Learning to Fly: When God Uses Love, Loss, and Grief for His Purposes With Children’s Author Erika Lopez

Learning to Fly: When God Uses Love, Loss, and Grief for His Purposes With Children’s Author Erika Lopez

In this episode of Joy Stories, Jessica sits down with children’s author and advocate Erika Lopez to share a powerful story of faith, grief, and unexpected purpose.

After losing her mother to pancreatic cancer, Erika wrestled with anger, loss, and deep sorrow — until God began gently guiding her through writing, dreams, and meaningful signs. A vivid dream of flying with her mom inspired a bedtime story for her daughter that eventually became The Adventures of Amazing Grace, a children’s book about courage, friendship, and listening to your heart instead of fear.

Erika also shares how her daughter’s dyslexia shaped the book’s design, leading her to advocate for inclusive, dyslexic-friendly children’s literature and representation for multicultural families.

This episode explores joy beyond happiness, overcoming fear, discovering God-given gifts, and how even the hardest seasons can lead to something beautiful.

Erika’s Instagram: ErikaLopez_author

https://www.instagram.com/erikalopez_author?igsh=MWFuajY2a3Vnbmdycw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

 Many dyslexia and ADHD resources are available on my “Highlights” 

Erika's Website: https://www.erikaferrarilopez.com/ 

The Adventures of Amazing Grace is available locally at Park Road Books, CLT Find, and That’s Novel. It is also available online: https://a.co/d/3OqmfhP 

Podcast episode with our dyslexia journey:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/together-in-literacy/id1588755889?i=1000635409199

The Joy Stories website: https://www.thejoystories.com

Jessica’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoystories?igsh=MTFrbzk4cW9hb2M2OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr