The Visionary By: Lindsey Eicher
“Imagining The Impossible”
What is The Refined Intervention Project, you ask? Well, for me, it has been an experience. A very profound and yet intense project that has rocked me to my core. Like, it has completely shaken my soul. I have questioned my own strength, abilities, I have measured my worth and contemplated my intent. This process has caused me to reflect on what my purpose in life actually is? I haven’t quit found the combination of words, to describe the emotional magnitude this has had on myself or the others involved. It has required me to search deep into my own beliefs and values. There is this unexplained connection between every single one of us, and throughout this once in a life time journey we are all on, the incredible testimonies shared, are extremely inspiring. Each story has been transformed into a vivid, heart wrenching image. From pain to victory. From slave to freedom, these remarkable woman bared it all. I want to take a moment to say, THANK YOU. Thank you, for trusting me with such unparalleled details of your life. And the opportunity to hear your intimate struggles and expose your brutal beautiful truth!
This has been a Divine Inspiration.
Divine Inspiration:
The concept of a supernatural force, typically a deity, causing a person or people to experience a creative desire. It is inspiration that comes from God.
I have tried writing this blog about 9 times now, each time I get so overwhelmed with emotion. I’ve had to walk away and collect my thoughts, refocus, redefine, reprocess and try again. Not that walking away, from the impact this project has had on me really helps, because I wind up pondering my thoughts, replaying the what if’s and how will this be perceived, over and over again. I have this constant mind set that whatever I have to say just isn’t going to be as powerful or “good” enough. Even though deep inside of me, I feel as if I was always meant for this. My own struggles have landed me here. Some of those struggles I have conquered, some I sulk in, others I battle with daily on the front lines and there are a couple that haunt me endlessly. Either way, one way or another all of them have winded up becoming monumental victories or epic defeats. Still, they are my own. Not yours, not my husbands, my children’s, my family’s nor my neighbors. They are mine. Mine to bare, but not mine to carry. My God said to give them to him. Because of that, I am here today. That, and I trust that I am not alone. I am loved. Being vulnerable made me whole. Vulnerability has given me strength and clarity beyond measure.
“If you’re not willing to build a vulnerable culture. You can not create.” -Brene Brown
If you are unable to be vulnerable that it is virtually impossible to have meaningful relationships. Without vulnerability you may never truly know or enjoy someone important to you.
So, after several attempts at writing this and questioning whether I’m actually qualified enough or not, here we are. I, have set out to empower not only myself, but so many others. You see, I tend to start many things and have trouble finishing them. I like to blame it on my ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). But the truth is, this is just me, the way God made me. He gave me an extraordinary gift. He gifted me with visions. Visions of the unknown, the imaginary, the impractical, the prophetic, dreamy, ambitious, creative and artistic abilities. I live in a world of infinite possibilities, preferring to see things, not as they are but as they could be. I, use my visions to drive BIG ideas. I see potential and possibility in everything, everywhere, within everyone. Our lives are limited only by the boundaries of what we choose to see.
As a “Visionary” I am extremely emotional. I see and feel intensely. To me, feeling is seeing and seeing is feeling. Emotions create vivid imagination with a desire to find solutions and balance within the world around me. Meaning, if I see that you are unhappy, I instantly feel unhappy, so I begin imagining ways to create happiness within you. Which creates happiness within me. Yes, this sounds simple but there’s so much more to it than that. This goes beyond sympathy or compassion. It’s a deep deep connection with empathy and it’s in everything, surrounding me, all the time. My heart SCREAMS “HELP THEM” while my visions provide idea after idea how interject and help.
I’ve learned along the way that my greatest challenge and true power is the ability to see the spark of potential in everyone, and to inspire others to see it too. I have prayed many prayers longing for wisdom to make the BIGGEST, most meaningful impact possible.
Only, after I began to quit, facing struggle after struggle within my business, was I ready to fully hear the Lord. I wanted to give up completely. Just as I was about to give up, he intervened, and just like that, God gave me a vision. A way to guide people to an invisible horizon. With generosity, grace, commitment, trust of the spirit and strength of conviction. God’s gifts can be shared with you today. Creating a culture of honor, support and hope. Together we can embrace kindness and love. We can offer forgiveness, while accepting forgiveness.
We must persevere. To do something despite the difficulties, see the enormous potential and endless possibilities in yourself that you have never been able to grasp. You have the willpower and strength to endure all things.
But first, forgive!! Forgive them, forgive him, forgive her, forgive yourself.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
-Ephesians 4:31-32
You have been tied, shackled, chained and beaten. Rise up. Proclaim your freedom. You are not alone. You don’t have to carry the sting of lies any longer. It’s time to endure no more….
Pain. Shame. Comparison. Disease. Abuse. Depression. Vulnerable. Anxious. Overwhelmed. Betrayal. Fear. Rage. Loss. Abandonment. Worthless. Humility. Resentment. Envy. Misunderstood. Broken. Fat. Rape. Guilt. Helpless. Insecure. Lost. Lonely. Stupid. Used. Control. Anger. Blame. Not Enough. Stress. Inferior. Slave. Neglected. Unworthy. Crazy. Careless. Imperfect. Wrong. Quitter. Trader. Hopeless.
9 astonishing Woman volunteered to be apart of the Refined Intervention Project or as I like to call it the (R. I. P.) ProjectR
This experience is just that, wishing your soul eternal peace. Releasing the emotions, feelings, circumstances and lies keeping you locked up and held hostage. Break Out! Break Free! Empower others by letting go of your pain. Never forget what you’ve gone through, your past is what has shaped you and what has undeniably molded you into the person you are today. You’re authentic, unique and beautiful self. And you my dear, are AMAZING! Here are some words to remind you of all the promising truth’s of who you are and who you are meant to be. A constant reminder that you have freewill to choose and believe this about yourself…
Confident. Forgiven. Worthy. Strong. Hope. Significant. Honor. Loved. Beautiful. Triumphant. Proud. Faithful. Courageous. Humble. Free. Overcomer. Ambition. Will. Trust. Alive. Safe. Extraoridary. Unique. Remarkable. Wanted. Rare. Restored. Successful. Brilliant. Redeemed. Inspiring. Passionate. Fun. Creative. Brave. Saved.
All 9 with their own story to tell. Each desperate with a burning desire to overcome and or accept their own journey. Most of them continue to struggle. All of them in their most vulnerable state, learning from the past and growing into their future. None of them alone, and yet each one lonelier than the next. We all feel it. That “Why Me” feeling, followed by shame and guilt. Bound by our own demeaning thoughts….
Silenced by neglect, starvation, abandonment and abuse as a young child. Brit, was faced with pregnancy at the age of 16. Overwhelmed by fear and confusion. Conflicting choices, abortion or life. She chose life, and was reborn through the birth of a beautiful baby boy. Only, to join the Army in hopes of redemption and stability. A chance to break the cycle. Devastated by an incurable disease. In debt with hospital bills. Depression sets in. The battles begin. PTSD, is hitting hard.
Running away felt like the only option. The only way to free yourself, was to leave, leave it all. Leaving behind was a marriage, children, hope and the years of pain and heartbreak.
Freedom was not found on that journey. In fact, you got farther from your newfound freedom. It became a distant reality.
A new love was found and formed. A new addiction took over all contentiousness. And with that you gained a new abuser. It wasn’t your fault. It’s not your fault. Sure there’s responsibility to claim. Lessons to be learned. But at the end of the day those experiences changed your life forever.
Freedom:
The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.
The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.
We have freedom of choice. You can choose to be your own visionary. Your own advocate. FREE YOURSELF.
You have been forgiven. You are stronger than you believe. Wiser than you realize. And you NEVER have to live in shame again. Hope has been restored. Your family and marriage reunited. THIS DOES NOT DEFINE YOU. Your past only defines who you are if you never learn from it. Thank you Brit for sharing your story with me. Your honesty and courage have humbled me. I am so incredibly proud of you. You did it! You broke the cycle!! Your testimony in so many ways can pave the path for so many like you. You are not your circumstances. You chose forgiveness and demanded change. You are a beacon of hope. “Not all that wonder, are lost.”
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.
You can and always will be more than a statistic. Keep pushing forward. You are exactly where you are meant to be.
Fika
[fee-ka] Swedish
A moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life.
Time often slips away from us. It can haunt us. It controls our every decision. Time can be given and taken away. Choosing what to spend your time on or who to spend it with can alter the course of one’s life. Megan, knows this all to well. Pouring herself completely to her children, husband, family, work and friends. She sacrifices valuable time volunteering to school, church and sporting events. She is a mother first. A wife. A coach. A talented graphic designer. A visionary of sorts. A fighter. A lover. A singer. And a selfless, caring and giving person. Living by expectations, set only by herself, she often finds herself exhausted and easily disappointed by not achieving, somewhat unrealistic expectations. “Never Enough” is the the what she hears at the end of each day and the fear reality of not measuring up overwhelms her. How many of you can relate to this? Not enough mentally, spiritually or physically. No matter what, the exhaustion is real and the “enough is enough” begins to really kick your ass. But, really though, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! Every second believing the lies is another second wasted. Robbing you of joy every tick the clock makes. It’s okay, to give yourself time. Or maybe a little grace. Self care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.
The easy going souls, start by going easy on yourself. You are enough. You are worthy. You do amazing things for those around you. My prayer is that you believe wholeheartedly in yourself and overcome the exceptions you’ve secretly set. And every waking moment trust that you are always ENOUGH!
Revelation 4:11
“Worthy are You, or Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
Words to Empower You….
- Beautiful
- Unique
- Wonderful
- Enough
- Loved
- Vibrant
- Brave
- Resilient
- Strong
Irreplaceable
“What a cruel scheme to keep a woman from knowing here power. To put the focus on what pregnancy did to her body rather than focus on what her perfect body just did. Here we sit, creating and nourishing the future and we are diminished to “baby weight” I will not succumb to your demeaning ideals.”
– Amethyst Joy
Here you are, all of you. The stretch marks and extra skin. Talk about vulnerability! Look at you!! No, really look at you!! What an honor you have to wear those miracle markings. It’s such a visual representation of what woman endure to give life. A selfless, loving and courage act God bestowed on us. You’re body is not ruined, it’s not shameful or ugly. It is one of the most extraordinary pieces of art on this planet. 3 heart beats, 3 souls, 3 amazing babies grew from your body. If that isn’t one of the most phenomenal things in this world, than someone please tell me what is? 3 of your most remarkable achievements were formed within you, NEVER let anyone take that away from you. You rock that body like a badge of honor, a trophy, a temple that can not be shaken or torn down!!!!!
Be proud of YOURSELF. Love YOURSELF. Stay true to YOURSELF. Trust YOURSELF.
Continue to inspire others to love themselves, just the way they are.
Abandonment started as a young girl. Craving acceptance and love from a Father that was emotionally unavailable. Self doubt and self worth were constantly questioned. Sometimes, the one we long to be close to the most is unable to ever fulfill a stable or loving relationship. I was once told by my late Father, Eric, “If you don’t like the way something looks, change the way you look at it.” Maybe self acceptance truly lies within the core of accepting others before you can accept yourself? Maybe you don’t agree with or understand why someone would refuse to put in the effort you required to feel loved, maybe they are loving you in their own way instead of loving you, the way you desperately need in order to accept it? In the midst of relationship chaos and tragedy, the lies become your truth. A twisted view of yourself looks like self sabotage, failure, not worthy, broken and unlovable. It’s no wonder, one that has endured such verbal and mental abuse inflicted by their own thoughts, would drive them into the arms of another person that would actually confirm those core beliefs. A person that see’s an opportunity to manipulate and control to feed their own ego. A narcissist will hone in on your BIGGEST WEAKNESS’ and use them to fuel your every decision. It’s tragic but it’s true. Happens everyday to people all over the word. The heart is cut my the sword of the tongue. Damaging every beat it takes.
We convince ourselves it’s easier to stay than to leave. “I’m worthless, no one else could ever love me.” Those voices in your head, those are LIES! Evil lies from the Enemy, straight from the depths of hell, to keep you caged and locked away, under his control. After all you are giving him the power, aren’t you? Subconsciously you are giving away your own will and freedom, while consciously, you are at war with your own belief’s. Now is the time to forever change your subconscious and find your destiny. You are remarkable to overcome the obstacles. The promise to freedom and everlasting life is within your grasp. Seize the moment!!!
You showed up on a whim, God spoke to you, gave you the courage and tools to take back your life. Never stop searching for the voice within you.
Perfectly Imperfect
Dressed and posing like a “real life” Barbie, Lexi, decided to give us a glimpe into the side of her that she keeps hidden away from most of the world. With surgical lines represeting, how Social Media and the world view woman. It’s never enough…. The demand for perfection on how a woman looks is extremely challenging. We no longer admire another woman, we long to look like her. Constant comparison. Envy from every direction. But what happens when you strip it all away? You take the makeup off. Take the boob lifting, enhanced bra off. You take away the spanx, liposuction and photoshop? Are they still beautiful? Of course they are and so are YOU!!
Prepare for raw, inspirational, testimonial, vivid and empowerment y’all!!
This is the real truth. The BEAUTY within. Embrace your curves. Your freckles. Your wild hair. Every blemish. Embrace your body fully.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have recieved from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your own bodies.”
Wearing a full face of makeup as if it were a mask. Layers of clothing to cover up her body. A smile to hide any emotional damage. Unconditionally loving others. All while creating an illusion of perfection and happiness, why? Because she deeply longed to love herself. If she couldn’t love herself, than how could anyone else ever love her?
For years and years Lexi has strived for perfection. In fact, just mentioning the possibility that perfect doesn’t exist, she struggles hard. After spending nearly her entire life chasing an illusion of perfection, she had become emotionally drained and mentally exhausted. Facing depression, along with other mental illnesses. She decided to take a stand and reveal herself completely. She decided to become vulnerable and accept herself, just as she is.
Stunning vibrant makeup. Curled just right hair. Just another average ordinary day. Until she added the surgical lines to represent what society says “needs” fixed. Dressed in hot pink as if she were Barbie herself for a day. To stripping down, raw and real. Naked. That’s right, nude. Nothing on but her mask and imperfections. This is what she see’s, it’s how she feels most of the time. IMPERFECT.
You know what I see? I see courage. I see strength and power. I see beauty. Not just on the outside but beauty within her soul.
Look into her bright blue eyes. Do you see it?
Years of pain pouring onto my studio floor. I saw a woman desperate for acceptance. Striving to aesthetically please the worlds evil eye and judgement.
This time she’s not doing this for you, she’s not allowing others to define her. For their words to become her prison. No, she chose this for her. To accept herself. To wash away the lies that have weighed her down and said “you’re not good enough”. She’s making a stand and saying “I forgive you”. Doing something so bold. So vulnerable. So exceptional. So FREEING.
Removing the mask that is her life. Her armor. Wiping the slate clean. Renewed. Restored. Refined. Reborn.
No mask. No illusion. Just Lexi. The Lexi we are eager to know…
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
– Jeremiah 29:11
An unexplainable restoration has happened. Only God could envision such a miraculous event such as this. I am in AWE of his grace and love. Thankful to have built an unexpected and everlasting relationship with such a heroic woman. A connection that runs deep and one that I will cherish for a lifetime. I look forward to living out God’s calling on our lives. To say I am proud of you is an understatement. But I will say it anyway….. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!
Get your armor on we are heading into battle. A battle with Breast Cancer. With her warm smile and loving spirit, Kristi is the kind of person who makes an impression the moment you meet her.
This particular session gets me truly overwhelmed with emotions. In a way it takes my breath away. I catch myself breathing harder, fighting back tears and that deep empathy I spoke of in the beginning of the blog has me really struggling. I want to help, but find myself feeling helpless. With my gift of vision I was able to help provide family pictures to Kristi and her family. I tried to insert myself as a visionary by giving visual images. I had hoped to capture more images of her throughout her journey. But life is full of surprises. I got busier and she chose to have her treatments in Indianapolis (2 hours away). As grateful as we all are to have her in a place with the best doctors and treatment she can possibly get, I was sad that it was further away. Just over 5 years, my father passed from lung cancer. He was in Kansas and I was in Indiana. It was sudden, he fought hard while he could but within 2 short months the cancer had spread to his brain. I wasn’t able to sit with him during his treatments. Take care of him while he puked from the chemo or treat his blisters from the radiation. Not being by one’s side that is enduring such excruciating circumstances is a difficult thing to accept. I wanted to be there for Kristi. The best way for me to do that now is to create visual keepsakes for her. Pictured here she has some of the irreplaceable gifts she has received over the past couple of months. Kristi you have an amazing support system which I am ever so grateful for! Some of these “things” have given you power and hope. Ultimately they have helped grow your faith and keep you grounded in God’s word.
What can we really say? CANCER SUCKS!! YES!! Yes it does. It sucks the life right out of the person and anyone that loved them. Cancer is single handily the most hated thing in our world, because it comes straight from the hands of Satan himself. Coming to earth to steal, kill and destroy.
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
But our God is good. Our God is faithful and our God is love and loves all the time. He is mightier than the thief. Through him we can do all things.
Luke 1:37
“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
There are so many things I want to say about your journey with Breast Cancer but I will keep this short and sweet. You are not finished. You have more will and strength in you to push forward and overcome this horrific disease. I want you to know that when someone asks me “who inspires me the most” You are the first person than comes to mind. Boldy and fearlessly fighting day in and day out. Without losing hope you keep your spirit on the future of HEALING!! You carry with you a contagious laughter and joy that not even cancer has been able to steal. The power in that gives me goosebumps. Bravery is something we all learn to have but bravery is something that you teach. I think it’s safe to say that you are admired and loved by all that know you. Kristi, you are the definition of strength.
Strength:
The quality or state of being physically, mentally and emotionally strong. The capacity to withstand great force or pressure.
You are transforming challenges of life into hope, gratitude and love. Put on your full armor of God, so that when evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything you can, stand! Let no temptation or lie overtake you. God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. For the LORD you God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against the enemy to give you victory.
YOU ARE VICTORIOUS!!!!
One of the hardest working woman I have the honor and pleasure of knowing is Miss Darci. You have a lifetime of moments that have shaped who you are today. The core belief that you have for yourself desperately needs to be forever altered. You are not damaged goods. Just because you had 2 marriages that didn’t work does not mean you are un-lovable. In fact, I believe it’s exactly what makes you more lovable. You know have the ability to feel and see a desire for connection that most don’t ever get to see. You have had time to reflect, heal and learn more about yourself since those moments which makes you a force to be wreck en with. I see a courageous independent woman, full of dreams and hopes. Anyone, that you allow along the course of your life is extremely lucky. Blessed to be in your presence. I pray you will someday, sooner than later believe that as well. You are the type of person who gives and gives until you have nothing left. But maybe all that giving is going in to undeserving people in your life. Take a moment to re-evaluate who you choose to give your beautiful soul to!! Protect your heart. As it is so very precious.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23
You keep yourself trapped in lies. In comparison. And a constant state of being “unworthy” It was one of my greatest honors to watch you literally break free from the bondage, and set yourself free.
When love is real, it will always find a way.
“Finally , be strong in the Lord ad his mighty power.”
Ephesians 6:10
You can and you will!! You are enough and you are loved beyond a reasonable doubt, unconditionally!!!
- Learn from yesterday
- Live for today
- Hope for tomorrow
-Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Terri, like most of us are happy. Life is good and for the most part “everything is. ok” but is it really? Wanting more is a mindest. It is something we were taught, not something we were born with. At 3 years old none of us wished we were thinner, younger or prettier. We falsely learned that in order to be happy we must have more or be more. It’s a paradox because wanting more actually leaves you with less. Less time being grateful and have true joy in what we have or who we really are. We aren’t actually taught to love ourselves. Instead we are taught to want what others have. And it’s all a crock of shit!!! Loving yourself creates love for others and allows others to love you. Having a want and a need are two very different things. We need air, food, shelter and love. We want a bigger house, better car and the feeling of love. Real love scares most of us. Because in order to really love, you have to be vulnerable and honest about who you are. That’s when fear sets in and the “in love” happens. How do we create a culture of self love? When is it going to be ok? Maybe asking yourself the hard questions is a good start….
- Your Needs? Throw wants out the window and consider only what you need. Be honest.
- Your Environment? Where are you and who are you surrounding yourself with. Are they kind, positive and encouraging? If not, than you are going to have a hard time finding self love.
- Empathy? Do you have any? Of course we all do, but do you ever actually consider whats doing on with others around you? The car that just pulled out in front of you, almost causing a wreck. That would typically piss you off to no end. But what if, they just received the most horrific news that their child was in the hospital or even died? What is their circumstances are unimaginable? Stop to think before you react. Or maybe this is their 4th time being late to work and possibly their last before they are fired. Needing this job to maintain only their needs of food and shelter… You just never really know.
- True Happiness? How many of you went on that diet, did your workouts and hit that ideal weight. You acheieve it and now what? Now you need to lose more, or change your hair, or buy new expensive clothes. The cycle of needing more never ends. Which means can you ever obtain true happiness?
- Are you content? Think about that one. Really think about it. And if you’re not. Stop right now and make a list or some ideas of how you can be. Try by listing only your needs….the cycle of wanting more will slowly kill you.
“Mirror mirror on the wall, tell me no more lies of who we are.”
-Atticus
You will hurt her, and rage against her, and completely push her away, and once she’s gone…
You’re going to find that this war was inside of you all along
-The Mirror
It is OK to love yourself. It is OK to find happiness in what you already have and who you already are. Beauty is within the eye of the beholder, so I guess it all depends on what you are actually seeing.
Body Image, here it is again. Haunting us. Stalking us and controlling our every desicion. But it doesn’t have to. You can say NO, not today Satan. I will have no shame and love myself and my body just as God has made me.
You are BEAUTIFULLY UNIQUE,
You are BEAUTIFULLY YOU!!
YOU HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN
YOU HAVE BEEN REDEEMED
YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN
YOU HAVE BEEN SET FREE
YOU ARE LOVED
The Refined Intervention Project has become a Divine Intervention
Written By: Lindsey Alain Eicher Images By: Lindsey Eicher Photography