Erica E.

Erica shares with us that it’s ok to tell God when we are angry with Him. We have to keep it real. She also shares how God loves ALL people, and her desire to raise awareness about autoimmune diseases.

Erica E.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: My spiritual growth focus at the moment is spending uninterrupted, quality time with the Lord every single day. I want to continue to deepen my relationship with Him.

Profession: Owner of E33 Bay Area, Wedding Coordinator.

A one sentence bio of yourself: I am a fun, sassy, Jesus lover who drinks black coffee everyday and enjoys talking to people I’ve never met before!

When did you first encounter God? When I was little! Probably around six or seven. I remember I would have to talk to Jesus about my friends, school, and homework while sitting on the top bunk of our bunk beds.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Being 100% honest with God. I’ve had some rough patches in life, and rather than pray and “pretend” to feel a certain way, I have learned to be completely truthful with Him. He knows, anyway! I share when I’m hurt, sad, and even angry with Him. *laughs*

“I share when I’m hurt, sad, and even angry with Him.”

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I have been reading Brene’ Brown’s Power of Vulnerability, while this is not a Christian based book, I believe many of the principles align with Christian principles. I have been able to share about Christ in ways that I wasn’t before by sharing my own story and testimonies.

Top three essentials: My Bible, Chapstick, and my calendar! (Is this what you mean??)

(Yes, that is what we mean) *grin*

How did God speak to you recently? Through my mama. She is a prayer warrior!

Hobby: I love hip hop spin classes, sitting outside enjoying the sunshine and a cup of coffee, discovering new dessert spots, and spending quality time with my hubby and doggy-son.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong:

1. Have Christian confidants!
2. Read at least a verse a day, even when you don’t “feel like it”
3. Be honest with God.

Favorite person in scripture? I don’t actually have a favorite! I am going to start a study soon where I dive deeper into learning about people in the bible and their personal interactions with Jesus. I’m excited about it!

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want them to learn that God loves ALL people. Regardless of race, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, sex, religion, sexual identity or preference, occupation, etc. I’m not saying that we, as Christians have to agree with a certain lifestyle choice, but I do not believe we are meant to live in a Christian bubble. I enjoy talking and getting to know all people! Which is what the Lord did frequently.

“I do not believe we are meant to live in a Christian bubble. I enjoy talking and getting to know all people! Which is what the Lord did frequently.”

Favorite season? It’s a tie for summer and fall! I love warm weather and sunshine.

Favorite holiday? Christmas.

A dream you have? Oh man, I have so many. One is to be an advocate for those who also have autoimmune diseases (or any disease/illness) and continue being a witness of Christ’s love through my work in the wedding industry and in my philanthropic efforts.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Family dinners with no interruptions and sitting together! Both my husband and myself practiced this growing up, and we will continue to do so even when we have our own little ones, one day. I ask questions everyday about where he sat for lunch or what he ate, how his meetings went, or even about any new people he met that day. *laughs* It’s such a great time to step away from the outside world (especially social media) and spend time focused on our loved ones.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Why does processed sugar have to taste so good?

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Sacramento (where I’m from) has one of the highest rates of sex trafficking in the country. This is NOT ok, and work needs be done. Also, over 40% of students in East Palo Alto are homeless mostly due to the disgusting high housing market rates in the Bay Area. I am very involved in the EPA community and actively searching on the best way to become involved in the Sacramento area.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Drink a cup of coffee! I’m trying to get into a better habit of getting up earlier to spend quality time with the Lord before doing anything else– it’s a work in progress.

What is on your nightstand? My Bible, my iPad mini, a highlighter, Chapstick, and a candle

Define Christianity in a sentence: Christianity is having a special and unique personal relationship with the Lord, while showing His love and witnessing to others.

For more Erica:

Social media handle: @e33bayarea

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO