Erica Thompson

Meet Erica

Fun fact: I’m a Texas native born and raised and I’ve never once moved outside of Dallas. (my passport stamps make up for this though) I was raised in a Christian home and at my church any time the doors were open. I was saved at the ripe age of six and truly believe I knew and understood my need for a savior so young. I was even sharing the gospel and inviting my friends to church who didn’t know Jesus. God gave me a passion at a young age for all to know and love Him.

I attended Dallas Baptist University for school where I moved just a hop, skip and a jump away. (I told you, I’ve never left Dallas) I double majored in Psychology and Sociology. Right after my Sophomore year ended, I got news my dad suddenly passed away. I was immediately angry with God and decided if that’s what His hand on my life looks like, I want nothing to do with Him. So, I started to live my life that way. I began to cope and find my identity in alcohol, popularity, my appearance and men. I still believed God was good and His Word was true for others, but not for me. You could still catch me out sharing the gospel with someone, but I was probably drunk at a bar while doing it. After some time of this lifestyle, it led me to struggling with an eating disorder and eventually suicidal thoughts. Attempting to take control of my own life and healing, led to far more hurt and depression. Even though I would find some temporary satisfaction from my behavior, it would always leave me worse than it found me. I couldn’t seem to heal and move on from the loss of my dad and continued to pile on more hurt for myself. I became my own worst enemy and I was running from the very thing that brings healing and peace. God.

Two years later I became a member at watermark to try the church thing again. And truthfully, I needed to somehow make friends after school, and I knew church was an easy solution. This was all perfectly orchestrated by the Lord because not even five months later I was sitting in groundwork at re:generation. God quickly, and gently, exposed so many of my patterns and idols keeping me from truly experiencing Him and leading me further towards a life of destruction. I was completely humbled and able to recognize my need for Him. I fully surrendered my life to Him again and made a lot of lifestyle changes. I began to truly fall in love with the Lord and spending time in His word. I began to find satisfaction, life, joy and healing all in Him alone.

I have since had the joy of meeting my husband, Bailey, who has been the biggest blessing in my life. He prayerfully helped me navigate the call into ministry that led me to join staff at Watermark. From a young age I had always felt a calling into ministry, so you could say I’m living my dream. I now have the honor to serve couples who are engaged, or seriously dating, and pursuing marriage. Engagement was a fun and sweet season of my own life and I’m so thankful that every day I get to be part of this season in some way for so many others. All while bringing glory to God.