How does a stereotypical “good girl” – over-achieving, authority-pleasing, church-choir singing, academic award-winning, rule-keeping, Christian “good girl” – go wrong???
Lauren was raised in a happy home. She flourished – an all-around achiever, in everything from science fairs to dance competitions to local theatre. With a career Marine father and lifetime civil servant mother, Lauren grew up with an intense work ethic, and successfully balanced Honor Roll grades with creative pursuits.
Age 15: Starring in a musical at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC... Age 16: Auditioning in New York City for film and TV... Age 17: Graduated in top 7% of High School class (of over 300 students)... Age 18: Qualified for the prestigious Echols Scholars Program at the University of Virginia... Age 19: Relocated to NYC for a 3 year contract role on daytime TV drama “All My Children.”
With a dream of an acting career, Lauren had “success” on national TV… at just 19! On the outside, everything looked picture-perfect. On the inside, she was unraveling. The pressures of life in the industry kicked off a pattern of obsessive diet, exercise and compulsive overeating.
Deep-rooted insecurity and self-condemnation fueled her self-destructive behaviors. While Lauren’s first year in college had ended with a 4.0 GPA, it had also ended with an unplanned pregnancy and abortion. The “choice” was filled with shame, guilt and remorse… which took a heavy toll emotionally, spiritually, physically and relationally.
Although successful as an actress in New York and Los Angeles, Lauren struggled for years with unforgiveness, depression and binge eating. All the while, she sought God’s deliverance, knowing every believer is destined for joyful and victorious life, not defeat and misery. Through a lengthy recovery process, she began to experience freedom from disordered eating… and realized her deepest spiritual need was true forgiveness. Working through a post-abortion Bible study at a local PRC, Lauren fully experienced God’s forgiveness through Christ, and was finally able to forgive herself. She became an advocate for sexual integrity and second chances, speaking as part of the Westside Pregnancy Clinic’s abstinence education team.
A passionate, creative and energetic communicator, Lauren has the privilege of speaking to youth groups, parents, high school and college students, church groups and PRC gatherings… whether delivering a keynote address or in a workshop setting, her heart to impact lives for the Kingdom is evident. She shares about the power of making life-affirming choices, experiencing redemption and freedom, embracing our true identity in Christ, and choosing a counter-cultural lifestyle of purity – even as a 30-something single!
Her life’s mission is to help people experience the freedom Christ died to give them – Galatians 5:1 freedom. With great compassion for those struggling with life-controlling issues of any kind, she shares hope and encouragement, speaking Truth against darkness and fear, sharing her own journey of victory over disordered eating and depression. She facilitates a FINDINGbalance support group in Brentwood, TN to help women overcome eating and body-image issues through Christ-centered spiritual growth.
Lauren is much more than a “good girl gone wrong”… she’s one who finally found her true identity as “God’s girl.” Her passionate desire is to share that Truth – the life-giving love, joy, peace and purpose found only in Jesus Christ.
