Tag: trust God

hope

What a Difference Time and Experiences Make

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning!☀️

For several years now (since December 24, 2018), I have shared the same quote from Michelle Obama’s book “Becoming”–

“Am I good enough? Yes, in fact I am.”

For years, I questioned my worth. Seeing Michelle Obama (who’s #4 on my infamous list of people to meet) mention it in her book gave me hope. If she also questioned her worth at times and still surpassed her wildest dreams, then I could, too.

In 2018, I began a doctoral program to earn my DrPH (Doctor of Public Health) degree. I decided to pursue this degree after experiencing one of my most crushing moments professionally. Before then, I was always on top of my game. Personally, my life was in the pits, but professionally, it was taking off. Y’all, I was “The Research Diva!” I was so confident and sure of myself and where my career was going. Other professionals and organizations had begun contacting me because of my experience and expertise. However, I hadn’t accounted for some only reaching out because of the fact that I was Black. Once I realized I was only being used because of the color of my skin and my ability to reach populations some couldn’t, I was crushed.

After this realization, every project I was asked to work on, I questioned why I was asked. Was it because of the color of my skin? Did they truly recognize my worth? That’s when I felt if I had my doctorate, my race wouldn’t matter. But I already knew the answer to that, too.

So, for six years, I pursued the DrPH degree. I started strong, but then life happened…COVID happened…then life again. Last year, when I shared her quote, I had just finished another semester of the program, and I had a decision to make—spend more money working towards a degree that I was only pursuing to be deemed worthy or to withdraw. In May of this year, I finally withdrew from the program. Part of me felt like a failure because I couldn’t push past the fact that I was only doing it to prove my worth. Like girl, still get the degree! Then, the other half felt relieved because I could finally focus on the things I wanted to pursue, my real goals and dreams. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be referred to as Dr. LaShaundrea B.; however, I know I am worth more than a title and credentials.

Soooo…

Am I good enough?

Baby, YES! I’m more than good enough!

I now realize I needed to go through all of that craziness to get to where I am today. I can see where my ego and pride could’ve eventually been my downfall and at a higher level. Life is truly a journey.

Well, that’s all I have at the moment. Listen, if you are currently questioning if you are good enough, this is assurance that you are. You are more than good enough. You’re the best!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

My Journey With God, No. 41

Shaun Bradford

This past Saturday, I volunteered at two events. The first involved assisting with distributing over 2,000 pounds of fresh greens (collards, mustards, and turnips) to the community—many thanks to Mississippi farmers for their donation! The second involved providing winter wear and a hot meal to people experiencing homelessness. This was at a candlelight vigil held for individuals who lost their lives while being homeless (see We Are Thriving’s post below).

Years ago, I asked God for time to do what I really wanted to do—spread love and hope to underserved and unserved communities. I wanted to be able to actually connect and interact with the people I served. Unfortunately, every promotion I received limited those opportunities and connections, and I hated it.

Fast forward to today. I’m doing what I love! Last Friday, I met with a local veterans organization and made a few connections. I’m looking forward to assisting them in the future. Then, on Saturday, I had the two events. At the end of the candlelight vigil, the organizer recognized me for my assistance. Not for the work everyone saw but for what they didn’t see. She told them I was her prayer partner and encourager. Y’all, it was so unexpected. When I say I am truly, truly blessed, this is what I mean!

I am so grateful that God has allowed me to do what I love. I pray that His light and love shine through me and be passed on to others through everyone I touch. Yes, this is my prayer.♥️ ~Shaun

My post for We Are Thriving – A Candlelight Vigil for Lives Lost in 2024.

A Candlelight Vigil for Lives Lost in 2024
hope

Keep Shining Bright

Shaun Bradford
That shine looks good on you!

Every time you dim your light, you betray yourself and minimize the glow God has placed inside you. Let your God-given light shine through and let it shine bright!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Trust Yourself, Trust Your Instincts

Shaun Bradford

Here’s what I shared two years ago.

As I suggested two years ago, we trust our instincts to protect us from harm but rarely use them to guide us toward good things. How about we consider reconditioning our mindset to expect good things to happen instead of bad or expecting the best of people instead of the worst?

Trust your instincts to expect and accept good things.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Releasing the Limits

Shaun Bradford

I KNOW y’all probably think I’m a little loony because of the way I praise and interact with God, but I promise you I’m not. This connection I have with Him is surreal.

I shared my last post, “Welcome to Freedom Fridays,” almost 3 hours ago. How about I just opened YouTube, and the first sermon was Pastor Steven Furtick’s message “Freedom From What’s Holding You Back,” which was posted five hours ago, hours before I wrote my post. Well, it gets even better! Y’all, why was he talking about the limits we keep placing on God and how they’re holding us back?! In my post, I wrote, “I’m releasing the limits I’ve placed on myself and the ones I have placed on God.” I had no idea he had already preached this in a sermon. Talk about confirmation! So, yes, the limits must go!

Here’s the link: Freedom From What’s Holding You Back

You see, this is why I have to write more. Soooo much happens between posts. So many testimonies and revelations to be shared. Listen, get you a relationship with God. He’s so amazing!!

Love you!♥️

Shaun