Tag: vision

hope

My Journey With God, No. 71

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning☀️

“Little girls with dreams become women with vision.”

I’m feeling this quote this morning.

My little girl dreams have inspired my grown woman (yes, I’m grown!) vision.

Loving this space I’m in.♥️

Shaun

Nine years ago seems like an eternity ago and yesterday. Life…

I’m that little girl and this grown woman. I am she and she is me.
hope

I Still Believe

Shaun Bradford

Being reminded of my “Why” keeps me hopeful.

I hadn’t looked at all of my Facebook memories until moments ago. Six years ago, I created my social media platform, “Mississippi Thriving.” I posted my official welcome message in December of that year, so you may see me celebrate milestones in February and December.

Here’s what I wrote on this date in 2019 and 2020.

My nephews. Only two of my other babies. I have a lot of them.🥰

In the past six years, I have connected with so many wonderful people who share my same vision for a healthier, brighter, and thriving Mississippi. Although it may feel as if we’ll never see it happen in our lifetimes, I still believe it’s possible.

I must keep hope alive.♥️

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning☀️

On November 17, 2022, I wrote the following in my journal—

“This morning while taking a shower, I could see myself standing before leaders at the UN, an image I’ve seen before. I have no idea what I’m briefing them on or who I’m representing, but I’m there. Now it’s time to be intentional about utilizing what I have and God will add more. I don’t need to know how I’ll get there, I just know that I will.”

When I write about my desire to go to the United Nations, it’s not only because it has been a dream of mine since childhood but because I often see myself there. Y’all, I actually see myself there (at least, that’s where I appear to be). It’s a vision I have had for well over 35 years or more. Over the years, there were times—sometimes years at a time—when I stopped believing in the vision because it seemed too unrealistic. However, there have been other times when the vision has seemed so real that I have taken on opportunities hoping they’d help me reach the vision faster. Well, those opportunities never worked. I wasted a lot of time and money; however, all was not lost. I did gain knowledge, experience, and a few skills I didn’t have before.

Today, I’m more mindful about the oppotunities I pursue and accept—been using more discernment and following God’s guidance. As I wrote two years ago, I don’t need to know how I’ll get there, I only need to know that I will. Right now, my job is to focus on the tasks/assignments at hand, and allow God to do the rest.

Are there dreams/visions God has given you that seem unrealistic or unattainable? If so, how are you handling them? Asking because I really want to know. Smile

I guess I’ll end here. I pray you have a wonderfully, relaxing day.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Sustainability

Shaun Bradford

I have always believed in creating something solid. Something that would outlast even me. Something sustainable.

Sustainability was always one of my first thoughts when asked to work on community-based research projects, especially those that had the potential of making or breaking communities—leaving them healthier or leaving them worse.

I always asked—and I’m pretty sure many were annoyed—What’s the plan for after?

After the funding ends.

After the results aren’t found favorable, or publishable.

After a bigger and better opportunity comes along.

What’s the plan for the community?

I have found that commitment, longevity, and endurance are key to sustainability. You have to be committed to the plan (the vision), and in it for the long haul. You have to push through the hard times. Now, I am not going to lie, there were times when I wanted to give up. Times when my heart was so broken that I did give up. Y’all, people be peopling. However, I am now realizing that when God has a purpose for your life, even you can’t stop it!

So, here I am.

What I am building will last. I know this to be true because God didn’t give me a vision for something temporary. For a quick fix. He gave me a vision for something sustainable, where communities will thrive.

Here’s another great share from Bruce Van Horn. When I tell you his posts kept me encouraged! He is missed.

Slowly, but surely, things are happening.

One crawl, one step, and one leap at a time. It will happen… It is happening.♥️

Shaun

hope

My Vision

Shaun Bradford

I had completely forgotten about my second post for today. Been trying to stay present and take in every moment of this conference. I have also been giving everyone I engage with my full attention—from the speakers, to the exhibitors, to the custodians. Everyone deserves to feel heard and seen. I believe it’s one of the first steps in making the world a better place.

I see you.

I hear you.

You matter.

I also had a chance to meet up with one of my fellow Potter’s House e-members. We have been watching and tweeting (yes, still Twitter) during Sunday services for a few years now. I believe we discovered that we were both Registered Dietitians two years or so ago. Well, we finally got to meet in person today! It was good to feel her energy and personality. Although our encounter was very brief, I believe it was one that needed to be had.

Originally shared on October 7, 2021

Three years ago, I shared the quote above, “Focus on your vision. In time, everything will fall in place.” And it will. I see it happening. From the encounters I’ve had during this conference to the sessions I’ve attended, all are connected to my vision of a healthier, kinder world. To see and feel it is quite amazing.

God is working, and I am staying focused and present so I can experience all of it.♥️

Shaun