A gripping story of grace, faith, and triumph for a woman whose world shattered hours after her husband's suicide.
Becky Powell faced the unthinkable on May 16, 2013. Her husband Mark called and said, "I've done something terrible." Within hours, she learned that he had taken his own life and, over a period of several years, millions of dollars from friends and colleagues. Everything she believed to be true, the very fiber of her marriage, was called into question. Within a week, rather than planning carpool runs and volunteer fundraisers, she owed almost one hundred creditors millions of dollars and had her own team of ten lawyers. She was also the subject of open FBI, SEC and DOJ investigations-and faced potential criminal charges. And, although she instantly denounced every cent of Mark's $15M in life insurance and promised to repay every penny taken, her lawyers knew that in reality she faced years of court battles and lawsuits, and possible jail time.
Yet from that first horrific moment, God was there. He showed up in his Word, in Becky's friends, in her lawyers and in the generosity of those around her. He worked miracles. MSNBC, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others covered the first moment, but what about the last? What about the story in which God gives your next breath because you can't find it on your own? What about the story of a mom and three kids trying to make sense of their pasts, present and future while living under a microscope?
AWFUL BEAUTIFUL LIFE is Becky's journey through the two years surrounding Mark's death and how she overcame. It came down to a loving God who surrounded her, a present and dedicated family, and friends, who made her life, offered her sanctuary and showed up for her and her kids in tangible ways. This is a story of remarkable grit, strength and what the Body of Christ in action looks like.
ENDORSEMENTS
“Uncommon courage in the face of great adversity—that captures the actions of Becky Powell in untangling affairs and ensuring damage to others was contained. This is an inspiring story.”— Bobby R. Inman, Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired)
"Becky Powell is a strong lady who has integrity, honesty, and unequivocal faith. Becky is a dedicated mother who teaches her children these values. When Becky faced a dark chapter in her life, it took all of these qualities to see her through to the light at the end of the tunnel. We are all grateful to have Becky in our lives. She is a role model that we should all strive to become. Becky, well done our friend!"
– Linda and Michael McCaul
“This book is a roadmap for anyone going through a difficult and challenging time of life. I have known Becky and her family during the good times and the bad and her faithfulness in prayer has been consistent and sustaining. If you read this book, prepare yourself for the impact it will undoubtedly have on your life. “
– Rick Perry, Former Governor of Texas, Former Secretary of Energy, Trump Administration.
"When faced with devastating loss and deception Becky showed the world through her faith how to handle heartbreak with humility and sincere grace."
– Julie And Ben Crenshaw
"The sad irony of the title of Becky Powell’s book, Awful Beautiful Life, is not lost on those of us who know her and her children. Becky’s bravery in the face of tragedy is an inspiration to all of us.”
– Tim McClure, Author, Don’t mess with Texas
"In this movingly inspirational book, Becky Powell shares her astonishing story of tragedy and triumph. Her once high-flying husband took his own life, leaving Becky not only suddenly widowed but mired deeply in debt.
Engagingly told, this true story of excess, deceit, redemption, justice and love descends to the lowest rungs of human despair but then soars to heights of happiness and fulfillment. Relying ultimately on God’s grace, Becky staged an heroic Psalm-filled comeback worthy of the country music lyrics that kept her smiling during those darkest hours of uncertainty and fear.
Becky’s passion and strength of character come shining through as she zealously protected her children while repaying millions of dollars to her late husband’s many creditors. This is ultimately a riveting story of an “awful beautiful life” as well as the triumph of the human spirit. Well done, good and faithful servant!"
– Ken and Alice Starr
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Katherine Reay is the award winning author of several novels.
Read more about her and her writing at KatherineReay.com