10 min read ⭑

Nicole O. Salmon is a pastor and author who’s passionate about helping women find their God-given purpose and equipping them to discover their true identity (plus stationery and anything rose gold). Whether you’re listening to her preach or reading one of her books, her honest and lighthearted demeanor will quickly draw you in — and you’ll walk away changed by biblical truth. Today’s interview is no different. Join us as Nicole unpacks her healing journey from childhood trauma, the unconventional way she beats writer’s block and how she finds God in the middle of a chaotic day.

QUESTION #1: ACQUAINT

There’s much more to food than palate and preference. How does a go-to meal at your favorite hometown restaurant reveal the true you behind the web bio?

Oh, let me paint you a picture of a culinary experience that’s not just about the food — it’s a journey back to my roots, a celebration of family, flavor and the unmistakable essence of home. Imagine strolling into Xaymaca, nestled in the heart of Brampton, Ontario, where the air is alive with the tantalizing aroma of my favorite coconut pasta — a dish that dances with the vibrant Ital flavors of Jamaica. (If you haven’t heard of it, the Ital diet consists mostly of vegetables and unprocessed foods and doesn’t contain meat or other animal products.)

This isn’t just any meal — it’s a connection to my Jamaican heritage that runs deep in my veins. As I sit down at the table, I’m transported back to the kitchen of my grandparent’s house in Westmorland, Jamaica, where the smell of coconut milk and the sizzle of plantains on the gas stove were a constant presence.

And let’s talk about those ripe plantains — a non-negotiable side order. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Now, I’ll admit, I’m not much of a coffee drinker, but no visit to Xaymaca is complete without a cup of Blue Mountain coffee. It’s like a warm embrace, a sip of liquid gold.

But beyond the flavors and the aromas, dining at Xaymaca is a celebration of who I am — a proud Jamaican by parentage, a passionate foodie and someone who finds joy in the simple pleasure of a delicious meal shared with loved ones. Whether I’m celebrating the release of my latest book or simply indulging in a guilt-free vegan feast, Xaymaca holds a special place in my heart as a sanctuary of flavor and nostalgia that grounds me.

QUESTION #2: REVEAL

We’ve all got quirky proclivities and out-of-the-way interests. So what are yours? What so-called “nonspiritual” activity (or activities) do you love engaging in, which also help you find essential spiritual renewal?

Welp, I’m about to share some quirks and hidden gems of my inner self that even my closest friends might not know about! I have a love for water that runs deep (pun slightly intended), and I’m not just talking about serene lakes or majestic oceans. No, my friends, I have a secret obsession with running through sprinklers. And not just any sprinklers — random ones I stumble upon during my neighborhood strolls. There’s something delightfully childlike about the experience.

You might wonder what running through sprinklers has to do with spirituality, but for me, it’s about reclaiming my identity as a child of God. You see, life hasn’t always been easy — I’ve had to grow up fast, taking on responsibilities that weighed heavily on my shoulders. From having to care for a sick parent at the age of 15 to becoming a parent at 19, there seemed to be little room for childlike wonder and play. But now, in those moments of playful abandon, I’m reminded that I am loved unconditionally, that I am God’s beloved daughter. It’s a healing balm for the soul, a chance to embrace the innocence and joy that too often get buried beneath the weight of adulthood.

So there you have it — my quirky, unexpected sources of spiritual renewal. This simple pleasure reminds me to embrace the beauty of the present moment, find joy in the everyday and treasure the precious gift of being God’s beloved child. Catch me in a sprinkler near you!

QUESTION #3: CONFESS

Every superhero has a weakness. Every human, too. We’re just good at faking it. But who are we kidding? We’re broken and in this thing together. So what’s your kryptonite, and how do you hide it?

You know, it’s funny how our greatest strengths can sometimes become our biggest weaknesses. Let me tell you about mine — help. Yep, you heard that right. I see it, and my first instinct is to run in the opposite direction. Strange, right? Hear me out.

It all started when I was just a teenager, barely 15 years old. That’s when my world got turned upside down as my mother was diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly, I found myself thrust into the role of primary caregiver, juggling school, responsibilities at home and the overwhelming weight of fear and uncertainty.

My mom was fiercely determined to face her battle with cancer head-on. But underneath that brave exterior, there was a deep-seated fear of relying on others for help. And that fear trickled down to me. I developed this knee-jerk reaction to turn down help whenever it was extended, to push through the pain and exhaustion in the name of being “strong.”

It took me hitting my own health crisis in 2020 to realize the truth — that my aversion to help was rooted in a childhood experience that had warped my perception of self-care and wellness. And so, with the help of therapy and the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit, I began to confront the ideologies that had been holding me back.

Now, I’m still a work in progress, but I’ve learned a few things along the way — three healthy ways to view help and self-care that have become my guiding principles. First, it’s okay to ask for help — it doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human. Second, self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential for survival. And third, true strength lies in vulnerability, in the courage and confidence to admit when you need a helping hand.

QUESTION #4: FIRE UP

Tell us about your toil. How are you investing your professional time right now? What’s your current obsession? And why should it be ours?

Here’s what’s been consuming my heart and home lately (pray for my poor husband and kids). Let’s dive into the world of unboxing. Before you start picturing me surrounded by stacks of Amazon packages, let me explain.

I dove headfirst into the process of unboxing my identity. It wasn’t easy. There were moments of discomfort, uncertainty and questioning everything I thought I knew about myself.

But through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom gleaned from the Scriptures, I began to uncover the truth of who I was created to be, the truth of my purpose and calling. That took a deliberate and lengthy investment in sorting through my belief systems, relationships and experiences to come out on the other side clear, confident and courageous enough to unapologetically hit the reset button on being me.

Now, I’m on a mission to help others do the same. I took my process of being put back to my default factory setting into a book, “Courage and Confidence: A Bold Guide to Unboxing Who You Were Created to Be.” Publishers Weekly said it best: my prose “never gets preachy,” and my ”deep religious devotion and emphasis on progress over perfection make a persuasive case that self-transformation is doable and worthwhile.” They also said my book “inspires.” I’d love for you to be inspired, too.

QUESTION #5: BOOST

Cashiers, CEOs, contractors, or customer service reps, we all need grace flowing into us and back out into the world. How does the Holy Spirit invigorate your work? And how do you know it’s God when it happens?

I was working on chapter three of my book. Every time I sat down to write, I felt stuck and confused. I soon realized my creative rut was actually a relational one. This particular chapter was about unboxing your relationships. There were some people and places that I held close to my heart. So when God said it was time to move on, I prioritized my comfort over God’s call into another direction.

One day, while trying to string together a clear thought for the chapter, I popped straight up from my desk like someone was doing a roll call. I realized the reason for my writer’s block. I wasn’t being willfully disobedient. It was more like conveniently ignoring. No, deferring. I like deferring better. Deferring my obedience to moving on. Either way, without any further delay, I set in motion every resignation, cancellation and “I regret to inform you” conversation I needed to have before the close of the day.

Do you know what happened next? The floodgates opened! Revelation flowed onto the page with clarity and ease. I felt the Holy Spirit moving in and through me, shaping my thoughts and breathing life into my chapter. It was an experience, one that left me in awe of God’s power and presence.

QUESTION #6: inspire

Scripture and tradition beckon us into the rich and varied habits that open our hearts to the presence of God. So let us in. Which spiritual practice is working best for you right now?

This may seem odd, but I’ve created an unusual sacred space for myself. It’s usually midday, and I’m in desperate need of a reset. So I slip into the bathroom and turn on the shower, complete with my favorite shower steamer from Balm Skin Co. infused with the invigorating scent of eucalyptus. As the steam fills the room and the aroma envelops me, I feel a sense of calm wash over me, like a warm embrace from God himself.

This practice of solitude and silence isn’t just about finding a moment of peace amid the chaos of daily life — it’s about encountering God in the most unexpected places. As the water rushes over me, I close my eyes and listen to the soothing sound, letting it drown out the noise of the world around me.

And in that moment of stillness, I feel a deep sense of connection to God as Creator, as the one who spoke the world into existence and continues to breathe life into every corner of creation. It’s a reminder that I am his beloved creation, intricately woven together in his image.

But it’s not just about feeling connected — it’s about finding solace in the midst of uncertainty, finding refuge in the arms of the One who holds the universe in his hands. Problems that once seemed insurmountable suddenly feel smaller, less in control, as I surrender them to God. You might just be surprised by the peace and presence you find there.

QUESTION #7: FOCUS

Looking backward, considering the full sweep of your unique faith journey and all you encountered along the way, what top three resources stand out to you? What changed the game and changed your heart? What radically altered your life? What changed your reality?

Here’s the inside scoop on three game-changers that have rocked my faith journey and transformed my life. First up, we’ve got “The One Thing” by Gary Keller. This book? It’s like a laser beam of focus, cutting through the noise and helping me hone in on what truly matters. It’s all about prioritizing, simplifying and taking massive action — one step at a time.

Next on the list is a sermon that shook me to my core: “No More Sheets” by Juanita Bynam. Let me tell you, this sermon is a game-changer. It’s all about grace, process and calling — three things that I needed to hear in a big way. It challenged me to let go of shame and embrace the journey, trusting in God’s timing and his plan for my life.

And finally, we’ve got “Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible.” Now, I know what you’re thinking — this sounds like some dusty old book from the library. But let me tell you, this resource is a game-changer. It’s like having a roadmap for the Bible, helping me put Scripture into context and giving me a greater sense of application. Plus, it’s super easy to use and accessible to anyone looking to dive deeper into God’s Word.

We all have things we cling to to survive (or even thrive) in tough times — times like these! Name one resource you’re savoring and/or finding indispensable in this current season, and tell us what it’s doing for you.

My current go-to resource these days is “FAITH WALK: A Prayer Journal Designed to Strengthen Your Relationship with Holy Spirit” by Ashley Vanderwerff. This prayer journal? It’s been like a lifeline for me, helping me stay grounded and connected to God in the midst of chaos in a new way.

Journaling is a relatively new discipline for me. These days, life has been “life-ing” as they say, so journaling has been helping me deepen my relationship with the Holy Spirit in ways I never thought possible. Each day, as I open up this journal and pour out my heart in prayer on its pages, I find myself entering into a different level of authenticity and vulnerability with God. No pious ramblings.

But it’s not just about the prayers — this journal is packed with prompts, reflections and Scriptures that guide me deeper into intimacy with God. I’m always surprised at how time whisks by. No drudgery. Only delight. It’s like having a personal spiritual coach by my side, gently nudging me closer to the heart of God.

QUESTION #8: dream

God is continually stirring new things in each of us. So give us the scoop! What’s beginning to stir in you but not yet fully awakened? What can we expect from you in the future?

Lately, I’ve been feeling this intense tug toward ramping up in the areas of teaching and discipleship, with a special focus on women. It’s like God is whispering in my ear, urging me to step up and pour into the lives of my fellow sisters in Christ like never before.

But here’s the tea — specifically, I feel called to dive deep into the areas of purpose, the prophetic and hermeneutics. These topics? They’re like the holy grail of empowerment, helping women walk in their God-given purpose, tune into the prophetic voice within them and dive into the richness of Scripture with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of understanding.

Now, I’ll be honest. Stepping into this next season of ministry is equal parts thrilling and terrifying. It always seems like the space God is calling you into is already filled with more than enough generals who are way more capable than you. But you know what? I refuse to let fear hold me back.

So what can you expect from me in the future? Well, there may just be a companion piece to my new book in the pipeline and a two-day teaching intensive. I’m leaning into this God-given calling with everything I’ve got, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. So stay tuned, my friends — big things are on the horizon!

There are a lot of benefits to journaling. Studies show it can improve well-being, decrease anxiety and reduce depression. It’s also associated with a host of physical benefits like lower blood pressure, better lung and liver function and even less time in the hospital.

No wonder so many health experts encourage journaling.

But when it comes to our faith, journaling has another huge benefit: it helps us connect with God. As we write, it’s easier for our walls to come down and for us to slow down enough to find the words to describe what we’re wrestling with internally.

So why not try it this week? Take 15 minutes and write out a prayer to God. Nothing fancy — it’s just you and him. Then, take time to simply listen, asking him to respond to what you’ve written. I know he will.

Nicole O. Salmon is an author, speaker and pastor. Before launching her coaching firm, Nicole worked with organizations serving communities experiencing marginalization for over 20 years. Nicole is a certified life-skills and marriage coach with a bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry and certifications in adult learning and cognitive behavioral therapy. Together with her husband, Evon, and their five children, she lives a full and purpose-filled life in Brampton, Ontario.

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