From Pain to Purpose: What Natalie A. Solomon Teaches Us About Healing, Rest, and Rising
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life’s battles—health struggles, emotional fatigue, or the weight of carrying too much? You are not alone. Natalie A. Solomon, MPH, knows this journey intimately. A survivor of brain surgery, stage four endometriosis, and years of chronic illness, Natalie shows us that healing isn’t a destination—it’s a sacred, unfolding process marked by grace, resilience, and intentional rest.
With over 20 years in public health, Natalie serves as a Federal Public Health Analyst advancing women’s health equity and cultural humility, particularly in innovative HIV care. Her work, recognized in Marquis Who’s Who, is deeply informed by her lived experience—transforming pain into purpose. Through coaching and speaking, she equips women to “Secure Their Oxygen Mask First,” an empowering call to prioritize self-care amidst life’s demands.
During our interview, Natalie reflected candidly on the tension many women feel: “There’s this pressure to always push forward, to carry every burden, but the truth is, God calls us to steward our entire selves — including rest. Sometimes the greatest act of faith is simply allowing yourself to pause and heal.” Her own healing journey is ongoing. “I am still healing,” she shared, “and I’ve learned to embrace that as part of my story—not a sign of weakness, but a testimony of God’s continual work in me.” Natalie’s vulnerability is an invitation to other women to lean into grace instead of guilt.
Natalie’s message resonates deeply in a world that often equates worth with productivity. She said, “I remind women that if you don’t take care of yourself first, your capacity to serve others diminishes. Securing your oxygen mask isn’t selfish—it’s sacred obedience.”
Her life teaches us that rest and resilience go hand in hand. Through seasons of struggle, she discovered that healing is not linear; it requires patience, intentional boundaries, and reliance on God’s strength. “I want women to know their pain does not define them, and their healing journey is a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness.”
In her advocacy and coaching, Natalie brings soul-centered strategies paired with practical tools, helping women rise above burnout and emotional fatigue with renewed hope and bold authenticity.
As Natalie powerfully said, “When you give yourself permission to rest, you are not giving up—you are making space for God to work.” This profound truth challenges us to redefine strength and success through the lens of grace.
Her journey and wisdom call every woman to embrace rest without guilt and to understand that healing is a holy process. As the Bible reminds us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
If you are walking a similar path, take these words to heart. Prioritize your healing. Embrace rest with courage. Your purpose is waiting on the other side of your sacred pause.
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