Tag: wisdom

empowerment, hope

Life, Time, and Clarity

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning!☀️

Here’s today’s quote—

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” –Nelson Mandela

Quote of the Day – 8.31.2026

Earlier, I came across a post from a renowned author and photographer (we’ll call her Lis) whom I met years ago after she spoke at an event I attended. I know I caught her off guard with my enthusiastic claim that our meeting was somehow a divine encounter. I said something to the effect that I knew God orchestrated our meeting and that we’d work together someday. Well, that day never came. Laughing. However, we became Facebook friends, and she did meet my mom. Lis interviewed my mom for a book she was writing and took photos of her—which made my mom feel so special. So, although we never worked together, the time she spent with my mom was so worth our meeting. Smiling.

The reason today’s quote and Lis’ post are so significant is because they were both divinely timed. Lis shared her post three days ago, but I didn’t see it until this morning, after today’s quote was posted. You see, Lis and I both began our doctoral journeys (in different fields) at the same time (Summer of 2018). She finished and became a professor, and I quit and started pursuing other ventures/adventures. Seeing Lis’ post reminded me of the journey I sometimes question whether I allowed fear to stop me from pursuing. I know that my heart wasn’t truly in it; however, deep down it was still a goal I wanted to achieve. It was a space that challenged me, and I caved under the pressure—just being honest and transparent.

Again, I needed to see the quote and post because I have so much work to do that will require me to operate at a different level. A few months ago, I became the southern region representative for our state’s Public Health Association. Public health, advocacy, policy making, and program development were the focus of my DrPH (Doctor of Public Health) degree.

I have a lot to think about and some decisions to make. This time I need to let hope guide my decisions and choices, not my fears.

Y’all, pray my strength in the Lord. Smile

Have a wonderful day and week!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

hope, Life

Time Is Just Time

Shaun Bradford

“Time is just time. It’s what we do within the time we are given that matters most.” –Moi😊

On April 20, 2026, I shared the following in my post, “My Journey With God, No. 141”—

“I didn’t want to stop posting at Day 1800—I loved the challenge of seeing how far I could go—but I needed to set an endpoint.”

Now, here I am on the other side of the “endpoint,” as I called it—which, by the way, never happened at Day 1800. I’m laughing because to stop posting wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. I woke up every morning after my deadline and kept posting like clockwork. However, on Day 1811 (April 30) I finally ended the streak. Yep… some time around 11:00 PM on April 30th, I made it official. I stopped blogging, disconnected from every social media outlet, including YouTube, and took a much needed break.

For weeks it was just me, those in my close circle and actual presence, and God. Taking the month off was one of the best decisions I’d ever made. It was the most peaceful time I had had in years. It was long overdue.

On June 1st, I returned to blogging and my daily count restarted at Day 1.

So, how did I feel about starting over?

Honestly, I picked back up as if I had never taken a break. The daily count was just a number—that’s all. Ending my streak of posting daily for almost five years didn’t feel like the loss I thought it would. It was just time…

And time continued while I wasn’t blogging. It was the experiences that took place during my break that truly mattered. Nothing was lost from not posting daily. Actually, much more was gained. I became more focused. Conversations were more engaging. Quality time was actually quality time. My time with God increased tremendously. I was able to block out the outside noises and hear from Him, and only Him. And in addition to all of that, I got to love on me more. Yessss! I needed it!

As I said, time is just time. It’s what we do within the time we’re given that truly matters most.

This is all for now. Will talk to you again soon. Have a wonderful day!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

The countdown has officially begun. Less than a week away! Year53 is loading…🥰

hope

Trust God: That’s The Message

Shaun Bradford

When we’ve done all we can, there’s only one thing left to do, and that’s to trust God. This should’ve been the first thing we did, but we’re human, right? Smile

I’m so thankful for God’s love, mercy, and grace. For another opportunity to trust Him to do what only He can do.

Yep… That’s the message.♥️

I love you always,

Shaun

hope

The Power Of Gratitude

Shaun Bradford

Facebook Memory: June 18, 2019

As I mentioned six years ago, “Never underestimate the power of gratitude.” There is something about gratitude that brings peace. The kind of peace that surpasses all understanding. Yes, that God peace. (Philippians 4:7)

Always, always, always remain grateful.♥️

I love you much,

Shaun

hope

Never Settle For Less Than God’s Best

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning☀️

How are you?

I hope you’re doing fabulous!🌸

This Facebook memory from three years ago has me smiling.

“YOU are worthy of God’s absolute best. You don’t have to settle for less.”

When I look back over my adulthood, I can list times when I settled for “good enough.” That job was “good enough” because it paid the bills. That relationship was “good enough” because I didn’t have to be alone—but I felt lonely (Whew!). My life was “good enough” because wanting more meant stretching myself and becoming uncomfortable.

I’m smiling because I can see how my life has changed over the past few years, especially since turning 50. That’s when I stopped settling for “good enough” and began striving for THE BEST—the best for ME. Now, my “best” may not be your idea of the best, and that’s okay. For a long time, I made decisions based on what others thought was best for me, leaving me feeling miserable. Y’all, trying to live up to other people’s expectations will drain you mentally as well as physically. Believe me, you breathe a lot easier when you dance to the beat of your own drums. PLUS, I don’t know about you, but God won’t let me settle for less than His best. He just won’t.

Today is the last day of May, which is significant in so many ways. For me, it’s the day that one cycle ends and another begins. Tomorrow, I enter my 52nd birthday month. Praying that God graces me with immeasurable favor and that He blocks every weapon meant to hinder or destroy me or my progression. May He cover me with His love and surround me with His peace and joy. Amen

Repeating my affirmation from three years ago (please feel free to do the same):

“I am worthy. Yes, ME. I am worthy of God’s best.”

I pray you have a wonderfully blessed day. May God’s love and peace surround you and your family.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

hope

Be Intentional About Showing Up

Shaun Bradford
March 29, 2021

Over the years, I have learned that when you feel the least motivated to show up is when you need to show up the most.

Listen…

Show up.

Then, keep showing up!

I promise you, your future self will be glad that you did.♥️

Love you much,

Shaun

hope

The Power of God’s Love

Shaun Bradford
May 17, 2023

Surrounded

Covered

and

Protected

by

God’s love.

I do not take God’s love nor its POWER for granted.

I am blessed.♥️

Shaun

hope

God’s Love Never Fails

Shaun Bradford

God’s love never fails or ceases. No matter what comes and goes. No matter the highs or lows. His love remains the same.♥️ ~Shaun

hope

What Is God Saying?

Shaun Bradford
May 14, 2022

Good Morning☀️

You have asked for guidance. The next step is to stop (be still or silent) and listen. Listen for God’s still, small voice. After you receive your answer, proceed accordingly.

That’s the answer.

I pray you have a wonderful day!♥️

I love you always,

Shaun