Portrait of a Warrior’s Spirit – Dallas Frisco Photographer – Rising Phoenix Experience — Me Ra Koh

We’ve been excited to share Luz’s story with you – it is one of strength, compassion and a warrior’s spirit! She first came to us for a Branding Experience with her husband. When she saw the Rising Phoenix artwork on the walls, she said “I want that for me.” And no one deserves it more.

WIELDING A WARRIOR’S SPIRIT

There are few people you will meet with more strength and compassion than Luz Delgado. One theme arises when talking to her husband, Joel, and her close friends – Luz truly has the spirit of a warrior. Much of her story would bring anyone to their knees. But when faced with situations that could have knocked her down, Luz stood firm in her faith. She watched her oldest son be incarcerated and given a sentence of 100 years. Brokenhearted, she remained standing, not for herself, but for her son who needed her now more than ever. She will be the first to tell you that she is rooted in God’s grace and firmly planted in His unfailing love. She shares this warrior spirit and grace with her son as he serves out his sentence; giving him hope in the darkest of hours.

Luz is a warrior that fights for those she loves and all those surround her. She is a protector, a ‘mama bear’ who lives for her children and her husband. When we asked Luz to describe her top 3 attributes that are rising within her, she said strength, compassion and LOVE. After witnessing her testimony and hearing what those closest to her had to say about her, we know ‘the greatest of these is love’. Luz epitomizes a 1 Corinthians woman.

GOD MELTED THE ICE AWAY

Luz shares that there was a long time in her life where she felt very cold toward other people. Not from a place of apathy but of deep hurt and fear. In order to protect herself, she turned others away ‘before they could hurt her’. Nobody talks about how painful it actually is to live in a way that ‘prevents pain’ by never allowing yourself to form deep, meaningful connections. Luz found healing and the ability to FEEL for others. She said that God melted the ice away!

If you met her now, we cannot imagine a more compassionate and warm human.

GOD’S GRACE GAVE RENEWED STRENGTH

Strength has created in Luz a character of leadership, but it didn’t always come easy. She recalls a season when her family was going through hard times financially. They didn’t know when or what their next paycheck would be. One very cold day in Texas, Luz headed to work and had a simple thought, “I’d be so very happy if I had a scarf to cover my neck.” An hour later, a woman walks into her office with a gift bag and claimed she wanted to show her appreciation to the manager. Luz opened the gift bag and out came not one, but two scarves!

“I didn’t even say it out loud, but I kept thinking, ‘You heard me, God!'” She knew then that everything was going to be okay; that her family would be taken care of. A seedling of faith sprouted from that random act of kindness from a stranger. How unbelievably beautiful!

Luz managed the apartments and never saw the woman before or again…but this precious gift grew her faith exponentially. She thought, “Imagine all the other things God can do!” This was such a pivotal time in her life and in her journey with God. She’ll never forget how one act of kindness changed the course of her walk with the Lord, thereby changing the course of her life.

WHAT JOEL LOVES ABOUT HER

Her husband Joel describes Luz as a giver, a protector and of course, a warrior! He says she always puts everyone before herself. She can be exhausted but still has the heart to give. He also grins as he shares how fiercely protective she is over their kids. Calling her a ‘mama bear’ and claiming she has ‘bionic ears’, she always knows when Joel is being too hard on their kids! She’s not just protective of her babies though, she is also very protective of Joel.

He speaks of Luz with awe in his voice as he shares how she is always there for others. She serves couples at their church in their Renew program. When others want to give up, she’s the first to step in and say, “No! You’re not going to give up. Let’s figure out a way through.” A warrior, indeed! We are also in awe of how Luz isn’t afraid to ‘get her hands dirty’. She will stand ‘in the mud’ with anyone and everyone who is wading through to find hope on the other side.

A MAMA’S HEART NEVER STOPS POURING INTO HER BABIES

Joel shares how Luz’s heart and faith pours out of her when she speaks to their oldest, who is incarcerated. She can be down but still presses through and soars above. She does Bible studies with him over the phone and now he’s a different person! Luz is always fighting for someone when they can’t fight for themselves. Their son’s first offer was 100 years. Luz was flabbergasted and depressed during this time, but never stopped praying. Several months later, the offer dropped to 20 years, then 15. His lawyer was able to do a plea deal with the DA as one charge. This was a miracle and more proof of God’s grace! They know he is in God’s hands.

Now the warrior part of her is more subtle with her son, a calm, daily presence. He knows who is fighting for him and always in his corner.

HEARTBREAK AND STRENGTH OF A MOM

It is no surprise that Luz’s sister, Gloria, also speaks to her strength, compassion and patience. She says, “She is so understanding and has such a good heart. She’s a leader, mature and an inspiration. Her story is inspiring to witness.”

Gloria says she’s never seen Luz lose her temper. Given all that she’s been through, with her son incarcerated, she’s never given up and never given over to anger. “Any mother would lose her mind. She’s always been so patient. He was at the wrong place in the wrong time. Her faith shows up. Luz is patient and continues to lift him up. She shows him better ways to handle different situations. She always knows how to use the right words and keep him focused.” Luz may be heartbroken after the call, as any mother would seeing her baby struggle, but she is always strong in front of him.

I have to pause. As a mother, nothing is more heartbreaking than seeing your kids in pain. Luz chooses daily to trust God with her son. That is a strength beyond her own ability, a powerful grace holding her heart as she daily surrenders all her fears to God. Words cannot express how much Luz inspires me.

Gloria also says that Luz’s superpower is being in 10 different places at once! She’ll jump from a meeting to coaching her daughter’s volleyball practice and then off to her son’s football game. She’s an incredible multitasker and calm when accomplishing everything she does. She has the ability to manage all that life throws at her!

We asked Gloria what she hopes these portraits ‘say’ to Luz. She said, “I hope they remind her of her strength. To keep up her faith. She’s the strongest, most inspiring woman that I know and that we have in our family. She’s like a matriarch. I want them to remind her that she can do anything and everything.”

WHAT STEPHANIE LOVES ABOUT HER

Stephanie and Luz have been best friends for many years now. They’ve gone to the same church for 15 years now and Stephanie almost works for Luz and Joel now. They’re husbands became friends after being in the same church group. Stephanie and her husband moved to Oklahoma to start a church 5 years ago and despite the distance, they’ve remained closely connected. She calls Luz her Soul Sister.

Stephanie describes Luz as fierce, God-fearing and a loyal friend. She talks about how much she’s overcome and that her fierce spirit has shown through every step of the way. “Luz is a powerful, a strong prayer and prayer-anointed. She is trusted, a safe place and ‘you’ feel like you can tell her anything. She’s incredibly loyal and gives off her time, money and prayer whenever she can.”

LOYALTY IN THE DARKEST HOUR

Stephanie shares of the most difficult time in her life – when she and her husband were in a tragic motorcycle accident. In the middle of the night, Luz drove over two hours to visit Stephanie. She was only able to visit for about 15 minutes but it meant the world to her that she was willing to drop everything and come all that way just for a moment.

“During that time, she was there for me. She was vulnerable with me. It was my most vulnerable moment with her. I told her all of my heartache. She was fierce but also so loving and soft. She knows when to set you straight and when to be there for you. Luz is so very loyal.”

Stephanie also speaks of Luz having the superpower to intercede: her discernment in people’s situations lets her know how to move in every area that God brings to her. She knows which way to move. She has a gift of healing. Stephanie hopes these portraits reminder her of who God has made her to be; to not allow the enemy to distract her. She hopes they remind her that she can break through any barrier and that she is fierce! Like a lion!

WHAT LISA LOVES ABOUT HER

Lisa is another dear friend. She and her husband were a part of Renew at their church, where Luz serves. She also says Luz has a warrior’s spirit! She’s in awe of how she’s still standing after all she’s been through. She’s a fighter and fights for her family and her husband. She also shares with us how much love and compassion she has for helping others and serving God. “Luz is fearless”, Lisa says, “and I love how Luz shares her testimony with others. She goes to God with everything.” This next sentence is so profound. Lisa says, “You have to have fear to be fearless.”

“Luz has a deep love for God and demonstrates God’s love to those in pain. Luz’s love and fierce, warrior spirit is touching and changing other’s lives!”

Lisa says Luz’s superpower is her discernment and describes her as being incredibly empathetic. “Luz knows when a person is feeling down and loves on them. She has a deep connection that she feels in her spirit from afar – they don’t even have to be right in front of her for her to know how others are feeling. She’s a great friend. She has the deepest struggles and testimony at the same time.”

Lisa hopes these portraits remind Luz of the woman she is today: how loved she is. After all her struggles she’s been thrown in life, they still have purpose. Everyone loves her! “Luz is so important to us and to God. Without fear you can’t be fearless. Without hate you can’t know love. Everything she demonstrates now is what she didn’t have.”

EVERY MORNING LUZ SEES…

Every morning Luz walks out of her bedroom and sees her Rising Phoenix artwork on the living room wall. She said that “It reminds me every day what the Lord has done. My strength and peace through it all. I still hold my head up high.” Wow.

AND THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE

So many strong, powerful words have been used to describe Luz. Her Rising Phoenix embodies them all. And they are all synonymous with LOVE. Luz knows how to truly, unequivocally, unconditionally love those in her life. And not just her family, but the people God has chosen to place in her path. We are so honored to have captured her warrior’s spirit in this season of her life…for her to visually see her phoenix rising from the ashes – blazing to life and spreading God’s strength and love across the world.

Thank you, Luz, for trusting us with your story; your testimony. And thank you for wanting to share it with others. We are so honored to be walking alongside you, supporting you in all God has called you to do. You are a gift to all of us.

THE IMPACT OF A STORY

Did you read Loyna’s story yet?

We always ask our Rising Phoenixes for permission to share their stories–the ashes as well as the rising. I’m blown away at how much HOPE it gives to others. I’ve had a handful of people who are in abusive relationships reach out and say how much hope Loyna’s story gave them.

I believe Luz’s story is meant to encourage moms with a broken heart. Please share these Rising Phoenix stories with those who need to know they’re not alone.

Love this photo Luz’s friend shared when she saw her Rising Phoenix artwork. So much JOY!

ARE YOU READY TO RISE LIKE A PHOENIX?

8 out of 10 clients are SELF-CONSCIOUS about APPEARING conceited or vain.

To have a big portrait of themselves in their home office, their bedroom, even their front entry, they don’t want people to get the wrong idea.

Cherie came from TN. We interviewed her friends and family. They all said she is STRONG! Every single one of them used that specific word to describe her resilience, what has risen from the ashes.

But she said, “I feel like if I put photos of myself on the wall, people will think I’m conceited.

I know people say I’m strong, I guess I just don’t see myself that way.”

The Difference Between Knowing the Truth about You and OWNING It

But Cherie’s friends and family want her to do EVERYTHING it takes to be reminded of it. They actually said, “When Cherie sees these photos on the wall of herself, we hope it makes her FEEL strong.”

That she OWNS it.

When you know it, you need to be reminded of the truth.

When you OWN it, you have an ENDLESS WELL to lend others.

YOU GIVE TO EVERYONE

You’ve most likely given to everyone else. The time has come to give something transformational and lasting to you. Just read the following stories.

Have you achieved a weight goal? Read Jamie’s inspiring story of never going back after significant weight loss.

Maybe you need deeper healing from childhood trauma. You’ve done the counseling but still struggle to see the truth about who you are. You may relate to Tiffany’s story.

Jajuan flew from Seattle for his Rising Phoenix Experience! He wanted his daughters to see not only who dad is but where he’s come from. Sony spotlighted Jajuan’s Rising Phoenix story as one of the Best Of portraits in 2022! See Jajuan’s powerful story.

Or maybe you’re turning 40, 50, 60 or 70+ and want to reflect and celebrate who you are and the possibilities of what this next season of life holds? 

The first step is to fill out our Rising Phoenix inquiry; CLICK HERE.

MICHELLE FOUND COURAGE TO STEP BEYOND GRIEF

Meet Michelle. She is definitely someone who has known great courage. At one time, she was an interrogator for the US military in the Middle East. This 5’4 woman knows confidence. But the loss of her mom swallowed that confidence.

There are some seasons in life when we feel unshakeable courage and other seasons that leave us feeling lost. After great loss, it takes great courage to step forward. Maybe you relate to Michelle’s story.

MEET OUR OLDEST RISING PHOENIX

She was in her 80s and never had her makeup and hair done. I’ll never forget the giggles we had over watching Oma that day in the studio. This beautiful 4’9 woman came to the United States with Opa when she was only 23 yrs old and pregnant with her first baby. All they had was $50. Leaving behind family and all that was familiar in the Netherlands, they boarded a cargo boat and set out to make a new life.

Krista, Oma’s granddaughter, had a FIORIA family experience with us last year. When she saw us launch the Rising Phoenix Experience, she thought of her grandma. Oma is the heart of their family and lived eighty plus years as a rising phoenix.

Click Here to meet Oma, our oldest Rising Phoenix!

CRYSTAL DROVE TO US FROM LAS VEGAS.

A single woman who has always been known for being responsible and quiet, yet there is another side of her that wants to come out. A side that is brave and takes risks—that believes she is worthy of doing something special not just for others but for herself too. A year after her Rising Phoenix Experience, she sent us photos of her traveling solo in Europe! She told us how much her life has changed from seeing who she is every day when she looks at her Phoenix portraits!

What truth do you need to be reminded of daily to unleash your purpose and potential?

MEET OUR YOUNGEST RISING PHOENIX, A MIRACLE PHOTO SHOOT!

CLICK HERE to see the most miraculous Rising Phoenix portraits!

This is the first time Isabella has ever looked at the camera and smiled. This was a miracle photo shoot.

I’ll never forget my first Discovery Call with Isabella’s mom. She wasn’t sure this was a good idea because Isabella is very sensory sensitive. Photo shoots have never gone well in the past. She felt very hesitant to believe this photo shoot could be a success.

I felt her words on such a deep level. I didn’t want to set them up for disappointment either. But I just knew that there was something so special about this whole thing. I told her, “There are many doubts and fears I can struggle with, but this is something I am confident I can do.” She borrowed that confidence, and we witnessed a miracle photo shoot.

ALL THESE PEOPLE HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON, THEY WERE READY TO …

Rise above the ashes of what other people have said
Rising above their fear and doubts
Own their Rising Phoenix within.

Through our Rising Phoenix Experience, they not only did something special for themselves but also experienced transformation.

We invite you to experience the transformation too!

YOUR RISING PHOENIX EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:

• Signature Phone Calls with You and Loved Ones (collection of words that give you life)
• Professional Hair & Makeup
• Wardrobe Consultation & Vision
• Rising Phoenix Photo Shoot with Me Ra Koh (Sony Artisan, Disney Host, and Live with Kelly & Ryan Guest Expert—You’re in good hands. I will pose you, and Brian will drop shadows and light on you in the most flattering way that radiates your Rising Phoenix.)
• Same Day Cinematic Reveal & Custom Design Session with our In-House Design Specialist
• Beautiful Artwork of Your Rising Phoenix, Custom Designed for the Best Place where it will Speak Truth to You Every Day.

CLICK HERE to fill out the inquiry and begin your Rising Phoenix Experience!

I can’t wait to speak soon! Still we rise!
Me Ra

GEAR USED

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