Ericka's Blog
Reflections and conversations on life
Coronavirus: When We Look Back, Remember the Humanity
The Coronavirus will live in our memories for a lifetime. I am pre-fascinated by the analytical reports and cultural commentaries that will emerge based on an unpredictable worldwide epidemic. What will it say about our communities, our humanity, our assumptions and...
The Blessing: How A New Worship Song Speaks to Parents Everywhere
The new song, "The Blessing" from Kari Jobe and Elevation Worship, is that for me right now. Released just 6 days ago, the video has over 1.5 million views and trust me, you want to watch the video. As a parent, the song resonated even more deeply, given it's...
Gracy Olmstead is the Journalist We Need
Gracy Olmstead is a beautiful writer, her pieces published regularly in the New York Times and many others. As someone who ingests thousands of words per week, I make a point never to miss hers. She's writes about culture, faith, politics, policy, farming, food and...
Manda Carpenter: A 28-Year-Old Foster Mom on a Mission
Manda Carpenter is 28 years old and has already been a foster mom for several years. It's a passion God put on her heart years go, in childhood, and she was just waiting for the opportunity to go for it. She met an incredible man, married him and the two set out on...
Krish O’Mara Vignarajah: President & CEO, Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service
Krish O'Mara Vignarajah is one impressive -- and gracious -- lady. She's the President & CEO of Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service (LIRS) and has been working hard during our country's recent immigration struggles. Prior to this position, Krish ran for...
Rachel Barkley: Fighting a Spinal Tumor with a Newborn
A spinal tumor isn't something Rachel Barkley ever thought she'd know much about. And I never thought I'd be interviewing her about one of the scariest moments of her life. Three weeks after giving birth to her first baby, Rachel woke up unable to feel her leg. In a...