ANTI-RACISM TALK WITH LEAH HAZLEY

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Leah Hazley, Christian, wife, mom, pediatric nurse, and social media creator sits down with me to discuss her Faith as it pertains to race relations, and why she believes prayer about anti-racism work must spark action. She shares about her triumphs and struggles in the social media world, her thoughts on forgiveness and cancel culture, as well as what she wants listeners to celebrate about Black History Month, all year long. Additionally, she shares about how important it is to diversify our real life circles, why kindness is not always enough, and how she will teach her kids to stand up when they see someone being treated the wrong way. She describes the importance in men and women taking a stand against racism, and doing so when they have educated themselves and are willing to accept criticism for their efforts. Furthermore, she explains how the wheel doesn't have to be reinvented, and that there are endless resources at our fingertips to use in order to amplify melanated voices. She is full of wisdom, and so much Grace, and truly cares about racial reconciliation. Listen to this hour long talk to be uplifted and moved. We pray that through her words and call to action, you are inspired to make changes in your life and the life of others.

***hopefully you can see past my lack of technical expertise to edit out our random pauses and technical issues, and also see past our silly kiddos’ interruptions! hehe! honestly, if this isn’t the most REAL zoom meeting ever for two mamas. haha!***

 
 

I pray you were as touched by Leah’s words as I was through her talk.

But mostly, I pray you heard HIM speak through her.

She is truly so so so full of wisdom, and I know the Lord has, is, and will continue to use her in mighty mighty ways all for His kingdom and glory.

Here are just a few of my favorite takeaways from the talk, and I’d love to hear yours too!

  1. If you don’t know what to say, it’s okay to pause and educate yourself first. THEN ACT.

    But you must be willing to accept criticism, as with all things in life.

  2. We do not have to recreate graphics, words, resources, and blogs, etc. but we can share what so many beautiful people have already created.

  3. Our Faith is a powerful tool to help us build bridges. It’s also the foundation of forgiveness.

  4. We cannot put all BIPOC in a box. They are women, men, stay at home moms, work at home moms, bloggers, crafters, etc. too. We must do better at treating them as such.

  5. We must cherish and give credit when we are inspired by the Black community. Whether it be our music, our attire, our art, our products, etc, we must give them all the credit they deserve.

    and lastly…

I’ve shared this before on my instagram, but though I was arrested for shoplifting as a teen, I generally don’t walk into stores now, 20 years later, and worry about anyone looking at me, following me, or assuming I’m shoplifting. I generally don’t “fit the part.” When Leah shared the story about her teacher accusing her, at such a young age, of stealing the scissors, my little soul was wrecked inside…yet I kept it together because I didn’t wanna make the video about my story.

So I share it here in hopes that it reaches someone. Because when my girls get to third grade…I doubt they’ll be looked at that way either. I doubt they’ll be the ones accused of stealing something in class.

And I hope and pray they will stand up for their friends who are accused. I hope they will have the wisdom and courage to call it out.

For Leah’s girls.

And for yours.

 

If you were moved or inspired by anything you read here, please pin an image in this post so the good word can be spread more! Please visit Leah’s Instagram and Blog and follow them too.

She has BIG BIG BIG things in store. I’m so ready to cheer her on.

And lastly

Thank you Leah.

For continuously pouring into my Faith, my heart, my family, and for being a continuous reminder that Goodness will win. Goodness will prevail.

You exemplify His love.

Thank you for being the Hands and Feet.