Tag: transparency

Life

More Late Night Ramblings

Shaun Bradford

It’s not Wednesday yet so I won’t put this under my Wednesday Writings. Earlier I posted a quote from two years ago. At the end I noted how it took me two years to take the leap. Yes, two years to finally start living the life I had always dreamed of. Which was and is true. However, I never imagined living out my dream alone– meaning without a companion. Being transparent and honest.

Really, what good is living your best professional life if your personal life sucks? Don’t get me wrong, y’all already know I love my babies but it’s not the same as having a man in my life. I know I could go get one. Yep, there really are plenty available. I’m just afraid I’ll choose the wrong person again. So afraid that I won’t even allow anyone in.

People have suggested that I date several guys until I connect with the right one. The crazy thing is, I don’t even know how to date. Y’all, I have never dated before. Well, not the dating they refer to today. Back in my day, “dating” was considered talking. What’s now considered “committed” is the only dating I know. Then there’s connecting with the right person. My first boyfriend was the only one who pursued me. The others, I did the pursuing. Trying not to go that route again because as I said, I don’t choose well.

So what should I do? Where do I begin? I’m always joking about God delivering him to me, but that might just have to happen. I don’t trust anything online. Guys are always sending me messages, but I don’t respond. How am supposed to know if the person on the profile picture is the same person I’m having a conversation with? Then there are online dating sites. I heard most sites are hook up sites. Not into that. Might meet a stalker. I recently watched a movie about speed dating. Now that I could probably do. It seems fun until you meet that one clingy dude that you don’t like but they like you but won’t leave you alone. Ugh!! Yep.. guess I’m not ready to date. Maybe I just need a friend. But that could also get ugly. What if I fall for the friend and he doesn’t want me? Or vice versa? Whew!!

I guess I’ll be alone for a little longer. Maybe I’ll meet someone at Target. Or at the airport. OR at a restaurant- because I’m always eating.

I just want someone I can share my dream with for the rest of my life. Yep… that’s what I want. It’s no fun doing it alone.

Well, thanks for reading another one of my random blogs.

Good Night. Consider this my Wednesday blog unless I wake up and feel like sharing something else. Not going to proofread. Too tired.

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

Happy Wednesday!

Shaun Bradford

Since I usually write on Wednesdays and Sundays, I’m thinking about creating one title for Wednesdays as I did with Sundays. Everyone seems to use Wisdom Wednesday. Well, as you know, my blogs aren’t always written to inspire. Most of them are about my wonderfully, crazy life. Yeah.. I’ll figure something out.

So how are things going since I resigned? FABULOUS! Part of me keeps saying this is the honeymoon phase, things will get bad. Then I hear God say, “Shaun, this is really it!” A couple of weeks before my last day, I was thinking about how others would respond to my news. I told myself they would say, “Well, you know it’s not going to be easy.” And at that moment God stopped me and asked, “Why can’t it be easy?” This changed my entire thought process. We’re so conditioned to believe every blessing comes with a struggle, yet we say, “With God ALL things are possible.” God let me know then that He had already prepared the way. All I had to do was allow Him to lead. Whew!! Y’all, and I love where He’s taking me. Listen, when He says jump, I don’t ask why, I ask how high! I love adventures and so far this is the wildest ride yet.

Listen, whatever God’s asked you to do or give up, just do it. No questions asked. He’s got you!

Be Blessed

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