Portrait of a Woman Who Found Her Inner Lioness – Dallas Frisco Family Photographer – Me Ra Koh

Meet Lauren – the portrait of a woman who found her inner lioness! Lauren is yin and yang. She is a perfect balance – bold and vulnerable, strong and compassionate, an observer and a fierce protector. After a childhood riddled with trauma that forced her to hide who she is for self-preservation, Lauren is stepping into her true, authentic self and finding her inner lioness.

SHE TRIED TO CANCEL THREE TIMES!

Lauren is a giver, and I’ve noticed when people are givers the Rising Phoenix Experience is much more intense. They struggle to come even more because they’re used to giving to everyone else and not themselves. Sound familiar? This girl tried to cancel THREE times! LOL! She even offered to help pay for someone else to do it instead of her! I’m telling you, Lauren almost had ME convinced! BUT…I kept coming back to her words. One was BOLD…she felt a boldness releasing in her.

I had to sit back and pause. Did Lauren need me to fight for her? One of her words is also WORTHY. Was the war for her feeling worthy to do this experience becoming more and more intense because breakthrough was on the other side of her Rising Phoenix?

I’VE NEVER SAID THIS

The last time Lauren tried to cancel, I felt like she NEEDED this more than ever. So I said something I’ve never said! I told her that she can cancel, but our team isn’t. We will still all be here that day, ready to serve her, believing she is coming. If she doesn’t come, it’s her choice. But we believe there is something POWERFUL for her in this.

Lauren showed up! She showed up with THREE purses, two she didn’t even realize she’d put on. LOL! And she forgot her shoes! We were crying, we were laughing so much! But God knew she didn’t need shoes! This was about her feeling grounded and TAKING FLIGHT as a Rising Phoenix!

WHY THE MASTER BEDROOM

Lauren has the following portraits beautifully displayed in their master bedroom as a “Constant reminder, retraining, because it’s so easy to slip back into unworthiness. To not fall into the trap because I am worthy. I am loved. And to give me the courage I need when I feel like I can’t carry it all, knowing God hasn’t left my side, to be confident that He’s with me. I’m not loud, more the observer, but I want people to be known and seen, like I needed.” (Her husband wanted these displayed in the living room. 🙂

I can’t wait for you to read the rest of Lauren’s story! You’re going to feel the transformation (and see it) as you read about her journey.

FINDING HER FAITH

Lauren’s start to life was not the easiest. There is a fair amount of trauma she’s dealt with stemming from her childhood. Unfortunately, this created unhealthy coping mechanisms and character traits. It wasn’t until she found her faith and fell in love with God, that she truly became who she was always meant to be. Thanks to her relationship with the Lord and the people it has brought into her life, Lauren has found complete JOY and contentment.

WORDS THAT DEFINE HER

We asked Lauren what her top three attributes were and she said the following:

COMPASSION

Lauren is incredibly empathetic and sympathetic. After speaking with her friends and family, everyone concurs that she has a supernatural level of compassion for others and all they are walking through. She says, “You never know what is actually going on in someone’s life. I feel for them and instantly want to pray for them. It’s my heart.”

WORTHY

We wish everyone had worthiness in their top traits that they would list about themselves. It is a huge part of why we do what we do. We are all WORTHY of love, joy and peace that make life worth living. So when Lauren said she felt a worthiness growing within, we celebrated with her! She knows she is loved by a good Father, adoring husband and community.

Lauren tells us sometimes she’ll just sit in her car listening to worship music and look around her. She’ll watch the sunrise and all of the incredible colors and just cry. “All of it just reminds me that I am so loved by God. I am worthy. It’s a truth overflowing inside of me, and I want EVERYONE to feel exactly how I’m feeling in that moment.”

LOVED

She may have listed this one last but she made sure we knew that this one comes first and foremost. Lauren says she never felt loved before her relationship with Jesus, but now she is constantly overwhelmed by the pure LOVE He showers on her daily. Love fills her up and brings her an immense amount of joy! She is an emotional person by nature and cries over everything. (We can relate!) In this season of life, she’s seeing love in everything and is so thankful!

MONTHS IN THE MAKING

Lauren’s Rising Phoenix Experience was MONTHS in the making. She was so nervous that she kept pushing it back and pushing it back. We had our initial discovery call with her and then decided to re-do our call 6 months later before her experience. It was so interesting asking her what she felt her top 3 attributes were after a 6 month gap. I don’t think we often realize how much we’ve grown in even a few months let alone six!

LOVED was still first and foremost word, not only loved by God but by her husband, friends and family. God’s love for us comes in many different ‘shapes and sizes’. The next word she used was surprising and we LOVE it; she said, “Victory! Because I know it’s coming for me!” YES girl, we feel it! Her third (sixth? 🙂 word was BOLD. She’s walking into a season that she’s never felt before. She’s being molded and refined and finding a boldness she’s never had.

INNER LIONESS

After feeling oppressed for so many years, this season has kindled a fierce spirit within Lauren and God is fanning the flames. Emerging from the darkness of her past an inner lioness. She is bold, protected and victorious! Our goal was to capture her inner lioness in her portraits and we LOVE the way it shines through.

WHAT DAVID LOVES ABOUT HER

David, Lauren’s husband, had us all swooning over the way he talks about his wife. He loves her heart! David describes Lauren as being so heartfelt and grateful about everything. She’s always bringing a good vibe to anyone who is feeling down.

David also says she is a courageous person. She’s taking a big leap in this season. Lauren is a leader and is inspiring his own walk with God.

We love this next one…

One of David’s favorite things about his wife is her beauty! He shares with us that he never wants her to feel like she’s not beautiful, because he believes she is incredibly beautiful, from the inside-out. We could not agree more!

He hopes these portraits remind Lauren that she has PURPOSE. Her purpose on this planet is to live her most authentic life, owning her strengths and flaws and beauty and sharing herself with others. She is so uplifting and compassionate. Our world NEEDS people like Lauren to remind us there is hope and a purpose to living.

WHAT BROOKE LOVES ABOUT HER

When we spoke to Lauren’s friend, Brooke, it’s no surprise that what she had to tell us about Lauren was 100% in line with her lioness heart and character. Brooke listed compassion as one of her favorite things about Lauren, closely followed by ‘Godly woman’ and ‘amazing mother’. She says, “Lauren is present and wants to help as best she can when you’re hurt or dealing with something. She feels and loves very deeply.”

Brooke expressed how ‘on fire’ Lauren is for the Lord. “She just has such ah heart for Jesus. You can feel it when you’re around her. She’s the first one to step in and pray for you.” Despite her rough childhood, or perhaps because of it, Brooke shares that Lauren makes sure that her children have always felt loved, safe and secure and that they know who Jesus is.

“We met through Renew, a marriage program, and that’s how we became friends. I remember being so in awe of how she she speaks truth about marriage. She has never wavered in her love for her husband and her faithfulness. I remember thinking, ‘God is going to carry them through this season.’ Her superpower is her prayerful heart. Her prayer life is the epitome of what I know as a prayer warrior. She’s doesn’t like to pray in front of people, but she moves the whole room when she does.” Brooke hopes these portraits remind Lauren that she is beautiful and loved beyond measure and she is incredibly impactful.

WHAT NICOLE LOVES ABOUT HER

Nicole is Lauren’s younger sister. She shared that Lauren’s strength, growth and dedication are some of her greatest attributes and so inspiring. Nicole tells us that when their father was dying not that long ago, Lauren came alongside their mother and helped to be an anchor during a terribly painful and stressful time. She helped get things done that needed to done, whether that was funeral plans or paperwork or helping with the house.

“It was so encouraging and amazing to see her strength and leadership at that time. I remember her praying when we were overwhelmed about needing to find our father’s documents, and suddenly, Lauren just looked up and saw a small box. When she opened it, it had everything important in it, like our father’s social security card and ID and important documents. That moment really strengthened my faith.”

Nicole also shares how Lauren’s faith is a domino effect – at one point everything felt broken. She dealt with so much and with the trauma comes isolation and shame. But then with her community and friendships rallying around her and her faith getting stronger, she’s BLOSSOMED. Her marriage is getting stronger and she’s guiding her children. Everything is coming together and there is so much growth in this season for her.

Nicole says Lauren’s superpower is how she is not only gifted in administration (she’s very organized), but in leadership as well. She’s amazing at juggling everything on her plate! Nicole hopes that these portraits remind her of joy and hope. She’s is a Proverbs 31:25 woman! “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future”

WHAT CHLOE LOVES ABOUT HER

Chloe says some of her favorite things about Lauren is that she is honoring, a good listener and she’s selfless. She says Lauren truly sees the best in people and will go above and beyond to honor everyone around her, even if it’s hard or they’ve hurt her. She’s fully engaged and fully present when she’s with you. She wants to hear what you have to say and cares to be in the moment with you. Chloe says Lauren is really good at not staying on the peripheral; she doesn’t judge but has so much grace while still holding people accountable.

“Lauren has such a huge heart for the people around her. No matter who she’s interacting with, she is so good about making everybody feel just like a friend and always welcome. Especially when she’s talking to children, she gives them so much room to have a voice, to be heard and just to be themselves.”

Chloe believes Lauren’s superpower lies in her compassion and gentleness. She’s also able to bring humor into a situation. “It’s such a gift from the Lord to be able to bring in humor on top of care and empathy. She can make a heavy situation or serious conversation more lighthearted and funny to help you laugh. I hope these portraits remind her that she carries HOPE. She’s so good about bringing hope to others and into her home, I want her to know that even when she’s not feeling her best, she always has hope. Christ shines out of her and He will empower her to bring hope to her home from with her.”

SHE IS CLOTHED WITH STRENGTH AND DIGNITY

Lauren recently left a comment on a post welcoming a new Rising Phoenix in our Facebook group, and we want to share it : “I was so nervous about doing it, it was a battle in my mind, but God, did He know what I needed. I tried to cancel so many times, and then the day of… I was so nervous I brought 3 purses, NO shoes and filled bags that had no use! Lol”

We will never forget how flustered Lauren was the day of her photo shoot but then watching her nerves settle as the day went and having so much FUN, was everything! And now she is a champion for others dealing with nerves as they start their journey with us. It brings tears to our eyes and joy to our hearts.

Just as Nicole shared that Lauren is a true, Proverbs 31 woman, our hope for these portraits is that Lauren is reminded that she IS clothed with strength and dignity and her faith can move mountains. It is our deep honor to have had this time with Lauren and getting to know her and her friends and family. We stand in awe as she soars from the ashes as the phoenix, or LIONESS, that she is!

DO YOU STRUGGLE WITH FEELING WORTHY?

8 out of 10 Rising Phoenixes feel SELF-CONSCIOUS about APPEARING conceited or vain. They struggle with feeling worthy of an experience like this.

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 TRUTH 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 like Tannis or Jamie? 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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