October 27, 2023

Nikole Lim

Unlearning the Past, Unlocking the Future: A Journey to Rediscover Wisdom

Key Points About Our Chat

• Nikole's work focuses on supporting survivors of sexual violence in Kenya and Zambia, providing them with holistic educational opportunities, leadership development, and storytelling platforms.

• The spiritual component of healing is essential for survivors, even though many of them have had negative experiences with religious institutions and figures in the past.

• Nikole emphasizes the need to maintain a strong spiritual component in her work while being mindful of the potential harm caused by religious and institutionalized practices.

• She discusses the challenges of her own spiritual journey, including unlearning patterns from her evangelical upbringing and embracing more fluid and patient spiritual practices.

• The conversation explores how spirituality can connect people from diverse backgrounds and help break down silos that often separate different religious and cultural groups.

• Empathy is discussed as a crucial element in addressing trauma and promoting healing, especially in a society where empathy deficiency can be prevalent.

• Nikole talks about the cycle of oppression and how breaking out of it involves fostering empathy, understanding different perspectives, and taking compassionate actions.

• The conversation ends with a blessing for survivors, encouraging them to seek support and for spiritual leaders, reminding them to extend patience and grace to themselves.

“This very difficult work of pursuing human flourishing in a very violent world might be possible.”

Meet Nikole

Nikole Lim is a passionate speaker, educator, and consultant specializing in harnessing the power of storytelling to restore dignity. She elevates the voices of the oppressed, revealing beauty amidst adversity. With a deep commitment to empowering silenced young women and unlocking the transformative potential of personal narratives, Nikole co-founded Freely in Hope in 2010, an organization dedicated to ending sexual violence cycles in Kenya and Zambia. A Film Production graduate from Loyola Marymount University, she is currently pursuing a masters in Global Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary. Nikole's mission is to equip survivors and advocates to lead the fight against sexual violence, believing in their ability to liberate us all. Her vision seeks to transform the world through their audacious dreams and resilience.

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