The Pope's Coming To Connecticut
“Catholicism is not just a religion. It is a perspective on life.“-- Amy Ekeh
I recently went to see a movie with my son and my significant other called “I Can Only Imagine.” Truth be told, it was my second time in the “seeing” as I saw it on my own a week earlier, during a day that I had some time to myself. I was floored by the movie and so I wanted two of the most important people in my life to see it also.
I have to say, both were moved by the movie as well. We were also struck by two of the previews which played prior to the feature rolling -- both seated at the right hand of the father and both centered upon hope and faith. God’s Not Dead: A Light In Darkness and a co-production with the Vatican no less Pope Francis - A Man Of His Word are coming to a theater near us and truth be told (lest I be struck down by lightning), I plan to see both. This time, I may just invite mom blogger Amy Ekeh to join us.
A beacon of hope and faith herself, Amy has been sharing the “message” through her namesake blog since 2014. She’s been doing so with a commitment and passion that makes me think that the Pope just may find his way to Connecticut someday to scoop her up and take her back to Vatican City with him to help out.
Connecticut’s loss would be the world’s gain. It is for this reason that I am sharing Amy Ekeh with you below.
What is your full name?
Amy Ekeh
What is your personal mantra?
Relationships – with God and with each other – are the most important thing we do.
Tell us about your life, including where you live, number of children and anything else you would like to share.
My husband and I have four children – two teenage daughters and two sons, ages four and six. This year, all of the kids are in different schools. It’s almost a full time job just keeping up with who’s where! We live in a small house in Milford, Connecticut. I tell the kids a small house is a blessing; it’s great for togetherness!
Do you believe you have a “life’s purpose?” If so, share it.
I believe we all have the same life purpose – to help each other. We are all called to do it in different ways. I try to be "present" to the people in my life -- taking time to listen and just being a companion however I can. Life isn’t easy, but we can make it better for each other.
Finish this sentence, “The best part about being a mom is _____.”
…having a little community built into my life! Sometimes it can be challenging being part of a family, but a family is a community that is always there. I feel privileged to be part of my family community. We talk, laugh and take care of each other.
What is the name of your blog? When was it launched?
I started my blog in 2014. I could never come up with a name for my blog that I felt prepared to live with for years, so I just use my name - Amy Ekeh.
What is the primary focus of your blog and what do you hope to accomplish through it?
My blog offers weekly reflections on Scripture and spirituality. It is written from a Catholic perspective, but I have subscribers from a variety of denominations who enjoy the content. I want my blog to be a place where readers are informed and inspired. I’m not interested in writing about the latest news or controversies. There are plenty of blogs out there that do that. I want to help people move to a place deep within themselves, and take the comfort and strength they find there out into the world. I want to help people form deeper connections with God, with others and within themselves.
Do you blog for other blogs or sites?
Not currently, but I write for several Catholic print publications such as St. Anthony Messenger and Catechist Magazine.
Which social media outlet (such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pnterest, etc) do you find most useful?
I use Facebook to share my blogs and interact with readers, students and retreatants.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to those who may be interested in beginning a blog?
Bloggers need to have a clear focus, be willing to put in the time to write something worth reading, and have realistic expectations about readership. The majority of blogs will have a relatively small following. That’s okay as long as you’re producing something of quality for your readers, and as long as you love what you are writing about. Your enthusiasm for your own blog will quickly fizzle out otherwise! Remember that a blog is a way of connecting with others, no matter how many or how few people you touch. Just do your best to make those connections meaningful.
Share the 2-3 blogs that you follow.
One writer that I follow regularly is Jim Forest. I love Jim’s work because he has lived a life devoted to his deep-seated faith and to peace. I admire writers who not only write but “do.” Jim is one of those writers. Jim worked closely with Dorothy Day and was a good friend of Thomas Merton. His voice comes from a place of deep conviction, wisdom and a life lived for others.
Another “internet voice” I appreciate is that of John Kohan, who maintains a great site called “Sacred Art Pilgrim.” John is an accomplished journalist with a passion for sacred art. He “collects” art from all over the world on his website and shares wonderful information about the art and artists. It’s a treasure-trove that I utilize both personally and professionally.
Are you an entrepreneur or professional beyond your blog (and outside of being a mom)? Please share.
Yes, I teach Scripture, direct retreats, and write for a variety of Catholic publications. I’m currently writing for Little Rock Scripture Study’s new series, “Alive in the Word.”
When all is said and done, how do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as someone who did my small part to help others find meaning and peace in their lives. I have had plenty of people help me do this in my own life. I hope that is a gift I can share with others.
As we’ve all been mired in so much darkness and negativity for some time now, such glimpses of hope and faith are desperately needed, in my opinion, and remain welcomed signs that we might just be "coming out of it" so to speak. You needn’t be Catholic to see this nor flee from the cross in a panic of denial just so that you avoid being targeted a "holy roller." Any assemblance of easing unrest - personal or societal - can only help to open the door to peace. That’s a good thing for all of us, no matter what religion (or not) you subscribe to.