Keep It Positive, Sweetie
Episode: “You Can’t Cancel God’s Plans” w/ Lecrae
Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Lecrae
Date: December 21, 2025
Episode Overview
This live episode of Keep It Positive, Sweetie brings Grammy-winning artist and social thought-leader Lecrae to the stage in Atlanta for an authentic dialogue. Host Crystal Renee Hayslett and Lecrae dive into faith, personal transformation, cultural responsibility, overcoming judgment, and the dynamic intersection of Christianity and hip-hop. Lecrae shares how his journey and latest album encourage resilience and reconstruction—reminding us “you can’t cancel God’s plans.” The conversation is raw, honest, and filled with wisdom, humor, and inspiration for anyone navigating growth amid criticism or church hurt.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Lecrae’s Early Journey: From “The Streets” to Disciple
[06:52]–[08:19]
- Lecrae explains his unconventional path to faith:
- Raised by a mother who was hurt by the strictness of church and distanced from organized religion, music became his creative solace.
- Summertime “patio church” with his grandmother planted early seeds of faith.
- Difficulties during school years and a longing for something deeper led to a “spiritual transformation.”
- Humorous reflection:
“I got three kids now. I probably would have about 12 more had it not been for Jesus. I’d have my own disciples. 12 disciples.”
— Lecrae [08:13]
Redefining the Christian Artist Label
[09:18]–[10:44]
- Lecrae rejects strict genre labels, seeing himself as a bridge between the “greenhouse” (church) and “jungle” (mainstream culture).
- He seeks authentic engagement with both faith-based and secular audiences:
“Some people burn down bridges, but some people walk across them... I want to be that bridge from the kingdom to the culture.”
— Lecrae [10:21]
Remaining True Amid Criticism (Even from Christians)
[10:44]–[11:32]
- On backlash from both faith and secular communities:
“People have tried to cancel me, but you can’t cancel God’s plans.”
— Lecrae [11:09] - Stresses that personal mission may be misunderstood, and that’s okay.
“Everybody’s not going to understand your mission, but that’s why it’s your mission.”
— Lecrae [11:25]
Navigating Judgment & Performing Faith in Public
[12:03]–[13:39]
- Both share stories of hurt from the Christian community.
- Lecrae encourages courage for those scrutinized in the public eye:
“If you live for people’s acceptance, you’ll die from their rejection.”
— Lecrae [14:48] - Advocates for focusing on growth rather than appeasing critics.
Engaging with Culture, Not Culture Wars
[17:17]–[18:25]
- Lecrae warns against Christians being pulled into polarized culture wars:
“You can never choose the empire over the kingdom... When we base our hope on things outside of the Lord, man, we standing on sand, that’s gonna sink.”
— Lecrae [17:31] - Reframes blame for societal hurt:
“Don’t blame God for people hurts. God didn’t do that to you. Them broken people did. And He’s the only one that’s keeping you together in the midst of the pain.”
— Lecrae [18:02]
Distinguishing Loving God From Fearing God
[18:43]–[19:29]
- Crystal notes many people claim to love God but lack reverence (“fear”).
- She shares:
“It’s not to be scared of him, but to just be so in awe that you don’t want to let him down.”
— Crystal Renee Hayslett [19:13]
Coping with the Digital Age / Media Overload
[19:29]–[20:18]
- Crystal describes stepping back from Instagram to preserve peace and productivity.
- Emphasizes intentional consumption, especially during spiritual practices like fasting.
Longevity and Relevance in Music and Ministry
[25:09]–[26:39]
- Lecrae’s advice for sustaining a 20+ year career:
- Stay curious and keep learning.
“If you’re not learning, you’re not growing. If you’re not growing, you’re dying.”
— Lecrae [26:21] - Importance of connecting with younger generations while keeping personal authenticity.
Healing from Trauma & Championing Therapy
[28:18]–[30:41]
- Lecrae is candid about his trauma and how therapy (in addition to faith) has been transformative.
“There is a brain in your head, and there are people who understand the human brain... Therapy has really been the most transformative part of me.”
— Lecrae [28:43] - Speaks directly to resistance in communities of faith toward therapy:
“Stop wearing your glasses. Stop taking your insulin... You got Jesus, right?” (sarcastic to prompt awareness)
— Lecrae [28:48]
The Message Behind “Reconstruction”
[32:54]–[35:25]
- Lecrae’s 10th solo album is inspired by personal deconstruction and “church hurt,” encouraging others to start over and let God “reconstruct” their lives:
“Sometimes we have built lives...on a solid foundation, especially if it’s the Lord, but some walls are cracked...We have to deconstruct that house to reconstruct the one we’re supposed to have.”
— Lecrae [33:01] “God told me, like, ‘No, I need you to keep building. I need you to start over, reconstruct this house. I’m gonna do a work in it.’”
— Lecrae [34:03] “Your story’s not over yet, so you can start over today.”
— Lecrae [34:13]
Letting Go of Shame and Embracing Forgiveness
[35:25]–[36:05]
- Both Lecrae and Crystal encourage listeners not to let past mistakes or shame keep them from living out God’s plans:
“If you’ve repented for it and asked for forgiveness, and you’re moving differently, God has forgiven you...Our shame is just the enemy’s way of keeping us from doing what God wants us to do.”
— Crystal Renee Hayslett [35:43]
Prioritizing Family & Self-Care
[36:51]–[38:58]
- Lecrae shares his order of priorities:
- Relationship with God
- Personal mental and emotional health
- Marriage
- Children
Then, career and external obligations.
- On family:
“If I am not emotionally, spiritually healthy, I’m no good for her...My family only gonna get one me. The world can find another artist." — Lecrae [38:54]
Closing – Legacy, Encouragement, and Mutual Gratitude
[39:08]–[40:02]
- Lecrae encourages fans to stream “Reconstruction” and listen to his “Deep End” Podcast.
- He gives grateful recognition to Crystal:
“A million little girls want to grow up to be actresses...But it’s difficult when you get there to leverage it and use it in a way that blesses people in a way that you’re doing. So thank you.”
— Lecrae [39:43]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “You can’t cancel God’s plans.” — Lecrae [11:09]
- “If you live for people’s acceptance, you’ll die from their rejection.” — Lecrae [14:48]
- “Some people burn down bridges, but some people walk across them. I want to be that bridge from the kingdom to the culture.” — Lecrae [10:21]
- “Don’t blame God for people hurts. God didn’t do that to you. Them broken people did.” — Lecrae [18:02]
- “If you’re not learning, you’re not growing. If you’re not growing, you dying.” — Lecrae [26:21]
- “Therapy has really been the most transformative part of me...We are terrorizing our women with the unhealth that is living inside of us. And it’s not fair.” — Lecrae [29:31]
- “Your story’s not over yet, so you can start over today.” — Lecrae [34:13]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [06:52] Lecrae’s early life & coming to faith
- [09:18] Redefining the Christian artist label
- [11:09] On withstanding backlash: “You can’t cancel God’s plans”
- [12:03] Navigating public criticism & faith
- [14:48] Living for acceptance vs. true purpose
- [17:17] Warning against the “culture war”
- [18:43] Difference between loving and fearing God
- [25:09] Longevity in music & curiosity
- [28:18] The importance of therapy and mental health
- [32:54] The story behind “Reconstruction” album
- [36:51] Prioritizing family and self-care
- [39:43] Lecrae gives Crystal her flowers
Final Thoughts
This episode is a testament to truth-telling, growth, and embracing imperfection on the journey of faith and purpose. Lecrae’s transparency about struggle, healing, and persistence offers inspiration to anyone wrestling with criticism or starting over—reminding us that God’s plans are bigger than the world’s judgments.