a relaxing evening.♥️
Love you,
Shaun
We had breakfast at Hen Mother Cookhouse. The food was really good. My nephew had their chicken and waffles, but I forgot to take a picture of his plate. Oops!😬
The OG Cookhouse OmeletThe Market Hash with EggsCinnamon Roll with Pecan Cream Cheese
Never forget YOU are God’s child—hand crafted and uniquely made—royalty. There’s no other like you. Remember who He created you to be and boldly walk in it.
I pray you have a beautiful Sunday. Again, boldly walk in who you are!
It’s Shaun’s World 
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