Q&A Interview - Dr. Eric L. Holmes

G&G: Dr. Holmes welcome to Grace & Glory Magazine. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to talk with you and introduce you to our readers, so let’s start with you by telling us a little about your story and how your journey began. In other words, growing up as a young boy, what were your dreams and aspirations?

Dr. Holmes: I grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, coming from a family of eight, me being number 7 and spoiled. I have two sisters and five brothers. It was family oriented, and my mother loved family. It was so much love I grew up with. Values were instilled, prayer and the love of God. My dreams and aspirations were always high. I wanted at first to be a lawyer, but God has a way with His plans. I finished school, went to college, and worked.

G&G: Dr. Holmes, at what point did you realize your passion and purpose for your life? Are you at all surprised at where you are today?

Dr. Holmes: Realizing my passion and purpose came later though it was already in me from a child always encouraging, networking, and helping others. The more I matured and grew and then later moved to Baltimore is really when the passion and purpose became more evident, particularly when I joined Beth-el Temple Church. The teaching and training helped me to understand my passion and purpose the more. I remember a prophetic word the late Apostle Robert Evans spoke in my life, so where I am today, I am not surprised and then to have my Bishop Pender continue to help enrich my life.

G&G: Dr. Holmes, I understand you have written several books. Tell us about the journey to become an author? What was your path to publication?

Dr. Holmes: WOW! I didn’t even ask to be an author it was one Saturday morning in my 5am prayer time I asked God to bless me with a project to bless my ministry and my Bishop and First Lady. After prayer I opened the door to the deck looked at the tree in my yard that had changed colors and God spoke put it in a book THE POWER OF THE SEED. I turned around and drew the tree and the journey began from there. And I began to write and research and then THE POWER OF THE SEED was written and published.

G&G: Dr. Holmes, being a man of God and a preacher, how does your faith life influence your writing? What life experiences have shaped your writing most?

Dr. Holmes: Being a servant of God and my faith has influenced my writing because I write from the heart and life’s experience but

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Continued from page 9 always, I pray and let God lead me. What has shaped my writing the most is I had to endure the process to be able to write it then to release it. Having to go through the process and preparation truly has helped in my writing; and I had people to pour in my life as a writer. respond, and always have information to apply; it causes me to be better. Reviews are good because it will keep you learning and growing.

G&G: To date, what is your favorite book you have written? What was your most difficult book to write?

Dr. Holmes: My favorite book I have written is THE POWER OF THE SEED and because it was my first book God birthed in me; yet the one I released before my Mother transitioned and all I could hear her saying was quitting is not an option, was dedicated in her honor. The Power Of The Seed has been a tool for so many and has blessed so many. The most difficult one I had to write was My Next Season Is Due Season because I was in between the wilderness and the promise. I was enduring a process and had to endure a lot of things in that season yet graced to be able to write it and release it.

G&G: Dr. Holmes, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Dr. Holmes: My advice to aspiring authors always is to pray first, do your research and have a coach or mentor to help and guide you. Be integral and be of good character and credibility.

G&G: Dr. Holmes, would you share with us your latest book venture. What is inspiring you to write this book?

Dr. Holmes: I am excited about this latest book Embracing My Now While Waiting On My Next. The journey behind this book and when God gave this to me was, I truly was on a journey to my next. Coming into who I was and what God has called me to be was the inspiration to write it, but seeing things from another perspective knowing I have been blessed with a gift to write.

G&G: Dr. Holmes, do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with good or bad feedback?

Dr. Holmes: I love reading the book reviews. I always encourage readers to write reviews so I can read them,

G&G: What is the purpose and message of your new book? Who do you recommend should read it and what do you want people to walk away with after having read this book?

Dr. Holmes: The message of my new book is to allow the readers to understand that on your journey to your next you will encounter many obstacles along the way. It is important that you understand that each obstacle is just a bridge for you to get over, transporting you to the final destination. I want all audiences to read this because we are all on a journey called life yet in pursuit of our next. The takeaway I want people to leave with is to stay the course and stay focused on embracing who you are now while you are waiting on your next; to see things through the eyes of faith. would say I am a humble servant, committed and dedicated.

G&G: Dr. Holmes, I realize you wear many hats, is there anything else you would like to share with us? Your radio broadcast, your career in the healthcare industry, etc.?

Dr. Holmes: My love for radio being in the studio on Fridays on Power 4.4 Radio with “The Power of Influence with Dr. E” is being able to inspire the listening audience to encourage and empower them. I also have been working in healthcare for the last 26 years at Johns Hopkins helping patients and being a light to them in difficult situations.

G&G: What is one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?

Dr. Holmes: Most people would be surprised that though I know a lot of people and I’m social I don’t mind being to myself.

G&G: What do you like to do to relax and rewind?

Dr. Holmes: I enjoy reading, listening to music, and traveling.

G&G: Is there anyone who has had a tremendous impact on your life journey?

Dr. Holmes: So many people have made an impact in my life and on my journey. My mother RIH, my oldest sister Paula, the late Apostle Robert Evans, Bishop and Lady Pender and many others. But in the writing field Dr. Cheryl Polote -Williamson helped me be a great writer.

G&G: Lastly, do you see yourself as a role model for young black boys?

G&G: Dr. Holmes, let’s close with a few “lightning rod” questions. How would you describe yourself in three words?

Dr. Holmes: In three words I

Dr. Holmes: Yes, I see myself as a role model for young black boys because I have gone to many schools and programs speaking to our youth and being an example; showing them things from another perspective and giving them my testimony. This year I hosted The Power of The Pen-The Author’s Expo; I did it from a black males perspective.

This holiday season, remember to give selflessly to others, just as Christ gave selflessly to us.

Register to give the GIFT OF LIFE as an organ, eye and tissue donor at infinitelegacy.org.