I am “on the couch” in conversation with Saloma Fisher who lived until age 32 in a conservative Amish community; we covered stuff that shocked me right out of my own misconceptions. Yes, there are the typical things many are aware of…no cars, modern conveniences, outside influences, music, or TV. BUT, the drinking, partying and “bed courting” that begins for some Amish youth around age 16? Lesser known.
Saloma and I also talk about what being ex-communicated from your family and community feels like along with how she started over as a single parent with an 8th grade education and no knowledge of how to pay bills, take a job, and so on.
Saloma loves deeply and is a woman of incredible faith despite being told she was going to “hell” in a community where you can only hope to be good enough through your works to merit heaven.
She helps me understand the coexistence of being oppressed and living fearfully in a prescribed role AND feeling safe and secure in a loving community and faith practice. While she does not speak for every person who identifies as Amish - her experience is illuminating and provides incredible hope to any person who dreams for bigger things and is determined to have a sense of control in their own life.
Saloma Fisher BIO: I was born and raised in NW Pennsylvania in an Amish culture. I am the proud mom of 6 kids, 5 girls and 1 boy, and a grandma to 2 precious grandchildren with a 3rd on the way! I am an entrepreneur and a visionary at heart and founded Cup of Hope Ministries - a nonprofit organization that helps teen and single moms locally. I am also in the process of opening Cup of Hope Cafe - a small coffee shop and bakery where 10% of the profits flow into our nonprofit to benefit moms directly.
I love all things coffee, friends and community. And most of all, Jesus, the one who set me free from bondage and has given me a love for others.
Facebook: https//facebook.com/cupofhopeministry
Website: www.cupofhopeministry.com
About Jen Oliver:
Jen Oliver is a speaker, podcaster, and communications coach - equipping people to speak with greater impact and presence. Whether you are speaking on stage, promoting your brand, or voicing your needs in a relationship - communicating with your truest voice and cultivating human connection with your audience is the key to influence. Jen coaches individuals privately and within her Signature group programs - in addition to delivering workshops as a guest expert in a variety of settings.
Jen serves as a 4-season Executive Producer, Director of Curation, and Speaker Coach for TEDxFolsom. She is a committed force behind WomanSpeak™ - an internationally recognized body of work teaching the art and soul of public speaking. Jen is on a mission to support 1 million women as they speak with uncommon levels of freedom and confidence. Tap into more at
email: jen@REALjenoliver.com
podcast website: ListenForREAL.com
website: REALJenOliver.com
If you believe conversations like these belong in the world, please subscribe, rate & review this podcast - and even better, share it with someone else as a REAL conversation starter. Subscribe to all things Jen at REALJenOliver.
